SSIRC 2026 highlights role of research in addressing global challenges

The 11th Social Sciences International Research Conference (SSIRC 2026) opened this morning at the Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa in Flic en Flac, bringing together academics, researchers and practitioners for three days of knowledge exchange, research collaboration and dialogue on contemporary societal challenges.

Jointly organised by the University of Mauritius (UoM) and North-West University of South Africa, the conference is being held under the theme ‘Reimagining social sciences research through evidence, experience and engagement’. It provides a platform for advancing rigorous, evidence-based and socially grounded research, while strengthening engagement among researchers and the wider community.

This year’s edition brings together 173 delegates from 24 institutions and features 121 presentations across 10 thematic disciplines, structured into 30 sessions. The programme covers a diverse range of fields, including business management, economics, finance and accounting, emerging technologies, human resource management, law, sustainability and public sector management.

The Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon; the Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, Dr (Ms) Priscilla Muthoora Thakoor; the Vice-Chancellor of the UoM, Prof. Kavi Kumar Khedo; the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at North-West University, Prof. Mabutho Sibanda; as well as other personalities were present at the opening ceremony.

In his address, Minister Sukon underscored the need for multidisciplinary approaches to tackling challenges such as climate change, health, food security, transport, digital connectivity and Artificial Intelligence (AI), stressing that research can no longer be pursued in isolation. He urged young researchers to uphold methodological rigour and harness the potential of emerging technologies.

While recognising AI’s potential to facilitate research, Dr Sukon said that it must complement, rather than replace, critical thinking and sound research methodology. He also highlighted Government’s efforts to internationalise higher education and encouraged overseas universities to forge stronger partnerships with Mauritian institutions.

For her part, Dr Thakoor highlighted the pivotal role of research in informing policymaking amid an increasingly uncertain environment. She identified demographic shifts, climate change, geopolitical developments and AI among the major forces reshaping the global economy, and underscored the need for strong, resilient and adaptable institutions.

For her, social sciences research enables policymakers to ask better questions, challenge assumptions and navigate complex trade-offs. High-quality research ultimately translates into stronger institutions and more effective policies, she added.

Prof. Khedo, for his part, dwelt on the longstanding role of SSIRC in facilitating scholarly exchange and fostering new research collaborations. He also reaffirmed the University of Mauritius’ commitment to internationalisation and to forging stronger academic partnerships.

Also speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sibanda urged researchers to look beyond traditional academic boundaries and ensure that their work delivers value beyond academia. He encouraged participants to engage with disciplines outside their areas of expertise, pose challenging questions and pursue meaningful collaborations throughout the conference.

09 September 2026

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