21 scholars from diverse academic and social backgrounds have been selected to participate in the 7th Research Capacity Development Workshop on “Researching the Region: Space, Time and Identities,” being organised by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) in collaboration with the Humanities and Social Sciences Department, IIT Roorkee. The five-day workshop will be held from 12–16 October 2026 at IIT Roorkee, in the state of Uttarakhand, north India.

Region is more than a physical space; it is a social and material construct shaped by and which in turn continues to shape power dynamics, inequalities, colonial legacies, contestations over identity and post-colonial state formations. Region, thus understood, provides us with a valuable methodology to ground our research, whether we are investigating identities, spaces or social and historical processes, thus sharpening our understanding of societal structures and their transformation.  

The call for applications received an overwhelming response, with nearly 130 applications from across India. Following a careful assessment of the applications, 21 scholars were selected for the workshop.

Among the selected participants 13 are women, one transman, one non-binary participant and six are men. Out of 21 participants 14 are from regional universities, six from metropolitan universities, and one is a social activist. The participants will work closely with eight mentors through interactive sessions, discussions and research-oriented activities. The workshop will explore the question of how to study ‘region’, while engaging with research design, methodologies, ethics, writing and publishing.

This workshop will also provide an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas through formal and informal conversations, build academic networks, and strengthen their research capacities.

Banner: 2026 – Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, IIT Roorkee, is a technical university located in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India. Photo mrinalpal, Shutterstock