MNU Theveli Conference Sets Record With 330 Research Papers From 25 Countries

The Maldives National University (MNU) has launched the ninth edition of the 'Theveli' International Conference, marking a historic milestone for academic research in the Maldives. This year’s event has seen a record-breaking 330 research papers submitted, the highest number ever recorded for a scientific conference of this nature within the country. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended the official inauguration ceremony as the chief guest, held at the MNU Administrative Centre's auditorium. Running from August 17 to 19, the conference brings together a diverse array of international professors, renowned researchers, and industry experts to discuss the theme, “Transformative Innovation in the 21st Century: Science, Technology, and Society.” The scale of the 2026 conference reflects a growing global interest in Maldivian research, with submissions arriving from 25 different countries. The research spans critical global and local sectors, including climate change, artificial intelligence, gender equality, global peace, and health sciences. MNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam emphasized that the conference serves as a catalyst for students to advance their knowledge and innovation. She noted that while the Maldives is a small island nation, the intellectual output generated here has the potential to create a significant impact far beyond its borders. Beyond the main sessions, the university hosted an Undergraduate Student Research Symposium specifically for bachelor's degree students, fostering a culture of inquiry from the ground up. To ensure the findings lead to practical applications, MNU has scheduled a series of post-conference workshops on August 20. The primary objective of the Theveli conference is to bridge the gap between academic research and governance. By promoting a research-driven approach to policy-making, MNU aims to establish a higher education system grounded in scientific knowledge, ensuring that national decisions are informed by evidence and rigorous data.