National conference: Social scientists pledge to evolve alternate solutions

Experts gather to promote innovative and research-based studies

ISLAMABAD: A two-day conference to promote innovative and research based studies in social sciences began on Wednesday at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).

Themed around new dimensions, challenges and perspectives of social sciences in 21st century, the first-ever national conference on social sciences was organised by AIOU Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.

The major aim was to bring together researchers, academics, policy makers, civil society representatives and other social sciences experts, to understand the complexity of social problems faced by the country, said the faculty dean, Professor Dr Syed Abdul Siraj.

“This conference will provide theoretical as well as empirical methodologies which will help devise appropriate strategies, for policy makers, to find workable solutions for socioeconomic problems,” he said in his inaugural speech.

Major focus areas include social transformation, good governance, information literacy, impact of technology, media and society, national integration, economic disparity, urbanisation and ethnocentrism.

More than 40 social sciences scholars from universities and non-government organisations will present around 60 research papers in 16 sessions at the conference.

In his welcome address, AIOU Vice Chancellor Dr Shahid Siddiqui said doing research was not enough, and that dissemination of information in the outer world was also very important.

Development is not just a process but a phenomenon which cannot be considered complete without taking ‘socio-development’ into consideration, he said.

“When we talk of research we are basically looking at one which is indigenous in nature and helps us find some doable alternatives to our problems,” he said.

Pinpointing some factors hindering social sciences development in the country, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan VC Professor Dr Tahir Amin said no attention was being paid to evolving body of theoretical knowledge in the discipline.

“There is a lack of methodological triggers in terms of pursuing original research,” he said.

He also highlighted lack of policy relevant applied knowledge and awareness of global trends as major factors hindering quality research.

Speaking as chief guest, HEC Chairperson Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said that even though the commission doubled its funding allotment towards social sciences this year, yet very few scholars come up with solution based project proposals.

“At HEC level, we have already created an independent social sciences committee which is responsible for formulating and proposing curriculum changes required with changing times,” he said.

The chairperson also announced that a semi-autonomous body will be established by the commission, which will be allotted separate funds for development of research and education in social sciences.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2015.