Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 15: The Yenepoya Research Centre for Finance and Entrepreneurship Development at Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce and Management (YIASCM), Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) organized Research-A-Thon Series 1, titled ‘From Problem to Instrument’ marking the beginning of a new and transformative research initiative aimed at strengthening research culture among faculty members.
The session commenced with an inaugural ceremony on November 11, setting the tone for intensive learning. The ceremony began with a solemn prayer led by Mohammad Ashiq, research intern, seeking blessings for a meaningful and productive research journey ahead. The session was presided over by Prof Jeevan Raj, principal (I/C), at YIASCM, along with Narayan Sukumara A, vice-principal, YIASCM, and Prof Niyaz Panakaje, coordinator of YEN-REFINED & MBA, YIASCM. Dr Shakira Irfana, Dr Kiran Raveendran, and Dr Rakesh, research coordinators, YIASCM, also marked their presence.
Dr S M Riha Parvin, assistant professor at YEN-REFINED, welcomed the gatherings. The formal proceedings began with an insightful briefing by Prof Niyaz Panakaje, briefed the audience about the objectives of the Research-A-Thon, highlighting its agenda of converting research problems into validated instruments or protocols for faculty publications from November 11 to 29. His address provided clarity and motivation for participants to engage meaningfully in the process of research development.
This was followed by an inspiring address by Narayan Sukumar A, vice principal, underlined the growing need for quality research and commended the effort to engage faculty in structured research development. Prof Jeevan Raj, principal (I/C), in his presidential remarks, emphasized the importance of research in an academician’s life and its role in fulfilling the university’s research objectives. He congratulated YEN-REFINED for initiating such a platform to enhance research outcomes.
The first session, titled ‘Orientation to University Research Ecosystem: Policies, Ethics, and Pathways to Scholarly Excellence,’ was delivered by Prof Niyaz Panakaje, who elaborated on the various forms of research support provided by the university. He highlighted the importance of adhering to research ethics, maintaining academic integrity, and aligning research goals with institutional priorities. Prof Panakaje also detailed the university’s initiatives such as publication incentives, APC reimbursement, and NIRF-linked research expectations for faculty, emphasizing how these policies collectively aim to enhance research quality and impact.
The second session, ‘Bridging Disciplines with Artificial Intelligence: A Strategic Approach to Collaborative Research Development,’ was led by Dr Parameshwar R Hegde, who emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be effectively integrated across diverse fields such as commerce, management, microbiology, forensic science, food and nutrition, and chemistry.
The third session was conducted in two parallel panels - science & commerce, management, arts, humanities, and social sciences, allowing participants to engage more deeply within their respective research domains. In the science panel, Prof K Sudhakar Prasad, YRC, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), presented ‘Advanced Techniques for Identifying High-Impact Research Problems and Scientific Discovery in Science’, where he shared valuable insights drawn from his own research journey. His session inspired faculty researchers to identify meaningful and impactful research problems and to approach scientific inquiry with curiosity and persistence.
Meanwhile, in the commerce, management, arts, humanities, and social sciences panel, Dr Shakira Irfana and Dr Kiran Raveendran conducted an engaging session on ‘Advanced Techniques for Identifying High-Impact Research Problems’. They provided a comprehensive understanding of the process of problem formulation, the development of conceptual models, and the creation of theoretical frameworks suited to different research question types. They elaborated on how research evolves through different stages, emphasizing clarity of purpose and teamwork in achieving quality outcomes. They also highlighted that qualitative research is storytelling with a purpose, enabling researchers to connect their studies to real-life experiences. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, they guided participants in refining their research ideas into viable academic inquiries.
Over 200 faculty members attended the session from various departments, marking a significant step toward enhancing their research capabilities. The event was coordinated by Prof Niyaz Panakaje, along with Dr S M Riha Parvin, assistant professor of YEN-REFINED, YIASCM. Babitha Shali Lasrado, Saurav Sathish Kumta, Shafeena, Niha, Sajida Begam, and Sabeena Ameer, Sai Roopa, Prarthana, Veena Sharadha, Anusha D and Sathyendra K R, JRFs at YIASCM, along with the research interns of YEN-REFINED, YIASCM, are instrumental in managing the event’s arrangements. The workshop’s key takeaways are expected to substantially elevate the research proficiency of the participants, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the academic community.