Dear Distinguished Colleagues, Researchers, and Participants,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to BLAIM 2.0, organised by Scientific Communication, Outreach & Public
Engagement (SCOPE), Parul University, under the theme “Gen Z for Sustainable, Just and Human-Centred
Futures.”
Contemporary challenges in mental health, social inequality, criminal justice, technological
accountability, and sustainable development require approaches that integrate scientific evidence, human
behaviour, and local realities. The National Academies (2005) emphasised the value of interdisciplinary
research in addressing complex problems, while the WHO (2022) and UNESCO (2021) have highlighted the
importance of coordinated mental health responses and ethical governance of emerging technologies.
Together, these perspectives reinforce the need for research that connects disciplines, institutions, and
communities.
Inspired by MIT D-Lab’s approach to participatory design, community engagement, and context-sensitive
innovation, BLAIM 2.0 seeks to strengthen the relationship between research and its practical
application. Bringing together neuroscience, behavioural sciences, medicine, mindfulness, law, criminology,
artificial intelligence, and public policy, the conference encourages critical examination of evidence
and the development of socially relevant research directions.
Our focus on Generation Z acknowledges the importance of engaging young researchers and innovators in
examining the behavioural, legal, ethical, and societal implications of technological and institutional
change.
At SCOPE, we work towards integrating laboratory-based investigations, field research, professional
expertise, and community participation. Through our multidisciplinary research clusters, specialised
laboratories, research centres, and international academic collaborations, we aim to support
evidence-informed interventions, responsible innovation, and research capacity building.
I see BLAIM 2.0 as an opportunity to identify shared research priorities, establish interdisciplinary
partnerships, and develop collaborative initiatives with relevance to policy, professional practice, and
community needs. The value of this conference will lie not only in the knowledge exchanged but also in the
research questions, partnerships, and practical initiatives that emerge from it.
I look forward to welcoming you to Parul University and to your contributions towards advancing rigorous,
collaborative, and socially responsible research.
With regards,
Prof. (Dr.) Richa Mishra