Building Foundations for Research: ALPA’s Second Joint Meeting of Research Committees

July 9, 2025

Last week, the Afghanistan Law and Political Science Association (ALPA) took another significant step toward strengthening its scholarly community by hosting the second joint meeting of its Research Committees. The gathering, held virtually, brought together scholars and committee members who are shaping the future of research on Afghanistan and the region.

Dr. Omar Sadr led the meeting with thoughtful remarks on the critical role these research committees play. He emphasized that creating specialized committees offers a powerful platform for scholars to collaborate, share ideas, and generate new research that not only advances knowledge but also supports emerging scholars navigating an increasingly challenging academic environment. Dr. Sadr also highlighted how contributions from these committees would enrich ALPA’s upcoming conferences and publications, serving as a catalyst for rigorous and interdisciplinary dialogue.

A key feature of the meeting was the breakout sessions, where members of each committee gathered in separate virtual rooms to discuss their organizational needs and goals. Most committees successfully elected their Chair and Vice-Chair, establishing leadership structures that will guide their future activities. To support these efforts, ALPA has appointed dedicated secretaries for each committee, tasked with assisting in coordination, documentation, and communication.

In both joint and separate discussions, committee members shared valuable suggestions on how to improve and institutionalize the committees’ roles within ALPA. Several participants proposed creating new committees to address emerging research themes, while others recommended merging closely related committees to foster stronger collaboration and efficiency.

After the meeting, Khadija presented a draft of the proposed articles outlining the governance and operations of the research committees. Members were invited to review and provide feedback, with plans to reconvene in July and submit their suggestions by the end of the month. This collaborative approach ensures that the final structure of the research committees reflects diverse perspectives and meets the needs of ALPA’s dynamic community.

As ALPA continues to grow, these research committees are poised to become vital engines of scholarly production, mentorship, and institutional development. Their collective efforts signal a promising future for Afghan and regional studies, rooted in collaboration, academic excellence, and a shared commitment to knowledge.