Manipur University Professor Dr Pavan Kumar Yadavalli has won the Research Era Excellent Paper Award at ICESS–2026 in Singapore for research on inclusive education.
Imphal, August 22: Dr. Pavan Kumar Yadavalli, Professor and Head of the Department of Teacher Education at Manipur University, has received the “Research Era Excellent Paper Award” at the International Conference on Education and Social Science (ICESS–2026) held in Singapore on August 21.
Dr. Yadavalli received the award for his research paper titled “Transforming Inclusive Education for Learners with Multiple Disabilities: Emerging Innovations and Future Directions.” The paper was presented at the international conference, which brought together academicians, researchers, teacher educators, policymakers and professionals from different countries to discuss emerging developments in education and the social sciences.
His research examined emerging approaches to inclusive education for learners with multiple disabilities, with a focus on assistive technologies, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), artificial intelligence-enabled educational support systems, teacher competency development and evidence-based teaching practices.
The paper called for more equitable, accessible and learner-centred educational environments that can support meaningful participation and better learning outcomes for children with multiple disabilities.
It also emphasised the need to strengthen teacher education programmes, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and develop progressive education policies in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education.
Dr. Yadavalli was conferred the Research Era Excellent Paper Award in the “Best Presentation and Content” category in recognition of the scholarly merit, originality and practical relevance of his research.
The award was presented by Dr. Amila Gamage of LIGS University and Director of Raffles Educational Institute, Singapore.
His presentation also prompted academic discussion among international participants on contemporary challenges in inclusive education, technological innovations and future directions in the field.
The participation has provided Manipur University with an international platform to showcase its academic and research activities, particularly in teacher education and inclusive education.
On the sidelines of ICESS–2026, Dr. Yadavalli also held exploratory discussions with representatives of academic institutions and organisations from the United Kingdom, Kangwon National University in South Korea and National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan.
The discussions explored possibilities for collaboration with Manipur University in areas including joint research projects, collaborative publications, faculty and researcher networking, capacity-building initiatives and other academic partnerships.
Such collaborations, if pursued, could expand opportunities for researchers and faculty members while supporting the university's research and academic development activities.
Dr. Yadavalli's participation and recognition at the Singapore conference have also opened possibilities for wider international engagement in teacher education, inclusive education and related academic fields.
