3rdINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
ADVANCING RESEARCH
IN SOCIAL SCIENCES (ICARSS)
“Innovations and Interdisciplinary Strategies in Social Sciences for Sustainable and Inclusive Development”
17-18 November,2025
ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD
About the Conference
Background and Rationale
In a world facing dynamic social, economic, environmental, and political transformations, the role of social sciences has never been more critical. From shaping inclusive policies and promoting sustainable development to navigating digital disruption and addressing inequality, social science research stands at the forefront of innovation and impact. As global challenges become increasingly interconnected, there is a growing demand for interdisciplinary strategies and context-specific, human-centred approaches that can drive real change.
Recognizing this need, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, has consistently fostered academic discourse on emerging trends and challenges in the field. The 1st Social Sciences Conference (2015) initiated a vital dialogue on "New Dimensions, Challenges and Perspectives" in the 21st century, while the 2nd Social Sciences Conference (2016) deepened the conversation by exploring the evolving role of social sciences in postmodern contexts. Both conferences successfully brought together national and international scholars, igniting cross-disciplinary collaborations and setting a strong foundation for future academic engagement.
Now, the 3rd International Conference on Advancing Research in Social Sciences (ICARSS 2025) builds upon this legacy, aiming to explore the theme "Innovations and Interdisciplinary Strategies in Social Sciences for Sustainable and Inclusive Development." The conference aspires to provide a vibrant platform for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange insights, share breakthroughs, and critically reflect on the transformative potential of social sciences in addressing today's complex societal issues.
By encouraging inclusive dialogue and fostering global academic networks, ICARSS 2025 seeks to reshape the landscape of social science research and inspire actionable solutions for a more equitable, informed, and resilient world.
Conference Objectives
Academic Platform for Knowledge Sharing
To provide an inclusive academic platform for indigenous and international scholars to present original and impactful research that addresses pressing social issues in the context of today’s rapidly evolving world.
Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration
To promote interdisciplinary collaboration across diverse domains of social sciences, encouraging integrated approaches that support the broader aims of sustainable and inclusive development, in line with the global vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Fostering Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue
To foster cross-disciplinary dialogue among fields such as Business & Commerce, Economics, Sociology, Politics & International Relations, Gender & Women Studies, Mass Communication, History, Library & Information Sciences, Iqbal Studies, Pakistani Languages, and Literature, with a focus on addressing complex societal challenges through innovative thinking.
Exploring Innovative Research Methodologies
To explore emerging research methodologies, evolving theoretical frameworks, and transformative trends that are redefining the role of social sciences in policy and practice.
Strengthening Academic Networks
To strengthen academic linkages and collaborative networks among national and international researchers, facilitating joint initiatives, research outputs, and knowledge exchange with real-world impact.
Bridging Research and Policy
To bridge the gap between academic inquiry and societal needs through evidence-based policy discussions, ensuring that social science research contributes meaningfully to inclusive development and public well-being.
Expected Outcomes
Enhanced Research Networking and Collaboration
Development of Interdisciplinary Research
Recommendations for Evidence-Based Social Policy Interventions
Publication of Selected Conference Papers in of Social Sciences and Humanities of AIOU
Call for Papers
The conference welcomes submissions of academic papers, practitioner papers, student papers, and research into progress on a wide array of topics within the social sciences.
Sub-Themes of the Conference
Sociology
Social Institutions, Youth and Development, Media and Social Change, Gender Dynamics, Women Empowerment, Population Studies, Social Work, Digital Parenting, Migration and Criminology.
Psychology
Contemporary Psychological Issues in Society, Technology, Media & Psychology.
Politics and International Relation
Governance and Public Policy, Diplomacy, Strategic Studies, South Asian Studies, Geopolitics, Social Justice, Peace & Conflict Studies.
Gender and Women Studies
Gender Studies, Cyber Bullying, Gender & Digitalization, Gender & Folklore, Gender-Based Violence, Women’s Rights in Islamic and Legal Frameworks.
Business Administration
Human Resource Management, Marketing, Financial Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, Business Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, E-Business, Digital Transformation.
Commerce
Accounting, Fin Tech, Corporate Finance, Auditing Practices, Taxation, Digital Banking, Business Law, E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics.
Economics
Development Economics, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Labour Economics, Poverty and Inequality, Public Sector Economics, Financial Reforms
Library and Information Sciences
Knowledge Management, Digital Archiving, Information Literacy, Library Automation, Research Data Services, Open Access Publishing.
Mass communication
Media and Culture, Media and Society, Environmental Communication, Media and Politics, AI and Media, New Communication Technologies in Mass Communication.
English
Literary Studies, Postcolonial Literature, Applied Linguistics, English Language Teaching (ELT), TESOL, Comparative Literature.
Urdu
Classical and Modern Urdu Literature, Literary Criticism, Poetics, Prose and Poetry, Urdu Journalism, Sociolinguistics.
