The Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, organised a two-day advanced-level research workshop aimed at enhancing the research skills and capabilities of social science faculty across the state. Titled ‘Faculty-to-Faculty Peer Learning in Social Sciences (Phase IV)’, the workshop was held on September 18th and 19th, 2025, and brought together academicians to explore modern research methodologies and tools that can shape the future of evidence-based social science research in the region.
The workshop was inaugurated in the presence of Chief Guest Bhushan K. Savaikar, Director of the Directorate of Higher Education, who spoke about the importance of academic research in tackling real-world societal challenges. His address set the tone for a high-impact event that combined intellectual discourse with hands-on learning. The workshop was meticulously co-ordinated by Prof. (Dr.) Niyan Marchon and Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Majik, with the support of Asst. Prof. Devmanoj Medisetty.
Dr. Sunil Kumar from the National Institute of Technology Goa delivered the keynote session, focusing on “Integrating Innovation, Intellectual Property, and Development Policy in Social Science Research.” His presentation emphasized how social sciences can harness innovation and policy frameworks to generate actionable insights that benefit both academia and society at large.
The two-day event featured multiple peer-led learning sessions where faculty members shared their expertise on various research topics. These included statistical expressions and hypothesis formulation, quantitative data analysis using SPSS, qualitative research using QGIS, and techniques for effective data management. Participants were also introduced to practical applications such as the use of SPSS for public policy and election data analysis, and methods for developing impactful research questionnaires.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the introduction to open-source tools that can democratize access to quality research resources, making it easier for faculty to pursue rigorous research regardless of institutional constraints. The emphasis on real-world application and data-driven insights aligned well with the broader goals of academic excellence and informed policy making.
The event concluded on a high note, reaffirming the Directorate of Higher Education’s commitment to nurturing a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation among Goa’s academic community. The fourth phase of the Faculty-to-Faculty Peer Learning initiative has once again demonstrated the power of collective academic engagement in elevating research standards across disciplines.
