IBA hosted its first Psychology Conference today, organized by the School of Economics and Social Sciences (IBA-SESS). The three-day conference is themed, ‘Rediscovering the Roots and Intersectionality of Psychology’. It includes panel discussions, interactive workshops by professionals and student research displays – curated to explore the depth of psychology and its various branches like clinical, counseling, educational, forensic, organizational, health and wellness and more. This is exemplified in the metaphor that adorns this conference: the Angan or Courtyard, a common part of South Asian homes where different voices come together to share dialogue.
The first day commenced with an opening address by Dr. Yaqoob Bangash, Dean, IBA-SESS, followed by a session on the conference metaphor by Dr. Shameel Khan, Psychology Cluster Head, IBA-SESS, and IBA alumnus. They Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Nicholas Sarra, an experienced group analyst associated with Exeter University and a member of the Institute of Group Analysis. Other attendees include Dr. Laila Sohail Farooq, Chairperson, Social Sciences & Liberal Arts, Dr. Saima Binte Saif, Director, Psychology Lab, along with faculty members and students at the School.
Another milestone achieved today was the inauguration of the newly established Psychology Research and Testing Lab (PsychREST), under the leadership of Director of Lab, Dr. Saima Saif, reflecting the institution’s commitment to advancing social sciences research. The facility, equipped with licensed standardized tests and tools for cognitive assessment, behavioral research, and experimental psychology, will provide students and faculty with a learning environment to conduct rigorous academic research.
This initiative reflects IBA’s vision to broaden its academic horizons to a multidisciplinary approach that prepares students to address complex human and organizational challenges in today’s dynamic world.
