Vidyodaya Undergraduate Research Day (VURD)

The Vidyodaya Undergraduate Research Day (VURD) is an annual event organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. It serves as a platform for final-year undergraduates to present their research findings, fostering an environment of academic inquiry and scholarly exchange. The theme for VURD 2025 is “Knowledge in Practice: Research on Contemporary Issues in Humanities and Social Sciences”.

Objectives

To provide a scholarly platform for final-year undergraduates to present and discuss research findings in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences.

To promote a culture of academic inquiry, critical thinking, and research excellence among undergraduates of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

To facilitate intellectual exchange and constructive dialogue among students, academics, and researchers within the university community.

Proposed Date and Venue

Date: 20.07.2026
Venue: Sri Sumangala Auditorium (Sri Sumangala Sabhasadaya) ,

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Keynote Speaker

Senior Professor Sandagomi Coperahewa,
Department of Sinhala,
University of Colombo

Call for Papers

Eligibility: Final-year undergraduates from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstracts: Students are required to submit abstracts summarizing their research objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions.
- Format: Abstracts should adhere to a standardized format provided by the organizing committee.
- Deadline: Submission deadlines will be announced well in advance to allow adequate preparation time.
Themes:
- Crime, Society and Human Behaviour
- History, Archaeology and Tourism
- IT and Statistics
- GIS and Geography
- Politics and Economy
- Philosophy and Psychology
- Languages, Literature and Communication
- Religion, Culture and Aesthetics

Review Process

Submitted abstracts will undergo a peer-review process conducted by faculty members to ensure the quality and relevance of the research presented. Feedback will be provided to students to refine their presentations.

Conference Important Dates

Call for Abstracts 11th June 2026
Abstract Submission Deadline 10th July 2026
Review Process 30th July 2026
Notification of Acceptance 01st August 2026
Submission of Revised Abstract 10th August 2026
Registration 15th August 2026
Conference date 20th August 2026

Event Structure

Inaugural Session: Featuring keynote addresses by distinguished scholars and industry experts.
Technical Sessions: Thematic sessions where students present their research, followed by Q&A segments to encourage interaction and feedback.
Poster Presentations: An opportunity for students to display their research in a visual format, facilitating informal discussions.
Awards Ceremony: Recognition of outstanding research presentations and contributions.

Awards

To recognize and celebrate academic excellence, Best Abstract Awards will be presented under each thematic area of the VURD 2025. These awards aim to acknowledge outstanding undergraduate research that demonstrates originality, methodological rigor, and relevance to contemporary academic and social issues. Winners will be selected based on the quality of their submitted abstracts and the effectiveness of their presentations during the technical sessions. This initiative is intended to motivate students to strive for high research standards and contribute meaningfully to their respective disciplines.

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