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Dr. Milad Milani is a Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at Western Sydney University and a School-based Member of the Institute for Culture and Society. He leads the Humanities Religious Studies Research Collective and co-leads the Sufi Studies Network (Monash University). He serves on the editorial boards of Sophia and the Journal for the Academic Study of Religion . From 2023–2025, he was President of the Australian Association for the Study of Religion. His expertise focuses on Islam and Sufism, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to peace and understanding. Education: PhD and BA in Religious Studies from the University of Sydney. Research Interests : Sufism and its philosophical dimensions (e.g., Heideggerian ontology) Islamic mysticism and its global manifestations Gender dynamics in Sufi traditions Sufi political thought and modernity Interfaith dialogue and civic roles of Sufi orders Publications Trends : Recent works critically examine Sufism through existential philosophy, Islamic identity in modern contexts, and gendered holiness. His analysis bridges historical narratives with contemporary challenges, emphasizing ontology, political culture, and cross-cultural influences. Awards : Includes the Australian Postgraduate Award, Early Career Research Fellowship, and recognition for contributions to religious education and community projects. Advising & Grants : Supervised 2 HDR completions. Secured grants such as the Community Grant Blacktown Arts ($29,000) and Early Career Research Fellowship ($20,000). Active in editorial roles and academic leadership. Labs/Teams : Leads the Humanities Religious Studies Research Collective and co-leads the Sufi Studies Network, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in Sufi studies and global religious dynamics.

• Sufism
• Islam
• Religious Studies
• +13 more

Dr Mahsheed Ansari serves as a Senior Lecturer in Islam and Contemporary Islamic Studies and Higher Degrees Research Coordinator at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation at Charles Sturt University. She also holds positions as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Religion and Ethics and Society (CRES) at Charles Sturt University and as a sessional Law lecturer at Western Sydney University. Her academic career spans teaching, research supervision, and community engagement focused on Islamic studies and Australian Muslim communities. Ansari holds a double degree in Law and Arts from Western Sydney University, a Master of Arts in Arabic and Islamic Studies from Sydney University, and a PhD in Historical Studies and Islamic Studies from Monash University. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary work bridging legal, historical, and religious studies. Her research explores multiple facets of Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and ethics, with a particular focus on the historical and cultural presence of Islam and Muslims in Australia. She has developed significant expertise in oral history methodologies to capture Muslim heritage, particularly through her Australian Muslim Heritage Project. Her work often examines the intersection of Islamic thought with contemporary social issues, including prophethood debates, Muslim women's experiences, and interfaith relations in the Australian context. Through her book Modern Debates in Prophecy and Prophethood in Islam: Muhammad Iqbal and Said Nursi (2023), she has contributed to contemporary theological discourse on Islamic prophetic tradition. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent thematic development across three main trajectories: historical and theological studies of Islamic thought (particularly regarding prophethood and Islamic modernism), Australian Muslim history and identity formation, and contemporary social issues affecting Muslim communities including gender, trauma, and political representation. Her work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary engagement, moving from purely theological studies toward sociological, historical, and public policy applications. Ansari has received multiple research grants supporting her work on Australian Muslim history, including funding from Charles Sturt University ($1,700 in 2023, $14,500 in 2019, $15,000 in 2017-2018), the Islamic Foundation for Education & Welfare ($12,000 in 2023, $22,000 in 2017-2019), Cumberland Council ($8,000 in 2019), and the Public & Contextual Theology Research Project Grant ($9,500 in 2019, $25,000 in 2017-2018). As Higher Degrees Research Coordinator at CISAC, she supervises PhD candidates including Carol Mroue researching Islamic spirituality in post-traumatic growth for Australian Muslim women and previously supervised Mukesh Chander's work on citizenship issues. She has also co-supervised research on transnational Islamic movements and online religious education. Her teaching portfolio includes subjects on Islamic spirituality, women in Islam, Muslims in Australia, and Islamic morality across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her current research focuses on the Australian Muslim Heritage Project and Muslim Pioneers Project, particularly documenting Dr Ashfaq Ahmad's contributions to institutional development of Islam in Australia. These projects represent significant community-engaged scholarship that bridges academic research with cultural preservation efforts.

