One of a Kind, State-Level Nursing Students Research Confluence at Father Muller

Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangaluru, organised AVENIR 2K26 – Student Research Confluence, a one-day state-level conference on the theme “AI in Research: A Supporter, Not a Substitute”, at Silver Jubilee Hall, Father Muller Campus, Mangaluru. The conference was organised by the Research Cell and Student Research Club of the college with the objective of fostering research aptitude, scientific thinking and innovation among nursing students, research scholars and academicians.

The conference aimed to equip young researchers with contemporary research skills and practical knowledge of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various stages of research while upholding human intelligence, scientific judgement, ethical responsibility and academic integrity. It emphasised that AI should serve as an enabling tool to strengthen research rather than replace the creativity, critical thinking and accountability of the researcher.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr Vinitha Ramanath Pai, Director, M.Phil. and Ph.D. Programmes, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru; Guest of Honour Dr Ramesh Bhat M., Professor, Department of Dermatology and Head, Father Muller Research Centre, Father Muller Charitable Institutions.

Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, presided over the function. The other dignitaries present included Rev. Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College; Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital; and Rev. Sr Dr Dhanya Devasia, Principal, Father Muller College of Nursing. Dr Shycil Mathew, Chairperson, Student Research Club and Faculty Organising Secretary; Josvita Dsouza, President, Student Research Club and Student Organising Chairperson; and Jenisha Lobo, Secretary, Student Research Club and Student Organising Secretary, were also among the dignitaries present. Faculty members, invited guests and participants from various institutions graced the occasion.

A special highlight of the inaugural programme was the felicitation of Rev. Sr Dr Dhanya Devasia, Principal, Father Muller College of Nursing, and Dr Ramyashree, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, in recognition of their successful completion of the Ph.D. in Nursing. Their academic accomplishments were acknowledged as an inspiration to the faculty and aspiring researchers, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and research advancement.

Winners of the Scientific Paper Presentation were as follows:

First Prize: Sushanth S. Saligram, titled “Patients’ Perceptions Regarding Communication with Healthcare Providers.”

2nd prize: Avneer Prathik Dsouza, titled “Awareness and Attitude Regarding Respectful Maternity Care Among Staff Nurses Working in a Selected Tertiary Care Hospital, Mangaluru.”

3rd prize: Alita joslin Dsouza, titled “A Room Reading Habit and Anxiety Among Nursing Students.”

Winners of the E-Poster Competition were:

1st place Thamizharasi N.

2nd place Suneetha Merlin Fernandes and Jubymol C John.

3rd place Calista Ruth Noronha

The scientific programme featured five enriching sessions delivered by eminent academicians and research experts. Dr Vinitha Ramanath Pai initiated the scientific deliberations with the session titled “Research Focus 101: Think First, Research Better – The Human Mind Leads,” highlighting the significance of curiosity, critical thinking and identifying meaningful research problems as the foundation of quality research.

Dr Gireesh G.R., Professor, Department of Nursing Foundation, Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, conducted “Smart Research 101: Using AI to Find, Filter and Focus Literature and Tools.” He highlighted the application of AI-based tools in literature searching, screening and identifying appropriate research resources.

Dr Larissa Martha Sams, Principal, Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing, Mangaluru, presented “Human Mind + AI Support: A Smarter Approach to Research Methodology,” focusing on the integration of human expertise and AI-assisted approaches to strengthen research methodology and scientific decision-making.

Moving beyond theoretical understanding, Dr Vinish V., Assistant Professor – Senior Scale, Department of Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal, facilitated an interactive hands-on session titled “AI-Powered Research: Hands-on Preparation of Research Protocol.” The session enabled participants to gain practical exposure to developing research protocols with appropriate AI assistance.

The final scientific session, “AI Beyond Copy-Paste: Creating Original Manuscripts with Integrity,” was delivered by Dr Animesh Jain, Professor, Department of Community Medicine and Deputy Coordinator, Medical Education Unit, Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru. He emphasised originality in scientific writing, responsible use of AI, research ethics, plagiarism prevention and the importance of maintaining academic integrity in research publications.

The conference also provided a platform for budding researchers to showcase their research competencies through scientific paper and e-poster presentations. Best paper and poster presentation awards recognised the scholarly contributions of participants. Interactive learning activities, an ice-breaking session and a post-test further enhanced participant engagement and reinforced the key concepts discussed during the scientific sessions.

The inaugural programme was compered by Rachel Claire Lobo and Anjali Singh, who coordinated the proceedings of the event.

AVENIR 2K26 served as a vibrant academic platform for nursing students, research scholars and faculty members from various institutions to exchange research ideas, explore emerging technologies and strengthen their research competencies. The programme reflected Father Muller College of Nursing’s continued commitment to promoting research culture, innovation and evidence-based nursing practice through its Research Cell and Student Research Club.

AVENIR 2K26 reinforced an important message for the research community: Artificial Intelligence may accelerate the research process, but human intelligence, ethical responsibility and originality remain the driving forces behind meaningful scientific contributions.