Dr. V. J. Dominic Endowment Intercollegiate M.Sc. Botany Dissertation Presentation Competition – 202

Report:

Event Report

1. Event Details
   Title of Event: Dr. V. J. Dominic Endowment Intercollegiate M.Sc. Botany Dissertation
   Presentation Competition – 2026
   Date: 1 August 2026 (Saturday)
   Time: 9:00 AM onwards
   Venue: MLP Hall, Union Christian College (Autonomous), Aluva
   Organized by: Kerala Botanical Society (KBS)
   In Association with:
   Department of Botany, Union Christian College (Autonomous), Aluva
   Participants/Audience:
   Approximately 103 participants, including M.Sc. Botany students, faculty members, research
   scholars, adjudicators, and delegates from various colleges affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi
   University. A total of 8 dissertation presentations were delivered during the competition.
2. Objective
   The Dr. V. J. Dominic Endowment Intercollegiate M.Sc. Botany Dissertation Presentation Competition – 2026 was organized to provide a common platform for outgoing M.Sc. Botany
   students to showcase their dissertation research, strengthen scientific presentation skills, and
   promote academic interaction among postgraduate students from affiliated colleges. The programme also aimed to encourage quality research, critical thinking, and healthy academic competition while recognizing outstanding student researchers.
3. Event Summary
   The programme commenced with an Inaugural Session beginning with prayer, followed by the welcome address delivered by Dr. Anumol Jose, Vice President of Kerala Botanical Society. The presidential address was delivered by Dr. Joseph Job, President of KBS.
   The programme was formally inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Mini Alice, Principal, Union Christian College, Aluva. Felicitations were offered by Dr. Justin R Nayagam, Head of the Department of Botany, Union Christian College, Aluva. Special addresses were delivered by Dr. V. J. Dominic, Former President and Founder Member of KBS.
   During the inaugural session, retiring faculty members Prof. Dr. K. Madhusudhanan, Dr. Stephen Sequeira, and Dr. Benoy T. Thomas were honoured for their remarkable contributions to botanical education and research. A reply speech followed the felicitation ceremony.
   The programme then proceeded to the Dissertation Presentation Competition, where eight
   postgraduate students presented their dissertation work before a panel of expert judges and
   the audience. The presentations covered diverse areas of plant sciences including biodiversity,
   plant biotechnology, ecology, conservation, environmental science, taxonomy, physiology, and
   applied botany.
   Each presentation was evaluated based on scientific content, originality, methodology,
   presentation skills, and response to questions.
   The event concluded with the Concluding Session, during which the adjudicators shared
   valuable feedback on the quality of research presentations and announced the competition
   results. Prizes were distributed to the winners, followed by the vote of thanks delivered by Dr.
   Basil George, Secretary, Kerala Botanical Society.
4. Highlights

• Successful organization of the Dr. V. J. Dominic Endowment Intercollegiate M.Sc.
  Botany Dissertation Presentation Competition – 2026.
• Participation of 100 delegates from various affiliated colleges.
• Eight high-quality dissertation presentations showcasing innovative botanical
  research.
• Presence of eminent academicians and scientists during the inaugural and concluding
  sessions.
• Honoring of distinguished retiring faculty members for their invaluable academic
  contributions.
• Constructive evaluation and expert feedback from the adjudicators.
• Promotion of collaborative learning and research networking among postgraduate
  students.

1. Outcome / Impact
   The programme significantly enhanced students’ confidence in presenting scientific research before an academic audience. Participants gained valuable experience in communicating research findings effectively and defending their work through scientific discussions.
   The competition encouraged students to pursue high-quality research and fostered academic interaction among postgraduate institutions. The expert feedback provided by the adjudicators
   served as a valuable guide for improving future research and scientific presentations. Overall, the event strengthened the research culture promoted by the Kerala Botanical Society and inspired young botanists to engage in innovative botanical investigations.
2. Feedback
   The programme received highly positive feedback from participants, faculty members, and
   adjudicators.
   Participants appreciated:

• Excellent organization of the event.
• Fair and transparent evaluation process.
• Opportunity to present research before eminent experts.
• Informative feedback that helped improve scientific communication skills.
• Networking opportunities with students and faculty from different institutions.
  The adjudicators commended the overall quality of the dissertations and encouraged students
  to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.

1. Photos / Videos

1. Future Recommendations

• Increase the number of participating colleges in future editions.
• Extend presentation duration to facilitate detailed scientific discussions.

1. Acknowledgements
   The organizing committee expresses sincere gratitude to the Kerala Botanical Society (KBS)
   for instituting the Dr. V. J. Dominic Endowment and for successfully organizing this
   prestigious academic event.
   Special thanks are extended to the Department of Botany, Union Christian College
   (Autonomous), Aluva, for hosting the programme and providing all necessary facilities.
   The organizers gratefully acknowledge Prof. (Dr.) Mini Alice, Principal, Union Christian
   College, Dr. Joseph Job, Dr. Anumol Jose, Dr. Basil George, the invited dignitaries,
   adjudicators, faculty members, volunteers, and all participating colleges for their wholehearted
   support in making the event a grand success.
   Report Prepared by
   Dr. Reshmi G. R.
   Assistant Professor
   Department of Botany
   Union Christian College (Autonomous), Aluva