• Islamic intellectual history
• Theology
• Philosophy
• +7 more

Dr. Roxanne Marcotte is a Full Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Quebec at Montreal and an Honorary Research Senior Fellow in Religious Studies at the University of Queensland. With over 150 publications spanning books, journal articles, and book chapters, she is a leading international scholar whose work bridges classical Islamic philosophy with contemporary Muslim communities in Western contexts. Professor Marcotte's research focuses on Islamic philosophical traditions (particularly Suhrawardi and post-Avicennan thought), gender and Islam (examining women's roles, sexuality, and feminist perspectives), and contemporary Muslim communities in Canada and Australia. Her work increasingly explores the intersection of religion and digital media, notably through her SSHRC-funded project 'Canadian Muslims Online.' She teaches courses including Introduction to Islam, Women in Islam, Sufism, Religion and Sexuality, and Arabic Philosophical Ethics. Analysis of her 15 most recent scholarly articles reveals a clear trajectory toward examining how traditional Islamic thought adapts to modern contexts. Her work demonstrates particular expertise in Persian and Arabic philosophical psychology, while her contemporary research investigates online religious discourse, Muslim identity formation in diaspora communities, and evolving interpretations of Islamic texts. The thematic consistency across decades of scholarship shows her sustained engagement with questions of religious authority, interpretation, and adaptation. Professor Marcotte has secured significant research funding, most notably a Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Grant (2013-2018) for 'Canadian Muslims Online' valued at $482,194. She currently serves as editor of Religiologiques (2014-2017, 2019—) and has held previous editorial roles with Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses . Her academic leadership includes service as Former Vice President of the Australian Association for the Study of Religions. Through her extensive publication record and editorial work, Professor Marcotte has significantly contributed to shaping contemporary understanding of Islamic thought both in its classical manifestations and modern adaptations. Her research supervision has developed numerous scholars working at the intersection of Islamic studies, gender studies, and contemporary religious practice in Western contexts.

• Islamic Studies
• Religious Studies
• Women and Islam
• +6 more

Dr Dzavid Haveric is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation , Charles Sturt University . He holds a PhD in Humanities (Victoria University, 2009) and MA in Cultural History (Deakin University, 2004), with additional qualifications in management and journalism. Key affiliations: Institute for Community, Ethnicity and Policy Alternatives (Victoria University) Victoria Museum (Research Associate) Public and Contextual Theology Research Centre (CSU) His research spans Islamic history , Australian Muslim identities , interfaith dialogue , and multiculturalism . Recent work includes military history ( 2024 book ) and socio-historical analyses of human rights in Islamic contexts. Selected recent publication trends: 2024 : Military service and national loyalty narratives 2023 : Islamic jurisprudence in Australian diaspora 2020 : Human rights frameworks in Islamic thought 2019 : Three major books on community building, ANZAC history, and Islamic Australia 2017 : Interfaith community development in Victoria Scientific honors include: 2023 Australian Muslim Professional of the Year (AMAA) Australian Postgraduate Award (2006) Multiple Certificates of Appreciation (2001-2011) He has contributed extensively as a journalist for SBS Radio and Bosnian community newspapers, and held roles at the Parliament of the World's Religions and Victoria Museum .

• Islamic History
• Social History
• Australian Muslim Identities
• +5 more

Professor Halim Rane is a Professor at the School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science , Griffith University , and a leading scholar in Islamic Studies, Islam-West Relations, and the sociology of religion. He serves as a member of the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research and holds leadership roles including Acting Director (2019–2020) and Deputy Head (Learning and Teaching) (2013–2015). Education : PhD in International Peace and Security (Griffith University, 2005–2008), MA in Communications and Media Studies (Bond University, 1999–2000), BA in Human Sciences (International Islamic University Malaysia, 1994–1998). His research explores the intersection of religion, society, governance, and international affairs, focusing on Islamic covenantal concepts, peaceful coexistence, and Muslim lived experiences. He leads the Islam in Australia project and the Australian Research Council Discovery Project "Voice and Belonging" (2024–2027). Recent publications examine interfaith dialogue, decolonial approaches, and media’s role in migrant integration. Professor Rane has received prestigious awards, including the National Teaching Citation , National Teaching Award , and Australian University Teacher of the Year . His leadership extends to advisory roles for the Australian Human Rights Commission and Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS) (President, 2019–2021). Supervision : He has supervised doctoral and master’s students on topics like radicalization, political Islam, and Muslim integration. Grants : Notable funding includes the ARC Discovery Project "Voice and Belonging" and grants for studies on ethnic media and counter-terrorism.

