The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura hosted the much-anticipated Vidyodaya Undergraduate Research Day (VURD) on October 19, 2023, at the Senate Board Room. This annual event, themed “Embracing Modern Trends in Humanities and Social Sciences,” was a testament to the university’s commitment to nurturing young scholars in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences.
VURD 2023/2024 was designed to empower undergraduate students, particularly those in their final year, with the essential skills and exposure needed to excel in research, merging traditional academic disciplines with cutting-edge technology.
The event featured several integral components:
Pre-Conference Training: Undergraduate students working on their dissertations received guidance from their designated supervisors. Furthermore, workshops were conducted to assist students in crafting abstracts and transforming their theses into journal articles.
Publishing: A unique feature of VURD is the emphasis on recognizing undergraduate research efforts. Selected students have the opportunity to co-publish their research abstracts with their supervisors, giving them a sense of ownership over their scholarly work.
Day of Research: The highlight of the event was the presentation of selected abstracts by the undergraduate researchers. Faculty members actively participated in discussions and feedback sessions.
The event featured a distinguished keynote speaker, Professor Savumya Liyanage from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, who provided valuable insights into the intersection of modern trends and the humanities.
With conference advisor Dean Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda, Conference Chair Dr. K. B. Deepal Gunasena, and Conference Secretary Prof. Witharandeniye Chandrasiri Thero leading the way, VURD showcased research tracks spanning Crime, Society, and Human Behavior; History, Archaeology, and Geography; IT, GIS, and Statistics; Language, Literature, and Communication; Philosophy and Psychology; Politics and Economy; and Religion, Culture, and Aesthetics.
Vidyodaya Undergraduate Research Day 2023/2024 reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence, preparing the next generation of scholars for the ever-evolving world of academia and work. This event was a celebration of curiosity, knowledge, and the future of Humanities and Social Sciences.
For More Photographs: Japura Media
