The Deanship of R&D centers hosted an insightful workshop titled “Research in the Humanities and Social Sciences: Tools, Challenges, and Opportunities” on 18 December at Hakim Amir Hall. The event brought together esteemed scholars and researchers to discuss the evolving landscape of research in these critical disciplines, highlighting the tools available, challenges encountered, and opportunities for advancement.
At the beginning of the workshop, during the workshop, the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences “Assist Prof. Dr. Elham Majeed” and the Dean of the Research and Development Center “Assist. Prof Dr. Halgurd Sarhang” addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing research across disciplines. They highlighted the collective efforts required to enhance the quality and impact of scholarly work, both locally and internationally. Additionally, they presented recent Koya University (KOU) statistics, showcasing the impressive performance of KOU scholars in publishing impactful research abroad. The deans encouraged faculty members to build on this momentum, fostering stronger networks and partnerships to further elevate KOU’s academic standing on the global stage.
Distinguished Panelists
The workshop featured a panel of distinguished experts from various departments within the faculty:
- Prof. Dr. Yasir Al-Jumaili, representing the Department of English Language and the Department of H&Ss Research Center, presented innovative tools for data analysis in the social sciences and strategies for integrating interdisciplinary approaches.
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Rekurd S. Maghdid, from the Department of Business Administration, discussed the unique challenges of conducting research in accounting and the importance of empirical studies to inform decision-making.
- Dr. Firas N. Mardan, from the Department of Accounting, listed the well-known opportunities for conducting research within humanities and social sciences.
- Mr. Hardi Bakr Hamad, also from the Department of Accounting, served as the coordinator of the workshop, skillfully moderating the sessions and facilitating engaging discussions among panelists and participants.
Key Discussions
The workshop delved into several pivotal themes:
- Tools for Research: An overview of modern software, analytical methods, and digital resources enhancing research efficiency and accessibility.
- Challenges in the Humanities and Social Sciences: Identifying barriers such as limited funding, lack of access to global databases, and the need for stronger collaborative networks.
- Opportunities for Growth: Exploring ways to foster interdisciplinary research, leverage technology, and align studies with societal needs.
Interactive Engagement
Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists through an interactive Q&A session, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas and practical advice. Topics ranged from improving research quality to navigating publication challenges in high-impact journals.
The workshop concluded with a call to action for researchers to embrace innovation, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and build collaborative networks within and beyond the faculty.
This event underscored the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences’ commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture and supporting scholars in achieving excellence.