• Islamic Studies
• Islam-West Relations
• Sociology of Religion
• +5 more

Emma Baulch is an Associate Professor of Media and Communications at Monash University Malaysia. She serves as Director of the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Digital Tech and Society (SEADS) and Deputy Head of School (Research) at the Malaysia School of Arts & Social Sciences. Her research focuses on media technologies, popular culture, and digital infrastructures in Southeast Asia, with a particular emphasis on Indonesia and Malaysia. Education: PhD in Politics and International Relations from Monash University (2003), and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Asian Studies from the University of Sydney (1990). Research interests include cultural studies, digital media's societal impact, and ethnographic analysis of technology use. She has authored/co-authored books such as Genre Publics: Popular Music, Technologies and Class in Indonesia (2020) and WhatsApp: From a One-to-One Messaging Service to a Global Social Media Platform (2023). Her work bridges media studies, cultural theory, and Southeast Asian studies. Notable awards include the Annual Publication Prize (Monash University, 2002) and the Australian Research Council Post-doctoral Fellowship (2009). She has led projects on digital diplomacy, climate change communication, and digital transaction platforms in Asia. Teaching: Co-ordinates the Media Studies unit (AMU1277). Her research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and innovation. Labs/Teams: SEADS explores digital technology's role in society, while collaborations include work with institutions like Leiden University and Queensland University of Technology.

• Media Studies
• Cultural Studies
• Digital Technologies in Southeast Asia
• +4 more

Derya Iner is an Associate Professor and Research Coordinator at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) within the Faculty of Arts at Charles Sturt University. She received her PhD in Cultural Studies with a minor in Gender and Women's Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011. Iner is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work on Islamophobia in Australia, particularly as the chief investigator and editor of the Islamophobia in Australia Reports I-IV (2017-2023), which have garnered worldwide attention with extensive media coverage reaching hundreds of millions of people. Her research interests span multiple dimensions of Islamophobia, including online and offline manifestations, institutional and interpersonal experiences, children and mothers' perspectives, far-right populism and extremism, mosque attacks in Australia and the West, and the emotional and mental health impacts of Islamophobia. Iner's work has significantly influenced public discourse, policy development, and academic understanding of anti-Muslim sentiment in Australia. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a growing focus on the intersection of Islamophobia with media representation, social media dynamics, and political discourse. Her research increasingly examines the emotional and psychological consequences of Islamophobia on individuals and communities, particularly vulnerable populations like children and women. The Islamophobia in Australia Reports series demonstrates an evolving methodology with increasingly sophisticated data collection and analysis techniques as the research program matures. Deputy Chair and Research Head of the Islamophobia Register Australia Co-founder of the International Islamophobia and Children Network Member of Meta's advisory committee (Facebook) Founder and President of the Islamic Community Academics Network (ICAN) Editorial Academic Board at the Centre for Religion, Society and Ethics at CSU In addition to her research, Iner actively supervises PhD and Master's students, teaches courses on Islam in the Modern World, Women in Islam, and Islam through Western Eyes, and develops new subjects such as the Sociology and Anthropology of Islam. Her work extends beyond academia through expert consultations with organizations including the Diversity Council Australia, Australian Human Rights Commission, and Multicultural NSW. Iner is frequently featured as a public commentator in national and international media outlets including ABC radio, Sydney Morning Herald, Guardian, and New Zealand TV.

• Islamophobia
• Muslims in the West
• Women in Islam
• +12 more

Susan Carland is a Lecturer in the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University, where she also completed her PhD in Political and Social Inquiry (2015). Her academic work focuses on gender, feminism, Islam in the modern world, and the experiences of Muslim women, particularly in Australia. PhD in Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University Director of the Bachelor of Global Studies program Her research explores intersections between Islamophobia , gender-based discrimination , and religious identity . She investigates how Muslim women navigate societal challenges and contribute to social cohesion through frameworks like interpellation theory and Qur'anic principles of social harmony. Susan's podcast work, including hosting What Happens Next? and Assumptions (ABC Radio National), demonstrates her commitment to public scholarship. She analyzes how AI narratives and climate change storytelling shape global perceptions, while emphasizing the importance of nuanced climate communication in the Indo-Pacific region. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through listings in: The Age 20 Most Influential Australian Female Voices (2012) 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World (2012) UN Alliance of Civilizations' Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow

• Gender studies
• Sociology
• Contemporary Australian society
• +5 more

Dr. Amira Aftab is a Senior Lecturer at Macquarie Law School, specializing in gendered institutions, domestic violence, and human rights. She holds a PhD in Law from Macquarie University (2018), focusing on Sharia debates in Australia, Canada, and the UK. Prior to Macquarie, she was a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University (2020–2024). Her research addresses marginalized communities, particularly examining family law, gendered violence, and intersections of gender, religion, and culture. Current projects include analyzing pandemic impacts on domestic violence services and barriers faced by visa holders experiencing violence. She co-leads the James Martin Institute-funded project on CALD/faith-based communities and chairs the Women and Girls’ Rights Subcommittee for Australian Lawyers for Human Rights. Key areas of focus include Muslim women’s experiences, legal reform, and culturally sensitive dispute resolution. Her work combines feminist institutionalism with interdisciplinary approaches to promote equity in legal systems.

