The Maldives National University (MNU) continues to strengthen its research culture by supporting research across diverse disciplines and areas of national relevance. During 2025, six research studies were registered, covering education, artificial intelligence, climate change and health, nursing education, and equitable access to healthcare.

The registered studies reflect a broad range of research interests and contribute to areas aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including quality education, good health and well-being, climate action, reduced inequalities, innovation, and strong institutions.

1. Secondary Students’ Interest in Reading Dhivehi: A Self-Determination Theory (SDT) Perspective

Researcher: Ahmed Hashin, The Maldives National University
Supervisor: Dr. Asim Abdul Sattar, The Maldives National University

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education
• Focus: quality education, student engagement, literacy, language education, learner motivation, inclusive learning, educational outcomes, and lifelong learning.
• This study examines secondary students’ interest and motivation in reading Dhivehi through the lens of Self-Determination Theory, contributing to a better understanding of student engagement and language learning.

2. Investigation of the Use, Attitude and Adoption of Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Law in the Maldives: A Mixed Method Study

Researcher: Batool Zahoor Qazi, The Maldives National University
Supervisor: Dr. Abdul Sattar Abdul Rahman, The Maldives National University

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Focus: quality education, digital learning innovation, generative artificial intelligence, teaching and learning, technology adoption, legal education, research and innovation, digital transformation, and lifelong learning.
• The study investigates the use, attitudes and adoption of generative AI in legal education in the Maldives, contributing evidence on emerging technologies and their role in higher education.

3. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Supporting Lifelong Learning: An Investigation of Adoption Patterns and Influencing Factors at University

Researcher: Aminath Zifna, The Maldives National University
Supervisor: Roza Ibrahim, The Maldives National University

• SDG Alignment: SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Focus: lifelong learning, artificial intelligence, digital learning, technology adoption, higher education, skills development, digital transformation, educational innovation, and research and innovation.
• This research explores the role of artificial intelligence in supporting lifelong learning within the university context, with particular attention to patterns of adoption and the factors influencing the use of AI-enabled learning.

4. Impact of Climate Change on Communicable Diseases in the Maldives

Researcher: Dr. Razana Faiz, The Maldives National University
Supervisor: Dr. Sheeza Ali, The Maldives National University

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 13 – Climate Action
• Focus: climate change, public health, communicable diseases, climate-related health risks, climate resilience, health research, disease prevention, environmental health, and evidence-based health planning.
• This research examines the relationship between climate change and communicable diseases in the Maldives, contributing to the growing evidence base on climate-related health risks and the need for climate-resilient health systems.

5. The Perception of Final-Year Nursing Students’ Readiness on Entering Professional Practice: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Researcher: Fathimath Jaleela, The Maldives National University
Supervisor: Aminath Shiuna, The Maldives National University

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4 – Quality Education
• Focus: nursing education, professional readiness, healthcare workforce development, competency development, quality education, skills development, transition to professional practice, healthcare capacity strengthening, and student experiences.
• The study explores final-year nursing students’ perceptions of their readiness to enter professional practice, generating evidence relevant to nursing education, graduate preparedness and healthcare workforce development.

6. Access Barriers and Legal Protections in Migrant Healthcare: A Comprehensive Study on Safe Access, Antidiscrimination Measures, and Advocacy for Inclusive Health Policies in the Maldives

Researcher: Shara Mohamed Saeed, The Maldives National University
Supervisor: Dr. Abdul-Sattar Abdul-Rahman, The Maldives National University

• SDG Alignment: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Focus: healthcare access, health equity, migrant health, reduced inequalities, social inclusion, non-discrimination, legal protection, inclusive policy, access to services, human rights, and inclusive institutions.
• This study examines barriers affecting migrants’ access to healthcare alongside legal protections, anti-discrimination measures and advocacy for inclusive health policies in the Maldives. The research has the potential to contribute evidence relevant to equitable access to health services and inclusive policy development.

Strengthening MNU’s Research Culture

Collectively, these registered studies demonstrate the diversity of research being undertaken within the Maldives National University and the growing engagement of researchers with issues of national and societal importance.

The studies address education and lifelong learning, responsible adoption of emerging technologies, climate-related health challenges, healthcare workforce development, health equity and inclusive access to services. Through research registration and institutional research support, MNU continues to strengthen research capacity, knowledge generation and evidence-informed approaches to addressing development challenges in the Maldives.