About ICSRI

Conference Theme

The International Conference on Social Research and Innovation (ICSRI) is an annual research conference organised and hosted by the Institute for Research and Innovation (IRI), Villa College in Male’, Maldives. The two-day conference aims to provide a platform for participants from diverse backgrounds, whether in academia, industry, or civil society, to share their knowledge and experiences on the multifaceted aspects on social innovation. The conference will provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration to address the most critical challenges, from climate change and resource management to social equity and responsible technology adoption.

Keynote Speakers

The International Conference on Social Research and Innovation showcases prominent keynote speakers and thought-provoking panel discussions, offering participants a valuable opportunity to acquire knowledge, establish connections, and delve into popular discourse within the industry. Both local and international experts from within the industry will present enlightening and interactive sessions and panel discussions.

Professor Dr Arshia Khan

University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA

Notable Dates

20 May

2025

Abstract Submission Deadline

30 Jun

2025

Abstract Acceptance Deadline

15 Jul

2025

Early Bird Registration Deadline

03 Aug

2025

Full Paper Submission Deadline

15 Aug

2025

Conference Registration & Payment Deadline

Conference Tracks

The International Conference on Social Research and Innovation invites students, academics, researchers, and experts from diverse backgrounds, including various agencies, colleges, universities, research institutions, as well as government and private sector professionals. We welcome your contributions, be it research findings, tactical strategies, technical innovations, cutting-edge technologies, or best practices that addresses the pressing need for groundbreaking solutions to the complex issues of our time. All submitted abstracts and papers will undergo a rigorous and impartial review and assessment process by our Evaluation Committee, comprising esteemed journal editors and domain experts. Successful authors will have the opportunity to present their papers at the conference as invited speakers.

Authors and presenters can select from a choice of eight thematic categories. We encourage you to thoroughly explore all the categories and choose the one that best aligns with your abstract's focus.

1 Digital Transformation and Smart Solutions

Exploring the role of AI, IoT, blockchain, and other emerging technologies in creating sustainable and resilient solutions for a rapidly changing world.

2 Climate Action and Resilience Engineering

Addressing climate adaptation and mitigation efforts through cross-disciplinary urban planning, engineering, and environmental science research to build resilient communities.

3 Business and Social Entrepreneurship Driving Equity

This track focus on innovative solutions that address social disparities, promote inclusivity, and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities.

4 Resilient Learning Systems and Future Skills

Examining resilience in education, this theme highlights strategies for building flexible learning systems that prioritise problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration to prepare students for an uncertain future.

5 Responsive Law and Governance

This theme explores adaptive governance models and flexible legal frameworks designed to keep pace with rapid social, environmental, and technological changes.

6 Global Health, Biomedicine, and Preparedness

Examining integrated approaches to healthcare and biomedicine, emphasising pandemic preparedness, public health resilience, and global health equity.

7 Community Wellbeing and Social Support Systems

Investigating community- based mental health solutions, this theme focuses on the role of social networks, family, and community resources in enhancing mental health and collective resilience.

8 Urbanisation, Mobility, and Sustainable Cities

Exploring Sustainable Urban Planning, Innovative Mobility Solutions, and the Future of Cities, focusing on inclusive infrastructure and sustainable urban living.

Panel Discussion

ICSRI presents five engaging panel discussions that delves deep into the trending and popular topics that are currently shaping the industry's discourse. Expert panelists will provide valuable insights, diverse perspectives, and thought-provoking analyses on the most relevant subjects of the moment.

Abstract Submission

**Full details are outlined in the Submission Guidelines linked below. Please download the document and read carefully before you submit.

Presentation Types

Individual Paper: Each paper will be allocated 15 mins, which includes time for the paper presentation. Papers will be grouped into sessions according to common themes or ideas aligning with conference tracks. Individual papers will be accepted for the following categories.
- Full Papers: Research including primary and/or secondary data collection and analysis, presenting clear findings and conclusions.
- Review Papers: Comprehensive reviews existing literature (systematic, bibliometric, scoping, etc.), analyzing trends, gaps, and future directions in the field.
- Case Studies: Detailed examinations of specific cases, illustrating practical applications or unique insights relevant to the field.
Poster: Poster presentations offer a visual summary of research findings. They allow for direct interaction with conference attendees, who can ask questions and discuss the research with the poster author in a more informal setting. This format is especially useful for early-stage researchers or for presenting preliminary results.

