Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (Deemed to be University) (VMRF (DU)) promotes international research collaboration and knowledge exchange to address global challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through collaborative research involving academic institutions, research organisations and multidisciplinary teams, the University contributes to the comparative study of scientific approaches, the sharing of research findings and the identification of practices that can be adapted to different regional and international contexts.

The University's research collaborations provide opportunities to examine health-related challenges across geographical regions, compare scientific findings and generate evidence-based recommendations. These initiatives particularly support SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

VMRF (DU), through its constituent institution Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital (AVMC&H), has contributed to collaborative research addressing important global health challenges. These research activities demonstrate the value of international partnerships, shared scientific expertise and comparative analysis in developing approaches to health and well-being.

1. International Comparative Research on Antimicrobial Resistance in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

A multicountry study titled “Mapping antimicrobial susceptibility of community-acquired uropathogenic Escherichia coli across low, middle and high-income countries highlights significant differences: insights for empiric treatment” was published in IJID Regions in 2025.

The study involved 37 centres across 13 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. AVMC&H, VMRF (DU), was represented among the institutional affiliations of the research team. Researchers contributed to the collection and comparative analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility data across different geographical and economic settings.

The study identified significant regional variations in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and highlighted the importance of location-specific antibiograms and evidence-based empirical treatment approaches. Its findings provide an international comparative perspective that can inform antimicrobial stewardship and support more appropriate treatment decisions.

Contribution to the SDGs: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

2. International Collaborative Research on Marine Microalgae and Potential Therapeutic Applications

The research article titled “Computational identification of dual COX-1 and NIK inhibitors from marine microalga Chlorella vulgaris” was published in the Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in 2025.

The study involved researchers affiliated with AVMC&H and international research institutions, including Jeonbuk National University and the Korea Institute of Toxicology, Republic of Korea. The research used computational approaches, including molecular docking, ADMET assessment and molecular dynamics simulations, to investigate compounds derived from Chlorella vulgaris for their potential inhibitory activity against selected inflammatory targets.

The collaborative research demonstrates the application of interdisciplinary scientific methods and international expertise in exploring potential therapeutic candidates. The findings provide a basis for further experimental investigation, including in-vitro and in-vivo studies.

Contribution to the SDGs: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

Through international and multicentre research, VMRF (DU)-affiliated researchers contribute to the generation and comparison of scientific evidence relevant to global health challenges. These studies demonstrate approaches that support:

·      International knowledge exchange: Collaboration with researchers and institutions across countries to share scientific expertise and research findings.

·      Comparative research: Examination of health-related data across geographical regions, populations and economic settings.

·      Evidence-based healthcare: Generation of research findings that can inform antimicrobial stewardship, treatment decisions and disease-prevention research.

·      Collaborative scientific approaches: Use of shared datasets, multicentre participation and interdisciplinary research methods.

·      Transferable research insights: Identification of findings and recommendations that can inform healthcare practices in different regional contexts.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Supporting research on antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, tuberculosis prevention and potential therapeutic applications.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening research partnerships, international collaboration, scientific knowledge exchange and shared research efforts.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Supporting scientific innovation and the application of advanced research methodologies.

VMRF (DU) recognises international research collaboration as an important mechanism for addressing shared global challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Through collaborative publications, multicentre investigations and comparative research, the University contributes to the development and dissemination of scientific knowledge that can inform evidence-based approaches to healthcare.

These research activities strengthen academic partnerships, encourage the exchange of expertise and provide comparative insights that may support the adaptation of effective practices across different settings. The University remains committed to promoting collaborative research and translating scientific evidence into approaches that contribute to sustainable development and improved health outcomes.