Pakistani Languages
Linguistic Diversity in Pakistan, Literature in Pakistani Languages, Folklore, Sufi Traditions, National Integration Through Pakistani Languages, Cultural Identity Through Pakistani Languages, Preservation of Endangered Pakistani Languages.
Iqbal Studies
Philosophy of Iqbal, Thoughts of Iqbal on Selfhood and Society, Islamic Modernism, Metaphysics and Epistemology in Iqbal’s Works, Relevance of Iqbal in Contemporary Muslim Societies.
Centre for Languages and Translation Studies
Translation Studies, Post Colonial Translated Literature, Applied Linguistics, Critical Discourse Analysis and Comparative Literature.
Pakistan Studies
Pakistan Studies, Democratic, Historical and Political Development of Pakistan, Identity and Ideology, Regionalism.
History
Political Culture, Ancient, Medieval & Modern History, South Asian History, Islamic History & Civilization, Historiography, Archival Research Methods.
Submission Guidelines
Author Guidelines (English)
Download the official author guidelines (English) for preparing abstracts and full papers.
Author Guidelines (Urdu)
Download the official author guidelines (Urdu) for preparing abstracts and full papers.
Submit Your Paper
Ready to contribute to the advancement of social sciences? Submit your abstract or full paper today!
For submission queries, contact:
icarss2025@aiou.edu.pk
Important Dates
Call for Abstract/Papers
August 11, 2025
Abstract/Paper Submission
September 30, 2025
Acceptance Notification
October 15, 2025
Early Bird Registration
October 27, 2025
Normal Registration Deadline
November 05, 2025
Presentation Submission
November 10, 2025
Conference Dates
November 17-18, 2025
Conference Schedule
Two days of intensive research presentations and networking
Keynote Speakers
Distinguished experts who will share their insights and research
Speakers Will Be Updated Soon
We are in the process of confirming our distinguished keynote speakers who will share their expertise and insights on social sciences research.
Day 1 Keynote
November 17, 2025
Speaker to be announced
Day 2 Keynote
November 18, 2025
Speaker to be announced
Registration Fees
Choose your participation mode and category
| Category | Early Bird | Normal |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty/Researchers (Local) | Rs 4,000 | Rs 5,000 |
| Faculty/Researchers (Foreign) | $40 | $50 |
| MS/M.Phil./PhD Scholars (Local) | Rs 3,000 | Rs 4,000 |
| MS/M.Phil./PhD Scholars (Foreign) | $30 | $40 |
| Participants/Co-authors (Local) | Rs 2,500 | Rs 3,500 |
| Participants/Co-authors (Foreign) | $25 | $35 |
| Category | Early Bird | Normal |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty/Researchers (Local) | Rs 2,500 | Rs 3,000 |
| Faculty/Researchers (Foreign) | $25 | $30 |
| MS/M.Phil./PhD Scholars (Local) | Rs 2,000 | Rs 2,500 |
| MS/M.Phil./PhD Scholars (Foreign) | $20 | $25 |
| Participants/Co-authors (Local) | Rs 1,500 | Rs 2,000 |
| Participants/Co-authors (Foreign) | $15 | $20 |
Accommodation
Accommodation at AIOU Hostel for physical participants
Executive Suite
Rs 5,000
per night
Executive Room
Rs 3,500
per night
Student Room
Rs 400
per night (Sharing)
Contact for Accommodation
Phone: 051-9571200
Conference Organizers
Meet our conference leadership team
Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood
Vice Chancellor, AIOU
Prof. Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir
Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities
Dr. Salman Ali Qureshi
Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Prof. Dr. Syed Muhammad Amir Shah
Chairperson, Department of Commerce
Prof. Dr. Pervaiz Ahmad
Chairperson, Department of Library & Information Sciences
Prof. Dr. Abdullah Jan Abid
Chairperson, Department of Pakistani Languages
Dr. Saadia Anwar Pasha
Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication
Dr. Nasim Khan Mahsud
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology
Dr. Mubashar Hassan Zia
Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration
Dr. Ali Haider
Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration
Dr. Muhammad Munir Ahmad
Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce
Mr. Rizwan Ahmed Satti
Lecturer, Department of Economics
Mr. Saran Qadeer
Research Assistant, Department of Politics & International Relations
Abstract & Full Paper Scientific Review Committee
Contact Information
Get in touch with us for any questions about the conference
Phone
+92-51-9057295
icarss2025@aiou.edu.pk
Website
www.aiou.edu.pk
Venue: Academic Complex, Allama Iqbal Open University
Sector H-8/2, Islamabad, Pakistan
+92 333 5109790
+92 312 5635844
November 17-18, 2025
Conference Dates
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Both Days
Academic Complex, AIOU
Hybrid Mode Available
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD
PAKISTAN