NOTE: Abstracts without any findings or conclusions will not be accepted. Abstracts should clearly outline the research objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Be kindly reminded of the following guidelines to ensure smooth submission process.

Language: All abstracts must be written in English or Dhivehi
Originality and Copyright: The author(s) are responsible for the accuracy and originality of the abstract, ensuring it does not infringe on any copyright.
Submission: All submissions must be made via the online portal. Please ensure ALL authors/presenters are aware of, and agree with, the abstract details as well as the submission terms and conditions.
Number of Submissions: Delegates can be a ‘presenting author’ on a maximum of two presentations (2 individual abstracts). It is possible to be listed as part of an author team on more than two presentations. However, the Organising Committee can only guarantee no program clashes for up to two presentation slots for any individual as presenting author/s.
Conference Registration: If the submission is accepted, at least one author will register and pay to present the abstract at the Conference. Abstracts may be removed from proceedings if the presenter has not completed the payment for registration by the specified deadline.
Financial Considerations: No funding is provided for presenters for travel, accommodation, or other related expenses.
Publication and Media Consent: Permission is granted for the abstract to be published in the ICSRI 2025 abstract booklet if it is accepted for presentation. Additionally, ICSRI organisers have permission to film or photograph your presentation.
Notification of Change: It is understood that unforeseen circumstances can occur. Should you be unable to present or need to nominate a different presenting author, please inform ICSRI organisers promptly by emailing icsri@villacollege.edu.mv.

Review Process and Templates

All abstracts for Individual papers and/or Posters are subject to a peer-review process by the technical committee, facilitated by ICSRI 2025 reviewers. The review process is intended to:

Ensure rigour and quality of research within the conference presentations.
Support alignment with specific SDGs and the conference tracks.
Determine the most appropriate format of presentation for the paper (e.g.,individual paper or poster).

Abstracts will be reviewed using the following criteria:

Relevance to ICSRI 2025 conference theme.
Contribution to specific research field/s and scholarly contextualization.
Clarity of writing and appropriate language use
Relevance to identified SDG/s and conference track.

The Reviewer will make one of the following decisions:

Accept as it is
Accept, with editing required for clarity
Revision Required, submit with revisions suggested by reviewers
Rejected on basis of not satisfactorily meeting the stated review criteria.

Where there is a discrepancy between the reviewers, the Technical Committee Chair will adjudicate for a final decision.

**All abstracts should be written in MS Word format (DOC or DOCX) templates provided (available for download below). Save your abstract using this format: “ICSRI2025_yourLastName.doc”.

Templates

Abstract Template

Full Paper Template

Oral Presentation Guideline

Poster Guideline

Instruction Manual

Conference Registration Fees

Take advantage of early bird offer and get more than 20% off from the normal registration fee.

Physical

Online

VC Students

Early Bird Registration

MVR 250

Regular Registration

MVR 300

Villa College/VIHS Staff

Early Bird Registration

MVR 450

Regular Registration

MVR 500

Local/permit holders

Early Bird Registration

MVR 600

Regular Registration

MVR 775

International (USD)

Early Bird Registration

USD 125

Regular Registration

USD 175

Local Students

Early Bird Registration

MVR 450

Regular Registration

MVR 500

Admission to the welcome ceremony

Admission to all presentation sessions

Access to poster area

Conference materials

Conference program and book of abstracts

Lunch, Coffee/tea during the breaks

VC Students

Early Bird Registration

MVR 250

Regular Registration

Till 01 Jan 2025

MVR 300

Villa College/VIHS Staff

Early Bird Registration

MVR 450

Regular Registration

Till 01 Jan 2025

MVR 500

Local/permit holders

Early Bird Registration

MVR 600

Regular Registration

Till 01 Jan 2025

MVR 775

International (USD)

Early Bird Registration

USD 125

Regular Registration

Till 01 Jan 2025

USD 175

Local Students

Early Bird Registration

MVR 450

Regular Registration

Till 01 Jan 2025

MVR 500

Full Paper Submission

ICSRI 2025 is committed to fostering original research, enhancing research quality, and solidifying its position as a premier international research event in the Maldives. This conference serves as a dynamic platform for scholars, practitioners, and innovators to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute to impactful research.

