Awantipora: To guide the scholars through various stages of research and publication of research, One Week Online Workshop on Research Methodology in Social Sciences being organized by the Centre for International Relations (CIR), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) began here Friday.
During this inaugural ceremony, Vice chancellor IUST Prof. Shakil. A Romshoo who was also the Chief Guest on the occasion stressed on strengthening social sciences and their relevance towards the society. “A major focus is required for an innovative and research-intensive approach in social sciences and we need to build the capacities of our social scientists to overcome the challenges that are faced all over the world in current times,” said Prof. Romshoo.
While congratulating the Centre for organizing this workshop, he called on researchers to imbibe new skills and latest technological interventions in todays multi-disciplinary world, to stay updated and relevant and added that research promotion has been IUST’s academic strategy and faculty members are being encouraged to promote research as a matter of this strategy.
Prominent Political Scientist and Head Department of Political Science Kashmir University (KU) Prof. Gul Mohammad Wani who was the keynote speaker at the event focused upon decolonizing knowledge production from the Global North to Global South and consideration of relevance of societal needs while conducting social sciences research.
He also noted the significance accorded to social sciences disciplines in many countries, where need-based researches are conducted which serve society at large. “We live in interesting times and while we adopt a theoretical method which come from outside, there is a need to analyze it properly before owning, accepting or rejecting it taking our own societal needs into consideration,” said Wani.
Dean Academic Affairs, IUST Prof. A.H Moon highlighted the technological aspects in successful and meaningful research since everyone is directly or indirectly connected to social sciences. “Studies concerning humans and societies are highly important for us and although we are moving towards artificial intelligence we cannot deny human intelligence,” Prof. Moon said.
Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal also congratulated CIR over this workshop and said, “IUST in general and CIR in particular has a major part to play in contemporary education and research scenario because of the changing role and nature of world order and university will be organizing more such events.”
Associate Dean School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dr. Munejah Khan also spoke on this occasion and felicitated the centre. Earlier Coordinator of CIR Dr. Athar ud Din formally welcomed the guests and stated the objectives of the Workshop. Sr. Assistant Professor CIR Ms. Shazana Andrabi conducted the proceedings, while Assistant Professor, CIR Dr. Shakoor Ahmad Wani proposed the vote of thanks.