• Gendered Institutions
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Human Rights (Women's/SOGI Rights)
• +3 more

Associate Professor Nadeem Memon is affiliated with the University of South Australia (UniSA) and leads the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE) within UniSA Education Futures. He specializes in Islamic Pedagogy, culturally responsive schooling, and teacher education, focusing on bridging faith-based principles with contemporary educational practices. His work includes designing the first global online graduate program for Islamic school educators and leading an ARC Discovery Grant on Culturally Responsive Schooling (2022–2025). Memon’s research emphasizes holistic education frameworks rooted in Islamic teachings, addressing challenges in superdiverse classrooms and educator affective development. He collaborates internationally, contributing to initiatives in Australia, the UAE, and North America. Education Background: Memon holds a doctoral degree in Education, though specific details are not provided. His professional roles include curriculum advisor for Islamic education programs and co-editor of influential publications like Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Wellbeing in Islamic Schools . He supervises research degrees and advocates for pedagogies that integrate religious identities as assets for learning. Research Interests: Memon’s work spans Islamic schooling philosophy, faith-informed curricula, and educator professional development. He explores how religious principles (e.g., ʿāfiyah) can foster holistic student wellbeing and address systemic inequities. His recent projects include studies on UAE educator practices and Muslim learner inclusion in Australian public schools. Grants & Collaborations: As a Chief Investigator on ARC grants, he focuses on culturally responsive schooling. Collaborations include partnerships with Zayed University, Niagara University, and the International Institute of Islamic Thought. His edited volumes address global Islamic education challenges, teacher training, and curricular renewal. Labs/Teams: Memon directs CITE, a hub for Islamic education research and innovation. He co-leads the Islamic Schooling Conference series and contributes to teacher education programs like the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Education.

• Islamic Pedagogy
• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
• Teacher Education
• +3 more

Associate Professor Patrick Jory is a distinguished scholar of Southeast Asian History at the University of Queensland's School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, where he serves as Director of Research Training (Higher Degree Research). With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a leading expert on Thai history, politics, and religious studies. His academic journey began at the University of Western Australia, continued at Walailak University in Thailand, and has flourished at the University of Queensland since 2011. Dr. Jory's research interests form a comprehensive exploration of Southeast Asian societies, with particular emphasis on Thai political, intellectual, and religious history. His work delves into the intricate relationships between Theravada Buddhism and state formation, the historical development of secularization in Asia, and the complex dynamics of the conflict in southern Thailand/Patani region. He has made significant contributions to understanding Islam and Muslim societies in Southeast Asia within their broader historical and political contexts. His scholarship bridges historical analysis with contemporary political developments, offering nuanced perspectives on Southeast Asian politics that challenge simplistic narratives. Jory's prolific publication record demonstrates remarkable thematic consistency while expanding into new areas of inquiry. His recent works reveal a growing focus on the politics of death and sovereignty, state building processes, and the civilizing processes in Thai society. The 2021 publication of A History of Manners and Civility in Thailand represents a culmination of his long-standing interest in social behavior and cultural norms. His scholarship consistently challenges conventional interpretations, as seen in his work on Thai monarchy, republican traditions, and the historical relationship between Siam and imperial China. Manners in Thailand's Social and Political Transformation, 1880-1980 (ARC Discovery Projects, 2018-2022) The Politics of Politeness: A History of Manners in Thailand (UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund, 2011-2012) Professor Jory has supervised numerous PhD candidates across diverse topics related to Southeast Asian history and politics. His supervision portfolio reflects the breadth of his expertise, spanning Chinese diaspora studies, Islamic movements, political history, and cultural studies across the region. His commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars is evident in his extensive supervision record, which includes both principal and associate advisory roles for doctoral candidates working on projects from Indonesia to Vietnam to Sri Lanka. His research continues to shape contemporary understanding of Thailand's complex historical trajectory and its implications for current political developments in Southeast Asia.

