The Faculty of Arts at The Maldives National University (MNU) held the first session of the Faculty of Arts Research Forum on 22 October 2026 at the Faculty’s Seminar Room. The monthly initiative aims to showcase the research activities, findings and emerging insights of academic staff while fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary research culture.
The inaugural session featured five presenters who shared their research and ongoing work across diverse areas, including education, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, language development and student enrolment. The presentations explored AI literacy in higher education, innovative assessment approaches that promote deeper thinking, digital repression practices and capacity in the Maldives from 2003 to 2022, the development of a Dhivehi language glossary, factors influencing prospective students’ intentions to enrol in Library and Information Science programmes, and the benefits and challenges of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into secondary language learning classrooms.
The session provided an opportunity for academic staff to learn about ongoing research within the Faculty, exchange ideas and appreciate the diverse scholarly contributions of their colleagues. By creating a regular platform for research presentations and discussion, the forum seeks to encourage knowledge sharing, strengthen research engagement and support future academic collaboration.
The initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through its focus on educational innovation and improved teaching and learning practices; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, by promoting research, technological advancement and innovation; and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through research examining digital repression and its implications for society and institutions.
The Faculty of Arts remains committed to strengthening its research culture and creating opportunities for academic staff to share knowledge, develop new ideas and contribute to educational and societal development. The Research Forum will continue as a monthly initiative, highlighting the breadth of research undertaken across the Faculty and encouraging continued scholarly engagement.
