The University of Kashmir (KU) on Monday commenced a 10-day Research Methodology Workshop in Social Sciences at the Main Campus. The workshop, organised by the varsity’s Department of Political Science, is being attended by research scholars from different parts of the country.
The workshop is sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. It aims to acquaint young scholars with emerging research methodologies in social sciences and to build their capacity for undertaking quality research. The programme will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of research and provide participants with an opportunity to engage with leading academicians and experts in the field.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her address, highlighted the significance of social science research for society and said, “Rigorous training in research methodology is fundamental to producing quality research in the social sciences. It equips young scholars to frame relevant questions, apply appropriate tools, and contribute meaningfully to academic knowledge and policy debates.”
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Anupama Roy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that research methodology helps scholars understand how knowledge is created and interpreted. “Understanding the foundations of research is as important as mastering its tools,” she added.
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted that workshop of this nature help nurture a culture of inquiry and academic rigour among young scholars. Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, noted that training in emerging methodologies is vital for scholars to strengthen their capacity for interdisciplinary research. Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said that the University is committed to “supporting such programmes that help researchers to learn the evolving research practices.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, Head, Department of Political Science KU, Prof. Sanjeda Warsi, stressed on the importance of methodological grounding for researchers in social sciences. Prof. Aijaz Ashraf Wani, Course Director and faculty at the Department of Political Science, provided an overview of the aims and objectives of the workshop, while Course Coordinator of the workshop, Prof. Javid Ahmad, conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session.
The 10-day workshop will feature expert-led technical sessions on both qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis using digital tools, research ethics, academic writing, and approaches to interdisciplinary research.
The inaugural session was attended by various deans, heads of departments, faculty members, scholars, and students of the campus.
