ENCOURAGE 2026 Young Researchers

YOUNG RESEARCHERS FOR A GREEN AND RESILIENT FUTURE Empowering Minds • Inspiring Sustainable Innovation

IRIS Education and Training Services

Conference Themes & Sub-Themes

Explore our diverse research areas

Theme 1

Social Sciences, Humanities & Education

Sociology, anthropology, cultural studies
Gender, youth & social change
Human rights, community development, NGOs/INGOs
Comparative education, curriculum & teaching methods
EdTech, AI in education & digital learning
Inclusive & special education
Media, communication & digital culture

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Theme 2

Business, Economics & Development

Entrepreneurship & start-ups
Digital businesses & AI-powered mentorship models
Microfinance, fintech & financial inclusion
Consumer behaviour & marketing trends
Local & global economic issues
Sustainable development & livelihoods
Social enterprises & youth-led business models

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Theme 3

Governance, Law & Public Policy

Public administration & governance reforms
Institutional performance & accountability
Policy design & implementation challenges
Federal–provincial–local governance
Climate governance & environmental policies
Legal studies: constitutional law, human rights law, criminal justice
International relations & geopolitical issues
Peace studies, conflict resolution

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Theme 4

Health, Environment & Climate Resilience

Public health, epidemiology & community well-being
Nutrition, mental health & youth well-being
WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene)
Environmental degradation & sustainability
Climate change impacts (heatwaves, floods, drought, salinity and sea-level rise)
Climate-smart agriculture & food security
Disaster preparedness & community resilience
Environmental policy & conservation initiatives

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Theme 5

Science, Technology, Engineering & Innovation

Software engineering, data science & AI
GIS, IoT, robotics & automation
Engineering innovation (electrical, mechanical, civil, industrial, chemical)
Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydrogen)
Environmental engineering & green technologies
Smart cities & digital infrastructure
Cybersecurity, digital ethics & information systems

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Theme 6

Arts, Culture & Creative Industries

Visual arts, painting, sketching, sculpture
Communication design, printing, advertising
Photography, short films & digital media
Cultural heritage, folklore & indigenous arts
Creative storytelling and digital content
Performing arts (music, theatre, dramatics)
Fashion, textile & craft-based innovation (sustainable design, indigenous embroidery and circular fashion)
Truck art, crafts & local cultural expressions

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Theme 7

Agriculture, Livestock & Rural Development

Rural livelihoods and poverty reduction
Smart irrigation, water management & soil fertility
Livestock management & veterinary sciences
Climate-resilient farming practices
Supply chains, food systems, & agri-business

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Theme 8

Peace, Ethics & Global Citizenship

Ethical leadership & moral philosophy
Civic responsibility & youth activism
Peacebuilding practices & interfaith harmony
Migration, displacement & global humanitarian issues
Globalization, cultural exchange & diaspora studies
Human dignity, social justice & ethical governance

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ENCOURAGE 2026