The international research conference, "International Conference on Social Research and Innovation (ICSRI) 2026," officially commenced this morning at the Villa College QI Campus Hall. Held from 8 to 9 August, the theme for this year's conference is "Tides of Transformation: Shaping Sustainable Futures."

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Conference Chair and Deputy Vice Rector (Research and Innovation) of Villa College, Dr Mohamed Adil, stated that a total of 116 abstracts were submitted for this year's conference, out of which 81 abstracts were accepted. He also highlighted that 25 full papers had been received. Furthermore, a total of 138 participants from academia, government, and industry have registered for this year's conference. "The primary objective of this conference is to forge strong connections between researchers, lecturers, students, and industry experts, providing a broad platform to discuss new ideas and innovative approaches within the fields of social science and development," Dr Adil stated.

In his welcome address, the Rector of Villa College, Dr Ahmed Anwar, highlighted the ever-growing quality and significance of the conference. "The number of participants and countries represented in this conference demonstrates that the value of ICSRI is continuously rising within the higher education and research communities, both locally and internationally. Our goal should be to utilise this conference to ensure that the research we conduct creates a positive impact and brings tangible benefits to society," said Dr Anwar.

Officially inaugurating the conference, the Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, Honourable Mohamed Saeed, highlighted the importance of transitioning to new models of development in his address. "The theme for this year's conference could not be more timely. Around the world, governments, researchers, and international institutions continue to search for new models of development that are economically resilient, socially inclusive, and environmentally responsible."

Additionally, during the ceremony, Volume 9, Issue 2 of Villa College’s academic journal, the "International Journal of Social Research and Innovation (IJSRI)," was officially launched by the Chief Guest, Minister Mohamed Saeed.

Over the course of the two-day conference, a total of 3 keynote speeches, 4 panel discussions, and 8 "Impact Room" sessions will take place. The primary purpose of the Impact Room sessions is to bring together researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to facilitate discussions essential for formulating practical policies. The panel discussions are hosted by Villa College's School of Psychology and Counselling, Qasim Ibrahim School of Business, Faculty of Educational Studies, and Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

The Keynote Speakers participating are:

Dr Ahmed Mohamed (Minister of State for Education, Higher Education and Skills Development)

Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam (Pro-Vice Chancellor, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh)

Associate Professor Siamak Seyfi (University of Oulu, Finland)

The research papers presented at the conference are divided into 8 main tracks:

Equitable Workforces and Empowered Communities

Integrated Health Systems, Clinical Practice, and Workforce Resilience

Digital Learning, Cultural Expression, and Transformative Education

Social Innovation for Equity, Inclusion, and Human Dignity

Transformative Digital Futures and Ethical Technologies

Circulating Communities and Adaptive Mobility

Circular Economies, Renewable Energy, and Low-Carbon Transitions

Legal Systems, Public Policy, and Social Transformation

This year's conference is supported by a total of 21 entities, including partners, partner journals, and endorsers.

Conference Partners:

• Dhiraagu

• Amana Takaful

• Maldives Pension Office

• VTV

• Lemongrass

• Maldives Association of Human Resource Professionals (MAHRP)

Partner Journals:

• Centre for Behaviour and Wellness Advocacy

• Discover Psychology

• Cluster for Research and Innovation in Tourism

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism

Endorsers:

• Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare

• Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)

• Environment and Social Development Association - Delhi

• Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FANSA)

• Social Enterprises Maldives

• Watercare Social Entrepreneurship for SDG 6

• Women in Tech

• Society for Health Education (SHE)

• Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM)

• Road Development Corporation (RDC)

• Bar Council

The special closing ceremony to conclude the conference will be held on the evening of August 9th. During this ceremony, the "Best Paper Award" and the "Best Paper Presentation Award" will be presented to the most outstanding research papers showcased at the conference.