On the 31st of March 2021, LSME hosted an online book launch event to promote the research book for its 7th International Conference on “Role of Management, Education and Social Sciences in Responsible Research and Innovations: Challenges and Realities”.
The event took place online and was attended by Lord and Lady Sheikh from the UK House of Lords as the Chief Guests and Guests of Honour Professor Rajan Welukar, Vice-Chancellor of the AURO University in Gujarat, India; Dr Rinchen Chophel, Member of UN Committee on the Rights of the Child & Director General of the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC); Professor Stephen McKinney of the University of Glasgow; Dr Peter Gray of the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology; Mr Ahmed Fahad Hassan, the Former Election Commissioner of Maldives; and several VIPs, dignitaries with relevant academic backgrounds and conference delegates.
Mr Hassan Shifau, the Chief Research and Innovations Officer of LSME gave a warm welcome to all VIP guests and delegates. He acknowledged the Chief Guests.
In his welcome address, Prof Stephen McKinney gave a brief overview of the content of the Research book, indicating that the published research papers reflect the aims of the LSME’s research agenda. He reiterated as targeting early career researchers from certain excluded parts of the world to meet other scholars in an international context and a creative environment to exchange research ideas.
The book also promotes the idea of Responsible Research and Innovations, which enhance and advance local communities to address major challenges such as sustainability, poverty, inclusion, equity and social justice. He highlighted the importance of the open-access publication and its relevance to the researcher and reader. His address ended with a warm appreciation to the conference organisers and committee members, Editorial Team and LSME staff.
The Conference Convener, Dr Ravi Kumar, gave an overview of the evolution of the LSME Conference series since the idea developed in 2010, highlighting the adoption of the RRI theme in 2015 and several successful conferences since then. Dr Kumar acknowledged that the first virtual conference last year attracted over 6000 potential participants.
He commended the peer review team for their handwork in selecting papers for presentation at the conference. Having discussed the content of the various sections of the research book, Dr Ravi Kumar ended his remarks by unveiling the latest publication by Lord Sheikh entitled ‘An Indian in the House’, as a token of his appreciation for his endearing support for LSME.
In his special address, Professor Rajan Welukar thanked the organisers for the invitation and highlighted the importance of the conference proceedings and Research books. This he said was extremely beneficial for the authors and for the institution as it helps to engage researchers to continue the research dialogue and to add value to the research of the participants. He commended the institution for launching the book as an event, attended by the participants. He congratulated all participants who got their outstanding work published and wished them the very best in all their future endeavours.
Parminder, a budding researcher scholar from India shared her perceptions of the LSME conferences as an inspiration to other early researchers. In her address, she highlighted that the LSME has provided a conducive platform that gives her the confidence to present her research work and engage in an open dialogue with renowned researchers. She expressed her enthusiasm to attend the next conference and to make use of the unique opportunities at no cost.
In his keynote address before the unveiling of the research book, Lord Sheikh thanked the management and staff of LSME and commended the team for organising this event and also for their hard work throughout the pandemic. He acknowledged their efforts in continuing to provide education using these virtual platforms and supporting students to alleviate the effects of the pandemic and the lockdown.
Lord Sheikh echoed his passion for research and education as suggested by his Coat of Arms and in all his publications. He used the event as an opportunity to extend his appreciation to LSME for its contribution to the education of the general society. The Research Book was unveiled by Lord Sheikh and was supported by other members of the Conference Committee.
Dr Sarita Parhi, the Principal of LSME, introduced the next conference in August 2021 as the 8th LSME International Research Conference on “Sustainable Development and Education”. She encouraged contributions from forward-thinking academics and practitioners who are interested in the selected theme and wish to share their perspectives on the challenges, process and outcomes of socially responsible research.