The 1st CoE- FD-RFM-FDP-LGAD National Research Conclave, also known as 1st CFRFLRC 2025—was successfully organized on 04th September 2025, at FDDI Hyderabad as part of the institute’s annual research initiative. The conclave brought together esteemed guests, faculty members, and students for a day of insightful sessions centered on innovation, technology, design, production, and merchandising within the footwear, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. The event saw participation from around 80 delegates, faculty, and students.
The conclave marked a significant step in highlighting research conducted by FDDI students across campuses—work that often goes unnoticed. It served as a unique platform to showcase research potential and promote a stronger culture of innovation and inquiry among students. The initiative, being the first-of-its-kind across all FDDI campuses, witnessed enthusiastic participation even from junior students, reflecting a promising future for research and development at the institute.
The conclave was held under the patronage of Dr. N. Tej Lohit Reddy, IAS, Executive Director (ED), FDDI Hyderabad, and graced by Mr. Nataraj Nadumuru, Deputy Director, Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), Hyderabad, as the Guest of Honour. The event was chaired by Dr. Abhirup Chatterjee, Senior Project Scientist & Head, Centres of Excellence at Hyderabad, Jodhpur, and Rohtak campuses, with Mr. Abdul Rahuman M., Senior Faculty Grade II & Head, FDP, FDDI Hyderabad, serving as the Conclave Secretary. Distinguished guests from reputed institutions and organizations including IIP Hyderabad, LCGC Resolute Group of Companies, and LEPRA Society were also present, enriching the academic and professional depth of the event.
The keynote sessions provided valuable insights from industry experts and thought leaders. Mr. Nataraj Nandamuru, Deputy Director & Regional Officer, IIP, delivered a compelling talk on “Sustainable Packaging Practices in Footwear & Fashion: Challenges & Opportunities,” emphasizing the need for eco-friendly packaging solutions in the fashion and footwear sectors. Mr. Subhajit Saha, Head – Legal & IPR, LCGC Resolute Group of Companies, spoke on “Intellectual Property Rights – Scope, Opportunities and Avenues,” highlighting the growing importance of intellectual property protection and innovation management in the global business landscape.
FDDI faculty members presented a range of research works demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise and industry relevance. Ms. Thakur Rajnandhini (Entrepreneur & FDP Hyderabad Alumna) presented her study on Research Methods for Incorporating Biodegradable Components into Polyurethane Formulations for Insole Applications. Mr. Naresh Kumar Sharma, Senior Faculty (FDP), discussed Dance Shoes: Performance & Comfort. Mr. Mohammed Gofran, Senior Faculty Grade II (LGAD), shared findings on Evaluating Efficiency of Sorting of Second-hand Clothing – A Case Study. Dr. Rambabu Muppidi (LGAD) presented Sculpting Sustainability, while Mr. M. D. Prince Joseph, Senior Faculty Grade II (FDP), spoke on Foot Abnormalities: Understanding Prevalence, Impact, and Innovative Solutions. The session concluded with Ms. Soumya Srivastava, Junior Faculty (FD), presenting her research on Fast Fashion.
The conclave dedicated a special session for student researchers to present their projects through oral and poster presentations. A total of nine posters were displayed, showcasing diverse themes from footwear design and fashion innovation to digital retail, neuroscience, and sustainability. Ms. Midhat Ansari explored Designing Customized Orthotic Footwear Systems through Foot Scanning and 3D Modelling Interfaces, while Ms. Riya Mishra discussed Footwear Customization – Form vs Function. Ms. Sharvani Vallarapu presented Design and Development of Belts: Exploring Materials and Techniques for Ralph Lauren SS-27, and Ms. Benecia Mariam Babu shared her study From Artisan to Avatar: Integrating India’s Cultural Craft Narratives into Digital Retail Interfaces. Ms. Meera Krishna G. addressed Fitting In or Left Out: Generational and Digital Exclusion in India’s AR/VR Fashion Retail Revolution, and Ms. Tummalapalli Chinmayee discussed Research on Neuro-Aromatics for Schizophrenia and Insomnia. Additional student presentations included Ms. Shreya Sanoj Kareepdath’s Yang Hobo – Handle Research, Ms. Harshitha Gunisetty’s Nomadic Pulse – Protection that Responds Like a Pulse, Ms. Ayesha Mehreen’s Logo and Branding Research, and Mr. Priyanshu Nigam’s Wage Stagnation within Creative Sector Labours.
The conclave concluded with a summary of outcomes, closing remarks by the Patron, and a vote of thanks by the Conclave Secretary. Networking sessions held over high tea, lunch, and poster interactions encouraged collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants.
The 1st CFRFLRC 2025 served as a milestone in fostering research synergy, knowledge dissemination, and academic collaboration within the footwear, leather goods, fashion, and retail merchandise domains—reaffirming FDDI Hyderabad’s commitment to excellence in research and innovation.
