The present state of social science research in Asia

The first pan-Asia conference ‘Status and Role of Social Science Research in Asia, Emerging Challenges and Policy Issues’ (New Delhi, 13-15 March 2014), with representatives from 24 countries in Asia and some non-Asian countries, was intended to assess the present state of social science research in Asia and to set up a network for further coordination and support. The conference, at the initiative of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and funded by the Canadian IDRC (International Development Research Centre), sought to line up the concerns, mainly addressing the role of research granting councils in Asia and internationally (www.icssridrcconference.com). In the fi nal session, it was agreed that an Asia Network of social science research councils, institutions, think tanks and eminent social scientists will be established. The following report is a modified version of the closing lecture that I delivered at the conference to summarise the proceedings.