ICAIR 2025 Hosted by Sangam University Emphasises Inter-Disciplinary Research and Collaboration

The Sangam University, Bhilwara, Rajasthan, organised the 3rd International Conference on Analytical and Inter-disciplinary Research (ICAIR 2025) from 10-12 March 2025. The Conference attracted participation from several countries across the globe. In total, 217 research papers were presented and 10 keynote addresses were delivered by reputed scholars from the USA, India, Australia and Saudi Arabia on inter-disciplinary research.

In his address as the Chief Guest on this occasion, Dr B. Shadrach, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia, outlined the importance of analytical and interdisciplinary research, emphasising Sangam University’s multidisciplinary nature, research focus, and industry interactions. According to him, the key preconditions for fostering interdisciplinary research include institutional facilitation (breaking silos, funding, administrative support), cultural and attitudinal stimuli (avoiding disciplinary jargon, incentivising collaboration), logistical support (time allocation, data management, training), and addressing societal factors (local language research, resource access).

Further, Dr Shadrach underscored the role of AI in universities, particularly in enhancing pedagogy, content creation, and administrative efficiency, while emphasising ethical considerations like bias, data privacy, and academic integrity. He stated that AI also plays a crucial role in interdisciplinary research by enabling data integration, knowledge discovery, collaboration, and predictive modelling, helping to break down disciplinary silos.

He cited several examples of interdisciplinary research, such as engineering and science (computational modelling, bioengineering), management and social sciences (computational social science), arts and humanities (digital humanities), and pharmacy and agriculture (precision agriculture, drug discovery). In Rajasthan, interdisciplinary research may be helpful in addressing challenges related to water resource management, desertification, heritage conservation, public health, and renewable energy.

Dr Shadrach highlighted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for its vision of dismantling disciplinary silos, fostering innovation, and addressing real-world problems through cross-disciplinary collaboration. In his presentation, he also distinguished between multidisciplinary (experts working within their fields) and interdisciplinary (integration of knowledge and methods across fields) research.

Finally, he discussed the integration of AI in textiles, showcasing its impact on manufacturing, design, supply chain optimisation, and sustainability, with examples of interdisciplinary collaboration in material science, environmental science, and social sciences. Overall, his presentation underscored the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research and AI in addressing complex global challenges.  

During his visit to Sangam University for ICAIR 2025, Dr Shadrach also interacted with the recipients of the COL-CEMCA Skills for Work scholarships. The students expressed their gratitude for COL's generous support, which enabled them to achieve Google certifications and advance their career prospects.