Mangaluru: The Father Muller Research Week 2025 was inaugurated at the Father Muller Medical College DM Hall with an unconventional yet inspiring theme — “Better the Best by Creating a Problem.” The message set the tone for a week celebrating innovation, academic curiosity, and collaborative problem-solving.

A platform for new questions and bold ideas

The event seeks to nudge students, faculty, and researchers to look beyond traditional research paradigms and instead adopt an interdisciplinary approach to addressing real-world healthcare challenges. The programme is a platform to cultivate scientific excellence that is both affordable and impactful, resonating with the institution’s core values.

Dignitaries and keynote remarks

The Chief Guest of the day was Dr G. Arun Maiya, Dean of the Manipal College of Health Professions and Head of the MAHE Medical Device Hub, Manipal. The event was presided over by Rev. Fr Ajith B Menezes, Administrator of FMMC/FMCOAHS/FMCOP.

Among the dignitaries present were:

  • Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, FMMC

  • Dr Ramesh Bhat, Head, Father Muller Research Centre

  • Dr Shivashankara, Principal, FMCOAHS Thumbay and Co-Convenor

In his keynote address, Dr Arun Maiya made a strong case for:

  • The transformative power of interdisciplinary teamwork in healthcare

  • Promoting research and entrepreneurship in academic institutions

  • Leveraging IPR and Faculty Entrepreneurship Policy 2019 for innovation

  • Tapping into CSR funding and extramural grants for research advancement

He highlighted the MAHE Medical Innovation Device Hub—India’s first public-private partnership in medical tech—established with ₹24 crore funding from the Union Government. Dr Maiya also advocated for collaborative research between FMMC and institutions like MAHE and IITs.

Presidential wisdom: Creating problems to spark progress

In a reflective address, Rev. Fr Ajith B Menezes encouraged participants to see value in identifying challenges. Citing Japanese industry practices, he said,

“When asked if there are any problems, the Japanese say, ‘Why not create one?’ — because only through challenges can progress occur.”

He urged the audience to constantly ask, “What more can I do?”, calling it the true starting point of research and innovation.

The research mission at FMRC

In his welcome speech, Dr Ramesh Bhat underscored the vision of the Father Muller Research Centre (FMRC) — to go beyond boundaries and encourage innovation in affordable healthcare technologies. He highlighted FMRC’s structured mentorship programmes, seed funding support, and a culture of collaborative discovery as key enablers.

Dr Shivashankara delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the involvement of students and faculty from various institutions and the management’s continued support in building a strong research ecosystem.

The event was compered by Ms Rhea Nicola Pinto and Mr Aaron Mejosh, Junior Research Fellow at FMRC, who ensured a smooth flow of proceedings.

A legacy of compassion and scientific inquiry

Father Muller Research Centre continues to uphold the motto “Heal and Comfort” through a blend of scientific excellence and compassion. As the 2025 edition of Research Week progresses, it is expected to generate bold questions, meaningful collaborations, and actionable solutions—a testament to FMCI’s enduring legacy in healthcare and education.