Theme: Exploring New Horizons in Liberal Arts

Date: 15th May 2026 (Virtual)
Participants: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students

We are pleased to announce the Fourth International Student Research Colloquium hosted by the Manipal Institute of Liberal Arts, Exploring New Horizons in Liberal Arts’. 

This annual academic initiative, conducted virtually in the Fourth edition, is designed to foster critical inquiry and creative exploration by offering students a platform to showcase their research projects.

The colloquium aims to bring together emerging scholars from undergraduate and postgraduate programs, encouraging them to engage in thoughtful dialogue - not only with peers but also with faculty members who contribute to the academic exchange. The event celebrates research excellence across the fields of English Language and Literature, Psychology, Sociology, and Media, while welcoming interdisciplinary contributions from the broader liberal arts community.

Participants are invited to submit papers and posters that reflect original thought, intellectual curiosity, and academic rigor. Awards will be presented for the Best Paper and Best Poster submissions.

Submissions are invited in, but not limited to, the following thematic tracks:

• Language and Literature
• Society and Culture
• Gender and Society
• Media, Film, and Creative Industries
• Psychology and Community
• AI and Liberal Arts
• Media, Culture and Politics
• Environment, Sustainability, and Society
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
• Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics
• Mental Health and Well-being
• Tech-assisted Language Learning
• AI in Behavioral Studies
• Diaspora and Identity
• Popular Cinema and Soft Propaganda
• Storytelling in the Digital Age Across Multimedia Platforms
• Digital and Social Media Cultures

Key Dates:
Abstract submission deadline: 12th April 2026
Virtual Colloquium: 15th May 2026

We look forward to the enthusiastic participation of students who are eager to contribute to meaningful academic conversations and collaborative research within the liberal arts.

Patron
Dr. Sudhindra Shamanna
Pro-Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Dubai

Convener
Prof. Elsa Thomas
Chairperson, Manipal Institute of Liberal Arts, MAHE, Dubai

Faculty Coordinators
Dr. Mitul Joseph, Assistant Professor, MILA
Prof. Amal Shiyas, Assistant Professor, MILA
Dr. Jereesh K Elias, Assistant Professor – Senior Scale, MILA

Student Coordinators
Ms. Anamika P S, BA Media and Communication
Ms. Riya Manish Shetty, BSc Applied Psychology
Mr. Yuvan Shankar, MAHE Foundation Program

Abstract Review Panelists
Dr. Richa Arora, Assistant Professor, MILA
Dr. Rincy Daniel, Assistant Professor, MILA
Prof. Sivaprasad Nandakumar, Assistant Professor, MILA
Prof. Fathima Zeba, Assistant Professor, MILA
Prof. Aswathy Menon, Assistant Professor, MILA
Ms. Ayman Sayed, Faculty Associate, MILA

Abstract Submission Guidelines

• An individual prospective participant cannot submit more than two abstracts
• Abstract must be submitted in English
• Abstracts for consideration should be submitted through this form: https://forms.gle/ac3JmdaWeJi9GZUj8
• Paper/ Poster Abstract should include (300 words) - objective/purpose; method; findings/results; relevance; implications as well as 3 to 5 keywords 
• Once abstracts have been accepted, no changes in authorship and text may be made
• Both the author and all co-authors must register to receive a certificate

Registration and Payment
You may register as a presenter or a participant:

• Once you have been notified that your abstract has been accepted, you may register as a (virtual) presenter.
• You may also register as a participant if you wish to attend the colloquium. You will receive a certificate of attendance for the same.

Payment links: will be updated soon