Dr. Pavan Kumar Yadavalli, Professor and Head, Department of Teacher Education, 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 presented a research paper titled “Transforming Inclusive Education for Learners with Multiple Disabilities: Emerging Innovations and Future Directions” at the international conference, which brought together academicians, researchers, teacher educators, policymakers and professionals from different countries to deliberate on emerging developments in education and the social sciences.
His research highlighted transformative approaches towards inclusive education for learners with multiple disabilities, with particular emphasis on assistive technologies, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), artificial intelligence-enabled educational support systems, teacher competency development and evidence-based pedagogical practices.
The paper advocated equitable, accessible and learner-centred educational environments that enable meaningful participation and improved educational outcomes for children with multiple disabilities. It also stressed strengthening teacher education programmes, interdisciplinary collaboration and progressive policy initiatives in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on inclusive and equitable quality education.
In recognition of the scholarly merit, originality and practical relevance of the research, Dr. Yadavalli was conferred the Research Era Excellent Paper Award in the category of “Best Presentation and Content.” The award was presented by Dr. Amila Gamage of LIGS University and Director, Raffles Educational Institute, Singapore.
The presentation generated academic discussion among international participants on contemporary challenges, innovations and future directions in inclusive education, adding to Manipur University’s growing engagement with international research and academic platforms.
Significantly, on the sidelines of ICESS–2026, Dr. Yadavalli 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 on possibilities for collaboration with Manipur University.
The discussions explored opportunities for joint research projects, collaborative publications, faculty and researcher networking, capacity-building initiatives and other academic partnerships aimed at strengthening the University’s research and developmental activities and expanding its global academic engagement.
Dr. Yadavalli’s participation and international recognition at ICESS–2026 have provided another platform to showcase the research contributions and institutional strengths of Manipur University internationally, while opening possibilities for wider academic partnerships in teacher education, inclusive education and related areas.
