ICHD 2026
ICHD 2026 Advances Research and Academic Collaboration in Allied Health Sciences at the University of Jaffna
The Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Jaffna, successfully hosted the 3rd International Research Conference on Healthy Delights (ICHD 2026) on 8 September 2026, bringing together researchers, academics and healthcare professionals to share knowledge and explore emerging health challenges. Held under the theme “Advancing Allied Health Sciences for Sustainable Health Systems,” the conference marked a significant milestone in the continued growth of ICHD, with increased research participation, a diverse scientific programme and expanding international engagement.
ICHD 2026 demonstrated considerable growth in research engagement, receiving 66 abstract submissions, of which 47 were accepted, representing an acceptance rate of approximately 71%. This marked a substantial increase from the 22 and 24 accepted abstracts at the inaugural conference in 2022 and the second edition in 2024, respectively. The growth reflects the increasing recognition of ICHD as a platform for research dissemination and academic engagement in Allied Health Sciences.
A multidisciplinary scientific programme
The scientific programme was organised into four thematic tracks: Clinical Laboratory Sciences; Nursing and Global Public Health; Pharmacy and Therapeutics; and Sports Science and Nutrition. The presentations addressed a diverse range of health priorities, including antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, chronic disease management, maternal and community health, pharmaceutical research, rehabilitation, sports science and emerging diagnostic approaches.
The conference was honoured by the presence of Prof. T. Velnumpy as Chief Guest, who delivered an address and commended the Faculty’s efforts to establish and strengthen ICHD as an important academic platform.
The programme featured two keynote addresses and four plenary presentations. Emeritus Professor Daya Somasundaram explored multidisciplinary approaches to alcohol use disorders in Jaffna, highlighting the psychosocial and socioeconomic vulnerabilities associated with the region’s post-conflict context. Professor Abi Sriharan from the University of Toronto addressed leadership of sustainable health systems in the age of artificial intelligence, emphasising continuity of care, longitudinal health information, responsible technology adoption and health-system transformation.
The plenary presentations further expanded the scientific discussion to include the gut–kidney axis, gestational weight gain, health economics and emotion regulation in sports, reflecting the breadth of contemporary research across the health sciences.
Recognising research excellence and strengthening international engagement
Academic evaluation was supported by eight Track Chairs, with two representing each scientific track. Best Paper Awards were presented across all four tracks, recognising outstanding research contributions by participating researchers.
A key milestone of ICHD 2026 was the participation of researchers from India, who travelled to Jaffna, further strengthening its international profile and fostering opportunities for cross-border academic engagement. The conference proceedings were published under ISSN 3121-5297, providing a permanent scholarly record of the research presented. The full proceedings are available online
Looking ahead
Since its establishment in 2022, ICHD has progressed through three important stages: establishment, consolidation, and expansion with internationalisation. The 2026 edition represents a significant step forward in the Faculty’s efforts to develop a sustained multidisciplinary research culture and strengthen academic collaboration.
Looking ahead, the Faculty aims to build on this momentum by translating conference engagement into meaningful research collaborations, peer-reviewed publications, external research funding and postgraduate research development. Through continued academic engagement and international partnerships, ICHD aspires to contribute to the advancement of health research and sustainable health systems in Sri Lanka and beyond.
ICHD 2026 reaffirmed the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences’ commitment to fostering research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange in addressing the health challenges of the region and the wider world.