• Southeast Asian History
• Thai political history
• Thai intellectual history
• +7 more

Mareike Riedel is a Senior Lecturer at Macquarie Law School and a member of the Ethics and Agency Research Centre. She holds a PhD in sociolegal studies from the Australian National University (ANU). Her research focuses on intersections of law, religion, and race, particularly exploring how cultural biases shape rights for marginalized groups. Key areas include secular law’s legacy of anti-Judaism, Islamophobia in anti-discrimination frameworks, and racialized religious discrimination. Education: PhD in Sociolegal Studies from ANU. Research Interests: Law and Religion in Multicultural Societies Racial Discrimination & Anti-Semitism Cultural History of Secular Law Legal Responses to Islamophobia Legal Theory & Jurisprudence Teaching: Convenes and teaches courses on Foundations of Law, Anti-Discrimination Law, and Human Rights & Moral Dilemmas. Recognized for innovative pedagogy, including a 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Award and 2024 Faculty Teaching Award for statutory interpretation module design. Collaborations: Visiting Fellowships at ANU’s RegNet (2022–present) and Max Planck Institute for Religious and Ethnic Diversity (2024). Previously held fellowships at ANU and Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology. Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator for the 2022 project EES 2022: Riedel_Mareike_EES2022 , supported by institutional grants. Publications: Authored the 2024 monograph Law and Jewish Difference , with over 15 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Griffith Law Review and Identities . Her work bridges sociolegal studies with interdisciplinary insights from humanities and social sciences.

• Law and Religion
• Racial Discrimination
• Secular Law
• +6 more

Patrick McInerney serves as an Honorary Fellow within the School of Theology at the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, focusing on advanced theological research in interfaith contexts. His academic identity centers on bridging religious traditions through scholarly analysis of institutional theological positions. McInerney's research spans Theology, Interfaith Dialogue, Islamic Studies, Christian Theology, and Religious Studies, with concentrated expertise in resolving doctrinal tensions between Christianity and Islam. He critically examines Vatican theological frameworks regarding Muslim faith, advocating for structural shifts toward positive appreciation through ecumenical dialogue and reinterpretation of historical ambivalences in Catholic-Muslim relations. His publication record centers on a pivotal 2012 article in the Australian Ejournal of Theology addressing Vatican ambivalence toward Islam. This work establishes foundational methodologies in Christian-Muslim theological discourse, operating within the broad disciplines of Theology and Religious Studies while advancing specialized subfields including Christian-Muslim Relations, Vatican II interpretations, Islamic Theology, Comparative Religion, Ecumenism, and Interreligious Dialogue frameworks.

• Theology
• Interfaith Dialogue
• Islamic Studies
• +2 more

Abe Ata is a past academic researcher specializing in interfaith relations, media representation of religious groups, and social dynamics in multicultural contexts. His work focuses on intergroup contact effects, intermarriage dynamics between Christian and Muslim communities, and media portrayal of Arab Muslims in Australia. He has contributed to interdisciplinary fields including social psychology, sociology, and religious studies. Key research themes include the role of social norms in reducing prejudice, educational systems' handling of religious diversity, and the impact of media narratives on ethnic and religious stereotypes. His studies often intersect with Australian sociocultural contexts, addressing issues of identity, social cohesion, and cultural fragmentation. Ata has published extensively in journals like International Journal of Intercultural Relations and Australian Ejournal of Theology. His research highlights the importance of interfaith dialogue and critical analysis of media content in fostering mutual understanding between religious communities.

• Intercultural Relations
• Religious Studies
• Sociology of Religion
• +3 more

Nigar Khawaja is a Professor at the School of Psychology & Counselling , Queensland University of Technology (QUT) . Her research focuses on the psychological well-being of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations, including refugees, migrants, and international students, with a particular emphasis on acculturation stress , resilience , and cultural competence in mental health assessment and intervention. She has developed and validated tools like the University Student Depression Inventory (USDI) and Tree of Life narrative therapy framework for vulnerable groups. Her recent work includes cross-cultural adaptation of psychological measures and exploring social adjustment among forced migrants. Key research areas : Mental health of refugee and migrant communities Cultural competence in psychological practice Resilience-building programs Acculturation and its psychological impacts Selected grants and collaborations include partnerships with the Australian Psychologist journal, QUT's refugee research initiatives , and international studies on domestic violence education and student well-being .

• Mental Health
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
• Acculturation
• +2 more