Villa College successfully concluded its ninth International Conference on Social Research and Innovation (ICSRI 2025) on September 11th, bringing together over 166 participants—academics, policymakers, and industry leaders—to address critical global and national challenges through research-driven solutions.
Held at the Villa College QI Campus, the two-day conference, themed “Synergies of Discovery: Igniting Solutions for the Future,” served as a leading platform in the Maldives for aligning academic research with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since its inception in 2016, ICSRI has consistently fostered collaboration between researchers and policymakers.
The opening ceremony featured His Excellency David Jessup, the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, as the Chief Guest. Mr. Jessup emphasized the crucial role of research-informed dialogue in tackling pressing issues such as climate change, digital disruption, and social inequality. Dr. Ahmed Anwar, Rector of Villa College, highlighted the conference’s significance as a flagship platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting researchers, students, and professionals.
The conference program included over 75 paper presentations covering diverse fields, including digital transformation, climate action, business and social entrepreneurship, future skills development, governance, health, and sustainable cities. A notable new initiative, “Impact Rooms,” spearheaded by Conference Chair and Deputy Vice Rector Dr. Mohamed Adil, facilitated the creation of actionable policy briefs by bringing together researchers and policymakers to address key areas such as the blue economy, energy transitions, tourism equity, and digital futures.
Villa College also announced the recipients of its 2025 research grants during the conference. Six projects received funding, focusing on crucial areas of research: air quality monitoring, thalassemia treatment and care, innovative ageing care models, autism screening methodologies, the application of artificial intelligence in tourism marketing, and consumer behavior analysis. These projects demonstrate a commitment to addressing pressing societal needs through impactful research.
Further solidifying its commitment to advancing academic discourse in the Maldives, the conference also witnessed the launch of the International Journal of Social Research and Innovation. This new journal will provide a valuable platform for disseminating research findings and fostering ongoing dialogue within the field.
ICSRI 2025 received significant support from a broad range of sponsors, partners, and endorsers, including several government ministries, the Maldives Monetary Authority, UNICEF, Visit Maldives, and the Society for Health Education. Key private sector partners included Dhiraagu, Amãna Takaful, the Maldives Pension Office, and STO. This collaborative effort underscores the widespread recognition of the conference’s importance and impact.
By uniting diverse stakeholders, ICSRI 2025 reinforced the Maldives’ growing role as a hub for innovation in the Indian Ocean region, providing valuable research-based solutions to pressing social and policy challenges. The conference’s success highlights the power of collaborative research in driving positive change.