Bengaluru, Karnataka – June 13, 2024. Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, hosted a landmark event – the first edition of Manipal Quest 1.0, a national inter-health sciences postgraduate research conference. This event drew over 690 medical and surgical postgraduates and PhD scholars from across India, making it a grand platform for showcasing their research and fostering collaboration.
The day-long conference buzzed with activity. Participants presented 445 scientific papers and posters, competing in exciting quizzes and journal critique sessions. Renowned experts like Dr. Tanuj Kanchan (Dean of Research, AIIMS Jodhpur) and Dr. Avinash Supe (Consultant GI Surgeon, Mumbai) delivered captivating talks on cutting-edge topics like Artificial Intelligence in research and effective scientific writing.
The brainchild of Dr. Sharath K. Rao, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), Manipal Quest 1.0 was inaugurated by him alongside Dr. Satish Rao, Director of Research at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). The host institute, led by Dean Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Organizing Chairperson Dr. Anil Bhat, and Organizing Secretary Dr. Prithvishree Ravindra, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research throughout the event.
Building a Collaborative Future in Health Sciences
Dr. Rao expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting Manipal Quest’s role in nurturing young minds. “This conference exemplifies our commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and providing a platform for budding scholars to showcase their innovative ideas,” he stated. Dr. Satish Rao echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the event’s role in knowledge exchange. “It not only showcased the exceptional research by our scholars but also facilitated peer-to-peer and expert-scholar interaction,” he said.
The valedictory function witnessed the esteemed presence of Lt. Gen. Dr. M. D. Venkatesh (VSM), Vice Chancellor of MAHE. He presented awards to young researchers with remarkable publications and competition winners. He concluded by underlining the importance of ethical research practices, praising Manipal Quest for recognizing and celebrating young researchers’ achievements.
By setting a new standard for postgraduate research conferences, Manipal Quest 1.0 reinforces MAHE’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and innovative environment in health sciences. The resounding success of this inaugural event paves the way for future editions, promising a brighter future for young researchers in India.