The Research and Development Cell and Intellectual Property Rights Cell of Fatima College (Autonomous), Madurai, successfully organized a Six-Day Online National Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “AI-Driven Ethical Research Eco-System and Innovation Towards Sustainability” from 31 August to 5 September 2026 with the support of Principal Dr.Sr.M.Fatima Mary and coordinated by the Dr. N. Malathi, Dean of Research (Shift I), Associate Professor, Department of Zoology and Dr.N.Asha, Dean of Research (Shift II), Head & Associate professor, MBA Department. The programme aimed to equip faculty members and research scholars with the knowledge and skills required to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into research while upholding ethical standards, academic integrity, and sustainability.
The FDP brought together distinguished experts from academia, industry, research organizations, and the banking sector to share insights on emerging trends in AI, innovation, entrepreneurship, research analytics, grant writing, and publication practices. The sessions highlighted the transformative role of AI in enhancing research productivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable development.
The programme commenced with a session by Dr. S. Nagarajan, former Head and Associate Dean of the Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Manipur, who spoke on integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with modern disciplines. Subsequent sessions featured eminent speakers including Mr. Sethuraman Sathappan, Chief Operating Officer of India with Emirates NBD; Dr. M. Sudhakar Vijayakumar, Assistant Professor, School of Business and Management, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru; Dr. Abhishek Venkateshwar, Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru; Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Varshney, former Adviser and Head, International Cooperation Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India; and Dr. Nagunuri Srinivas, St. Joseph’s Degree and PG College, Hyderabad.
Key themes addressed during the FDP included ethical AI practices in academic research, AI-assisted knowledge creation, governance and policy frameworks, sustainable research ecosystems, entrepreneurship development, quality research, grant writing, publication strategies, and the application of AI in arts, humanities, science, and management studies.
Participants gained practical insights into responsible AI usage, research ethics, innovation management, and sustainable research practices. The programme also encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasized the alignment of research initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The FDP concluded with positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the relevance of the sessions and the expertise of the resource persons. The programme reinforced Fatima College’s commitment to fostering a responsible, innovative, and ethically driven research culture in higher education.