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 “From Inquiry to Impact: Showcasing Undergraduate Research Contributions”.
Objectives
Showcase Undergraduate Research:
Provide a forum for students to present their research projects, highlighting the depth and breadth of undergraduate scholarship within the faculty.
Encourage Scholarly Dialogue:
Facilitate discussions between students, faculty, and external experts to enhance the quality and impact of undergraduate research.
Promote Research Culture:
Instill a culture of research and inquiry among undergraduates, encouraging them to pursue advanced studies and contribute to the academic community.
Proposed Date and Venue
Date: 21.08.2025
Venue: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
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.
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.