From Curiosity to Contribution – A Logical Pathway

The Department of Statistics & Data Science, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organised an insightful session as part of The Economics Research Series for students enrolled in ECO405-7L Research Methods in Economics and ECO406-7L Research Writing. The session, titled “From Curiosity to Contribution – A Logical Pathway,” was held on 30 September 2026 at the Smart Room, Central Block. The session featured Dr Crystal David John, Former Head and Associate Professor of Economics, Stella Maris College, Chennai, as the resource person. The session was designed to help students understand research as a journey that begins with curiosity and gradually develops into a structured academic contribution. Rather than viewing research merely as a requirement of an academic programme, the discussion encouraged students to see it as a process of asking meaningful questions, examining issues critically, exploring evidence and developing ideas that can contribute to a broader understanding of economic and social realities.

Dr Crystal David John shared valuable insights from her academic and research experience, guiding students through the different stages of developing a research idea. The session highlighted how everyday observations, emerging concerns and areas of personal interest can become the starting point for research when approached with curiosity and critical thinking. Students were encouraged to move beyond simply identifying a topic and instead focus on developing a clear research problem and understanding why the question is worth investigating. A key focus of the session was the importance of connecting curiosity with systematic inquiry. Students were encouraged to examine their ideas carefully, identify gaps in existing knowledge and gradually transform broad areas of interest into focused and researchable questions. The discussion also helped students appreciate the importance of reading, questioning existing arguments, engaging with evidence and developing a logical pathway from a research problem to meaningful conclusions.

The interactive nature of the session provided students with an opportunity to reflect on their own research interests and consider how their observations could be developed into potential research questions. The engagement also encouraged students to think about research not only in terms of methodology and academic writing but also in terms of relevance, originality and contribution. The session was particularly significant for students undertaking Research Methods in Economics and Research Writing, as it helped connect the conceptual aspects of research methodology with the practical process of developing a research project. It provided students with a broader perspective on how research ideas evolve and the importance of clarity, consistency and purpose at every stage of the research process.

The Economics Research Series continues to provide students with opportunities to interact with experienced academics and researchers, thereby strengthening their exposure to different approaches to research and academic inquiry. Sessions such as these contribute to creating an environment where students are encouraged to question, explore, analyse and contribute. The session concluded with students gaining a renewed perspective on the research process and the possibilities that emerge when curiosity is transformed into systematic inquiry and, ultimately, meaningful contribution. The Department of Statistics & Data Science sincerely thanks Dr Crystal David John for sharing her valuable insights and experience and for making the session an enriching learning experience for our students.