The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is a multi-disciplinary Faculty of the Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS).
The International Research Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches (IRCIA) is a flagship annual academic event organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS), Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. IRCIA serves as a dynamic platform that brings together scholars, researchers, academics, and professionals from a broad spectrum of disciplines to share knowledge, present innovative research findings, and engage in critical dialogue on issues relevant to a changing world.
IRCIA emphasizes the need to understand the ways in which individuals, communities, and institutions across the globe are responding to contemporary challenges. These include technological transformation, climate change, socio-political upheavals, economic instability, cultural shifts, and global health crises.
IRCIA offers an inclusive academic space with twelve diverse thematic tracks, encompassing:
These tracks reflect the faculty’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary thinking and cultivating research that transcends traditional academic boundaries. By encouraging collaboration across fields, IRCIA promotes intellectual pluralism and holistic approaches to contemporary issues.
The conference includes keynote addresses, plenary sessions, parallel technical sessions, panel discussions, and cultural segments, creating a well-rounded academic experience for participants. Scholars from both local and international institutions contribute to the diversity and depth of the discussions, making IRCIA a truly global academic endeavor. This year’s keynote speakers include leading scholars and experts known for their interdisciplinary contributions and insights into global resilience and adaptation.
One of the distinctive features of IRCIA is its emphasis on student and early-career researcher participation, offering them a platform to present their work, receive constructive feedback, and network with experienced academics and professionals. This aligns with the faculty’s vision to support academic excellence and innovation among emerging scholars.
The conference proceedings, including the Book of Abstracts, will be published in digital formats, with efforts made toward indexing and broader dissemination. IRCIA also promotes green conference practices and is committed to inclusivity, accessibility, and academic integrity. With growing interest each year, IRCIA is evolving into a prestigious and impactful academic forum in the South Asian region, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, policy engagement, and real-world solutions through research.