🏆 Best Paper Award: Recognizing Outstanding Research

Authors of accepted abstracts are invited to submit their full papers for evaluation by the ICSRI 2025 Editorial Committee. High-quality papers will be considered for the prestigious Best Paper Award, designed to:

✅ Encourage excellence in research
✅ Enhance the reputation of ICSRI on an international scale
✅ Attract top-tier national and international researchers

✅ Eligibility Criteria for Best Paper Award

To be considered, full papers must:

Be based on an accepted abstract submitted to ICSRI 2025
Be submitted before the designated deadline
Be presented at the ICSRI 2025 conference
Attain a score of 70% or above during the review process

One of the core objectives of the review and evaluation process is to provide constructive feedback to authors. This feedback aims to refine the quality of research and assist authors in preparing their work for potential publication in academic journals.

📢 Full Paper Submission: An Opportunity for Feedback and Publication

Important Note: ICSRI 2025 does not publish full papers in its conference proceedings. Only short abstracts accepted for presentation will be published in the Conference Abstract Book.

While submitting a full paper is NOT MANDATORY, in addition to being considered for ‘Best Paper Award’, authors who choose to submit full papers will receive valuable expert feedback. Please note that feedback will only be released upon conference registration.

ICSRI 2025 is also pleased to offer a range of exciting publication opportunities for those who choose to do so. Check out ‘publication opportunities’ for more details.

📝 Submission Process

Full papers must be submitted online through the ICSRI 2025 website portal, following the prescribed format available in the downloads section.

Join us at ICSRI 2025 and be part of a transformative research experience!

📚 Publication Opportunities

We are dedicated to supporting you through every phase of your journey in research publication. With the aim of locating your research at the right destination, the 9th International Conference on Social Research and Innovation 2025 has amplified its publication opportunities with support from academic partners.While optional, exciting publication opportunities are available through our esteemed academic partners. We encourage you to submit your abstracts to participate in ICSRI 2025 and take advantage of these valuable offers.

🔍 Available Publication Avenues

✅ Conference Abstract Booklet
✅ Peer-Reviewed Journal (IJSRI)
✅ Scopus-Indexed Journals
✅ Professional Editorial Support

📄 Abstract Booklet

All accepted abstracts of registered participants will be published in the official ICSRI 2025 Abstract Booklet.

Past Abstract Booklets

📘 Full Paper Submission

Following abstract acceptances, authors will be invited to submit full papers for their accepted abstracts. While submission of full papers is NOT MANDATORY, ICSRI 2025 is pleased to offer a range of exciting publication opportunities for those who choose to do so. We strongly encourage all authors to take advantage of these valuable opportunities, made possible through the generous support of ICSRI 2025’s esteemed academic partners.

📘 Peer-Reviewed – Indexed Journal

Full papers submitted by registered authors of ICSRI 2025 will automatically be considered for publication in Villa College Journal, International Journal for Social Research and Innovation (IJSRI) .

Following editorial support, authors are required to register on the IJSRI website (http://ijsri.villacollege.edu.mv/) and submit their manuscripts electronically. Authors will receive exclusive editorial support to develop their manuscripts, and invited to register and submit their manuscripts via the IJSRI website: http://ijsri.villacollege.edu.mv/

Please visit IJSRI website for submission details and to review the journal's

Important Notes:

Publication is not guaranteed, prior to submission and completion of the review process.
IJSRI does not charge any fees for publishing Open Access content.
Authors are encouraged to carefully review the journal's scope and aims and adhere to the manuscript template.

Aim and Scope

Cover a wide range of topics in multidisciplinary research-based areas such as:
Business, Education, Health, Public Policy, Law, Tourism, Language, Arts, and Culture.

