DNLU Jabalpur Hosts National Workshop on From Idea to Publication: A Practical Guide to Writing Research Papers

11th October, Jabalpur — The Centre for Law & Economics, Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, successfully organized a One-Day National Workshop titled “From Idea to Publication: A Practical Guide to Writing Research Papers” on 11th October 2025. The event, conducted virtually, aimed to equip students and young researchers with practical insights into the journey of academic writing — from conceptualizing an idea to publishing a research paper.

Leadership and Guidance

The workshop was held under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. Praveen Tripathi, Registrar, and Dr. Isha Wadhwa, Director of the Centre for Law & Economics, DNLU, Jabalpur. Their guidance shaped the academic depth and practical relevance of the sessions.

Purpose and Focus

The workshop’s primary goal was to familiarize participants with each stage of the research process — idea generation, research design, structuring, and publication. The sessions promoted an interdisciplinary approach, integrating law and economics, and bridged the gap between theoretical concepts and practical execution in academic writing.

Sessions and Distinguished Speakers

The day-long event comprised seven sessions, beginning with the Inaugural and Welcome Addresses delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha and Dr. Praveen Tripathi, who emphasized the importance of academic research and the role of interdisciplinary learning in advancing legal scholarship. The Keynote Address and First Technical Session were delivered by Dr. Hitesh Kumar Thakkar, Director of the Centre for Empirical & Applied Research in Law & Interdisciplinary Studies (CEARLIS) and Assistant Professor of Economics at GNLU, Gandhinagar. Dr. Thakkar spoke on “Developing Phenomenal, Conceptual, and Measurement Frameworks for Law and Economics through Evidence-Based Interdisciplinary Research,” laying a strong foundation for understanding empirical approaches to legal research.

The subsequent sessions were equally engaging and intellectually stimulating. Dr. Malabika Pal, Associate Professor of Economics at Miranda House, University of Delhi, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “The Choice of a Research Question: Using the Methodology of the Economic Analysis of Law.” She offered participants valuable insights into formulating meaningful research questions and emphasized the importance of sound methodology in ensuring academic rigor. Mr. Utkarsh Kumar Mishra, Director of the Centre for Studies in International Trade and International Investment Laws (CITIL) and Assistant Professor of Law at DNLU, Jabalpur, addressed innovation and interdisciplinary approaches in legal research, focusing on how literature reviews play a critical role in shaping research direction and quality.

Continuing the theme of interdisciplinary exploration, Dr. Shivani Mohan, Director of the Centre for Law & Economics and Assistant Professor of Economics at CNLU, Patna, presented an insightful session on “Framing the Relationship between Law and Economics: A Hypothesis Development Approach.” Her session guided participants through the process of developing strong hypotheses and theoretical frameworks for impactful research. Dr. Chitra Saruparia, Selection Grade Professor and Executive Director of the Centre for Economics, Law & Public Policy at NLUJ, Jodhpur, delivered a session on “Use of AI in Law and Economics Research: New Tools, New Questions.” She highlighted the growing significance of artificial intelligence in enhancing research analysis, exploring new methodologies, and raising pertinent ethical questions in the field of law and economics.

Adding to the practical dimension of research writing, Dr. Seema Shrivastava, Director of the Centre for Law & Economics and Assistant Professor of Economics at NLIU, Bhopal, discussed effective strategies for structuring research papers and navigating the publication process, offering pragmatic guidance to aspiring authors. The final technical session was conducted by Dr. Shweta Mohan, Assistant Professor (Selection Grade) of Economics at NUSRL, Ranchi, who spoke on “Use of Statistics in Research Writing.” Dr. Mohan demonstrated how statistical and quantitative methods could enhance the credibility and precision of academic work, encouraging participants to adopt data-driven approaches in their research.

Together, the sessions provided a comprehensive understanding of the research process, from framing a question and developing hypotheses to applying statistical tools and leveraging AI in academic inquiry.

Key Takeaways and Participation

The workshop covered a wide spectrum of themes including the interdisciplinary connection between law and economics, the growing role of AI in academic research, the use of statistical methods in legal scholarship, and effective strategies for hypothesis building and publication. Over 120 participants, including students, research scholars, and faculty members from DNLU and other institutions, attended the workshop, engaging in lively discussions and interactive Q&A sessions.

Acknowledgment and Collaboration

The Centre for Law & Economics expressed its heartfelt gratitude to its Event Partner — Erudite Legal — for its collaboration and support. Erudite Legal is a reputed firm providing top-tier services in Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Commercial Contracts, and Regulatory Advisory, with a pan-India presence and over five decades of cumulative experience.

Closing Remarks

The workshop concluded with the Allotment of Assignment Questions and a Closing Ceremony, marking the end of a stimulating and productive day of learning. The event successfully blended theory and practice, empowering participants to navigate the complex process of academic writing with clarity and confidence.