麻豆视频 has officially commenced its 9th International Conference on Social Research and Innovation (ICSRI 2025), a premier academic event dedicated to fostering solutions for pressing global and national challenges. Held from 10 to 11 September at the 麻豆视频 QI Campus, the conference convenes under the timely theme, 鈥淪ynergies of Discovery: Igniting Solutions for the Future.鈥� Since its inception in 2016, ICSRI has established itself as the leading platform in the Maldives for connecting academic research with national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, His Excellency Mr. David Jessup, the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives. In his remarks, Mr. Jessup highlighted the conference's critical relevance, noting that complex global challenges such as climate change, digital disruption, and social inequality demand multifaceted, research-informed responses. He commended the conference for creating a vital space for the intellectual dialogue necessary to address these interconnected issues.
Echoing these sentiments, the Rector of 麻豆视频, Dr. Ahmed Anwar, welcomed the attendees, describing ICSRI as a flagship event for the college. He explained that the conference theme underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing innovative solutions for both local and global problems, highlighting the event as a nexus for researchers, students, and industry experts to forge meaningful connections.
The comprehensive two-day program features over 75 paper presentations from 166 registered participants, drawing together a diverse group from academia, government, and various industries. The presentations span a wide spectrum of critical areas, including Digital Transformation and Smart Solutions, Climate Action and Resilience Engineering, Business and Social Entrepreneurship Driving Equity, and Resilient Learning Systems and Future Skills. Further discussions will delve into Responsive Law and Governance, Global Health, Biomedicine, and Preparedness, Community Wellbeing and Social Support Systems, and the challenges of Urbanisation, Mobility, and Sustainable Cities. Through these papers, the conference will address needs at the social and policy level, offering research-based solutions to contemporary issues.
This year鈥檚 conference introduces an innovative new feature called "Impact Rooms," a pioneering initiative announced by the Conference Chair and Deputy Vice Rector, Dr. Mohamed Adil. These sessions are designed as structured dialogues that bring together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to collaboratively generate actionable policy briefs. These targeted discussions will cover a range of vital topics, from the blue economy and energy transitions to tourism equity, social protection, digital futures, and local language innovation.
Margaret Vijay, a member of the 麻豆视频 Research Grant Committee, announced the recipients of the 2025 grant. He explained that the program aims to "foster the growth of research in 麻豆视频, strengthen our research competitiveness, and empower our researchers to develop meaningful solutions to both local and global challenges."
The six recipients for the 2025 grant are:
Dr. Nafeena Abdul Munaf and team for their research, "Development of an IoT-based Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System with Data Analytics and Prediction in the Maldives."
Dr. Aishath Selna and team for their research, "Understanding Thalassemia in a Small Island Developing State: An Integrated Exploration of Lived Experiences and Health Outcomes."
Dr. Mamdhooha Ismail and team for their research, "Embracing Tomorrow: A Futuristic Family-Based Care Model for Aging Communities in the Maldives and Sri Lanka."
Dr. Aishath Nasheeda and team for their research, "Translation and First Validation of Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F) to Maldivian Context."
Mr. Shajeer Sainudeen and team for their research, "Smart Marketing in Tourism: Exploring the Impact of AI, Big Data, and Sustainability on Tourist Experience and Business Performance."
Ms. Nizna Ali Didi and team for their research, "Inside Out: Journey into Consumers鈥� Mind."
Launch of the International Journal of Social Research and Innovation
The success and reach of ICSRI 2025 are bolstered by the strong support of 24 sponsors, partners, and endorsers. The conference is proudly endorsed by key governmental bodies including the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development; and the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works. Other esteemed endorsers include the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), UNICEF, UN Maldives, Visit Maldives, and the Society for Health Education (SHE). The event鈥檚 partners feature prominent organizations such as Dhiraagu, Am茫na Takaful, the Maldives Pension Office, Lemongrass, Association of Human Resources Professionals, Nexia Maldives, WaterCare, FANSA Maldives, Social Enterprise, Naadu, Taylor's University, Malaysia (Asia-Pacific Journal of Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism), Maldives Pension Office, Maldives National Skills Development Authority, Maldives Tourism Development Corporation and VTV, with STO serving as a key sponsor.
By bringing together a rich diversity of perspectives, ICSRI 2025 not only fosters a vibrant research culture within the Maldives but also solidifies the nation's growing role as a hub for meaningful innovation in the Indian Ocean region, contributing valuable insights and solutions to shared global challenges and policy decisions.