SCOPUS Indexed Journal

We are pleased to announce that the following journals are supporting ICSRI 2025 as academic partners and submitted full papers that meet the criteria will be invited to submit their work to the journal. However, selection does not guarantee publication in the journals. All papers will undergo a review process, and publication is subject to the acceptance of the paper by the reviewers and the journal editor.

ICSRI 2025 Editorial Committee will evaluate submissions and identify high-quality papers based on:
- Alignment with the aim and scope of the selected journal.
- Adherence to the manuscript template of the selected journal.
- Achievement of a review score of 80% or above during the conference evaluation process.
Recommended papers will undergo the journal’s standard review and selection process.
Submission does NOT guarantee publication. Authors whose papers meet the journal’s criteria may receive an invitation to submit directly to the relevant journal.
All Scopus-indexed journals follow a double-blind peer-review process, and final publication decisions are determined solely by the respective journal’s editorial board.

Registered ICSRI 2025 authors must carefully review the aims and scope of their preferred journal and develop their manuscripts per the selected journal’s guidelines and formatting requirements.

CBWA

Multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary: Covers a wide range of themes in education, social sciences, cultural studies, law, health sciences, arts, applied sciences, pure sciences, engineering, technology, business and other related disciplines.

MJCS

Articles that illustrate research results, projects, surveying works, and industrial experiences that describe significant advances in the following areas (but are not limited to): artificial intelligence, bibliometric studies and scientometrics, business intelligence, computers in education, cybersecurity and privacy, digital library and information sciences, human-computer interaction, machine learning, smart city and smart tourism, software engineering, virtual and augmented reality and their applications, and other related topics.

Discover Psychology

Transdisciplinary research that looks at emerging applications of psychology in different cultures around the world, providing a platform for novel experimental and theoretical findings in all fields of psychology, including clinical, social, cognitive, biological, personality, sports, organizational, developmental, animal, health, and cultural psychology.

APJIHT

Multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary: Covers a wide range of disciplines and fields, which contribute to enhancing research development and innovation in the field of tourism and hospitality, including contributions from perspectives such as consumer behaviour, service management, sustainable development goals, and social aspects of hospitality and tourism.

Editorial Service

Paper Development Workshops

Prepare for your academic journey with unwavering confidence by enrolling in our pre-conference workshops, where esteemed trainers impart invaluable skills—from refining research questions to strategically structuring your paper for publication.

Details will be updated soon.

Paper Quality Inspection

Authors who select the Villa College Journal (IJSRI) for publication will have the opportunity to enhance the quality and impact of their academic work. With guidance and mentorship from our associate editors, they will receive valuable insights and recommendations to improve clarity, coherence, and overall excellence.

Awards and Evaluation Criteria

Best Presenter Award

Novice Researcher
A researcher/industry expert/individual at the master's level who possesses a solid foundation in their field. While equipped with research experience, they are in the early stages of building their scholarly identity.
Career Researcher
A researcher/industry expert/individual at the Ph.D. level, in the early stages of their career, who has achieved a significant milestone in academic attainment. Recognized for their potential and early accomplishments, these researchers demonstrate a commitment to advancing knowledge and making a lasting impact in their chosen area of expertise.

Best Paper Award

The Best Paper Award is a prestigious accolade presented to the most outstanding contribution among full-paper submissions. This distinction recognizes a submission that demonstrates exemplary research, innovation, and scholarly impact.

Venue and Travel Information

Do I need visa to Maldives?

To enter Maldives no pre-arrival visa is required. A thirty day free visa is issued on arrival for all Nationalities, provided: Should posses a valid passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) -(standard ICAO Annex 9, chapter 3.10.1) and should have at least 6 months validity. Have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives Have enough funds to cover the expenses for duration of the stay in Maldives. (US$100 + $50 dollars per day) or a confirmation of reservation in a Tourist Resort or a Hotel

Where can I get ferries to go city?

If you have booked with a tour company such as Secret Paradise or with a hotel, guesthouse or resort it is likely that you will have provided them with your flight arrival details. If this is the case then it is usual for them to send a representative to meet with you at the arrival gate. They will then take care of your onward transfer meaning less hassle for you!

The opening of the Sinamale Bridge at the end of August 2018, linking Male with Hulhule Island and Hulhumale, has brought about a number of changes to transfer choices to and from the airport. It is now possible to take a private taxi to Hulhumale or Male from the taxi rank directly outside the arrival area. Note that vehicles are currently not allowed to wait but from our experience there appears to be a steady stream of vehicles so you should not have to wait long. Charges are likely to fluctuate as this new airport services settles down. Expect to pay around 100MVR to reach Hulhumale and 150MVR to reach Male, which also entails crossing the bridge!

To reach Male independently you can also choose to take the Airport Express Speedboat, the charge is MRF30 or US$2 for a one way transfer per person, leaving every 15 minutes. There is also the airport public ferry, charge MRF10 or US$1 per person one way, leaving every 10 minutes. Both leave from the new water front jetty, beneath the waterfront food court and opposite the domestic terminal.

What currency is accepted in Maldives?

Maldivian Rufiyaa
The Maldives has a non-convertible currency – Maldivian Rufiyaa – this cannot be purchased beforehand. One Rufiyaa is 100 Laari and is available in 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Rufiyaa notes. The US Dollar is accepted as legal tender throughout the Maldives.

What is the exchange rate of Maldivian Ruffiyya to USD?

One US Dollar is equivalent to 15.42 Rufiyaa. However, the exchange rate offered on US$1 and US$5 notes by local businesses may be lower. This is because there is a 3% handling charge made by the bank on the deposit of US$ notes of US$5 or less.

Where can I exchange my cash?

You can exchange your cash both arrival and departure terminal. At the Arrival terminal you will see an exchange counter just before the exit at the left-hand side of the exit gate. The exchange counter at the departure is located at the duty free area opposite to dome cafe' on the way to Prier Bridge.

What is the time difference?

The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). To offer holiday makers the optimum use of the tropical sun most resorts have their clocks put forward one hour to GMT+6.

Conference Venue Location

Welcome to Malé

The Vibrant Heart of the Maldives

We are looking forward to seeing you at ICSRI 2025 in the Maldives.

The Maldives is an equatorial island nation in the Indian Ocean. Only 298 square kilometres of the country’s total area of 90,000 square kilometres is dry land.

The Maldives is breathtaking not just above the ocean. About five per cent of the world’s reefs, from which both soft and hard corals form, are found in the Maldives. These reefs are known for their vibrant displays of colour. One thousand different types of fish reside on the reefs. Large pelagic fish like manta rays and whale sharks are also drawn to the Maldives by the abundance of nutrients carried in by the ocean currents

The Maldives enjoys warm and sunny weather around the year. The monsoon season surprises you with gentle rain showers from May to October but you can expect temperatures between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Maldivian seas are also warm and clear throughout the year.

🌤️ See more details on the weather Maldives Meteorological Service

Visa: There is no visa restriction for tourists for 30 days for most nationalities.

Travel Declaration

The Traveller Declaration is a self-declaration form that is FREE of charge and must be submitted directly through the IMUGA portal. Please refrain from filling out the form on any other website, as they promote scams. All travellers must submit the Traveller Declaration within 96 hours of their flight time, both on arrival and departure.

Visit IMUGA

Photo credits: @VelanaAirport

Airport

Malé's Velana International Airport (MLE), also known as Malé International Airport is the main international gateway to the Maldives, located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll, just a short distance from the capital city, Malé.

Malé is connected to the airport and the island of Hulhumalé by a bridge, making transfers quick and convenient—typically just a 10–15 minute taxi ride. Hulhumalé, a reclaimed island and a fast-growing urban extension of the capital, features residential zones, commercial centres, and a variety of beachfront accommodations for travellers.

Despite its small size, Malé is a bustling urban hub with modern high-rises, a rich history, and ongoing development. It serves as the central transit point for visitors arriving in the Maldives.

Velana International Airport offers both international and domestic flights, connecting travellers to the country’s many resort islands and beyond.

Velana International Airport

https://www.macl.aero/

Moving Around in Greater Malé Area

Greater Malé is the central hub for domestic transportation in the Maldives, making it an ideal base if you are deciding where to explore next. If you are staying at a hotel or guesthouse in the Greater Malé area, take the opportunity to experience the vibrant local lifestyle of urban Maldives. Domestic transport is affordable and accessible.

Public Transportation

Public transport in the Maldives is convenient and very affordable. You can easily travel within Hulhumalé, as well as to Velana International Airport and Malé. The island is connected to the airport via a causeway and to Malé via the Sinamalé Bridge.

Local Transport App (RTL)

Download the RTL App:

Use the app to purchase bus fares or pay onboard using a contactless card.

Taxi App

Download the Taxi App:

Please note: Taxi fares must be paid in cash. Approx. 1 USD = ~15.4 MVR (Maldivian Rufiyaa)

View Travel & Accommodation Map

Discover More of Greater Malé

Malé

Explore Malé City

Malé City offers a range of cultural attractions, including museums, parks like Sultan Park and Lonuziyaarai Park, and two artificial beaches—Artificial Beach and Rasfannu Beach. The city is also home to numerous restaurants, fish markets, and souvenir shops, especially along Chaandhanee Magu, where you can browse for traditional Maldivian gifts to take home.

The Republic Square and the Presidential Palace are worth a visit if you are touring the capital. One of the best things about Malé is its compact size—cafés, restaurants, and shops are just around every corner.

If you are interested in cultural or religious landmarks, Malé is home to some of the most architecturally striking mosques in the country, each with deep historical significance. Step back in time at the 400-year-old Hukuru Miskiy, admire the iconic Grand Friday Mosque, or visit the newer King Salman Mosque

For a different kind of experience, head to the Varunulaa Raalhugandu area—a popular surfing spot. It features a nearby viewing platform, perfect for watching both professional and amateur surfers ride the waves.

Hulhumalé

Hulhumalé is a ward of the capital city, but unlike Malé and Villimalé, it is not a natural island. Developed in 2000 as a planned urban extension, this artificial island was designed to ease overcrowding in the capital. Today, Hulhumalé is significantly larger than both Malé and Villimalé, featuring wider roads, a growing number of cafés, guesthouses, retail outlets, watersports centres, and various modern attractions. It is connected to Malé and the airport island via the Sinamalé Bridge—the only cross-sea bridge in the country.

Getting to Hulhumalé is easy. You can hop on a bus from the Maafannu MTCC Bus Terminal or any of the many bus stops around the city. Bus tickets cost approximately US$0.65–$0.97 (MVR 10–15). Alternatively, taxis are readily available, with fares ranging between US$4.89–$6.51 (MVR 75–100).

Once you arrive, there is plenty to explore. Hulhumalé is home to Hulhumalé Central Park, Centro Mall, a skate park, volleyball courts, and several beaches that stretch along the coastline. Water sports enthusiasts can rent equipment from diving and watersports centres located along the beach road. For accommodation, the island offers a wide selection of hotels and guesthouses—many situated along the waterfront—offering both day-use rooms and overnight stays, with friendly service and flexible arrangements.

Villimalé

Villimalé (formerly known as Villingili) is a charming residential island and a ward of the capital city. One unique feature of Villimalé is its commitment to eco-friendly transport—fossil-fuel vehicles are not allowed. Only battery-powered or solar-powered vehicles are permitted, giving the island a quieter, greener atmosphere. The only way to reach Villimalé is via a designated ferry from the Villimalé Ferry Terminal in Malé. The journey takes about 10 minutes, with ferries departing every 10 to 20 minutes. A one-way ticket costs approximately US$0.65 (MVR 10.00), and return tickets can be purchased from the Villimalé terminal at the same price.

Villimalé offers the perfect balance between city convenience and island tranquility. Compared to Malé City, the island features noticeably more greenery and open space. There are two main beach areas to enjoy: the Lovers Beach area, known for its deeper waters and water sports centres, and the Villimalé Public Beach, which has shallow waters and a scenic view of the capital. For those looking to unwind with a meal by the sea, there is a BBQ point with nearby shops that offer all the essentials for grilling meat or freshly caught fish. The island also has a few guesthouses, as well as cafés and restaurants serving a variety of local and international dishes.