Aydogan Kars is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at Monash University, affiliated with the Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies. His research focuses on medieval and modern Islamic mysticism, Sufi theology, and interreligious dialogue. Kars has led or co-led seven major research projects, including studies on Sufi genealogies, religious literacy, and the intersection of AI with human selfhood. He holds prestigious awards such as the Monash Faculty of Arts Dean’s Research Award (2021) and a Doctoral Fellowship from the Orient-Institut (2015). Kars actively contributes to academic governance as an editorial board member for the Journal for the Academic Study of Religion and peer reviews for journals like Religions and Journal of Islamic Ethics . His research interests span Islamic philosophy, mystical texts, and comparative theology, with notable work on apophatic theology in medieval Islam. Kars supervises PhD students and collaborates internationally on projects exploring Sufi traditions across Iran, the Ottoman Empire, and modern contexts.
Hakan Coruh is a Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, Charles Sturt University. He joined the university in 2015 as a lecturer and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in November 2021. Dr. Coruh has served as the Higher Degree Research Coordinator (HDR) for master's and PhD candidates at the center from 2020 to 2022. He is actively involved in multiple academic associations including the Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS), CRES (Centre for Religion, Ethics and Society), and PAPER (Practical and Public Ethics Research group) at Charles Sturt University. Dr. Coruh obtained his Bachelor of Divinity (Ilahiyat) degree from the Faculty of Divinity at Sakarya University. In 2007, he completed his master's degree in Qur'anic exegesis (tafsīr) at the same university. Between 2003 and 2008, he actively participated in academic circles and centers such as İSAM (Centre for Islamic Studies) in Istanbul. In 2015, he successfully earned his PhD from Australian Catholic University, focusing his research on the early modern exegesis of the Qur'an, specifically studying the works of Said Nursi, Muhammad 'Abduh, and Sir Ahmad Khan. Dr. Coruh specializes in Qur'anic exegesis (tafsīr) and actively teaches and writes on subjects related to Qur'anic studies, classical exegesis, and contemporary approaches to the Qur'an and Islam. His academic interests encompass various fields, including classical and modern Qur'anic exegesis, contemporary Islamic thought, Islamic Legal Theories (usul al-fiqh) and Jurisprudence (fiqh), Islamic Ethics (akhlaq), Islamic theology, Medieval Classics (Islamic, Christian, and Jewish), and Comparative Theology. His teaching includes subjects such as Usul al-Tafsir, Usul al-Fiqh, Islamic Family Law and Society, and Islamic Jurisprudence of Five Pillars. Dr. Coruh's research output shows a strong focus on Qur'anic hermeneutics, particularly examining the works of key figures like Bediuzzaman Said Nursi and Muhammad 'Abduh. His publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches, connecting Islamic studies with contemporary issues such as religious freedom, science and religion dialogue, bioethics, and interfaith relations. He has made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between traditional Islamic scholarship and modern contexts, especially regarding topics like religious freedom (Qur'an 2:256), the methodology of Qur'anic exegesis, and Islamic responses to contemporary challenges. Dr. Coruh supervises multiple research students, including PhD candidates David Drennan, Sarkhan Gasimov, and Nadia El-Mouelhy (as co-supervisor), as well as Master's students Ikramullah Ahmad and Ensar Cutahija. His supervision topics cover diverse areas such as Islamic legal theory, interfaith relations, and contemporary Islamic thought. Dr. Coruh is actively engaged with various academic communities, serving as a member of the CISAC Research Team, CISAC School Board, Sufi Studies Network at Monash University, and the Comparative Theology Reading Group at Australian Catholic University. In 2023, he held a visiting research fellow position at the Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar.
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.
Zuleyha Keskin serves as Associate Professor and Associate Head of School at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) at Charles Sturt University, where she co-founded ISRA Australia in 2009 leading to CISAC's establishment. She has directed multiple Islamic studies programs since 2010 including Bachelor and Master degrees, and currently teaches courses on Islamic spirituality and contemporary Islamic studies. Keskin also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Australian Journal of Islamic Studies and Vice President of the Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) from University of Sydney Master of Arts (MA) from University of Sydney PhD from Australian Catholic University Keskin's research centers on Islamic spirituality, inner peace, and Islamic psycho-spirituality, with significant contributions to understanding Bediuzzaman Said Nursi's works. Her scholarship bridges traditional Islamic thought with contemporary psychological frameworks, examining how Islamic spiritual practices contribute to mental wellbeing. She has published extensively on Islamic theology and ethics, social justice, and women in Islam, making substantial contributions to Australian Islamic studies. Analysis of her publication record reveals a clear trajectory from foundational work on Said Nursi's perspectives toward increasingly applied research in Islamic psychology and contemporary social challenges. Her recent work explores intersections between Islamic thought and modern issues including risk management, environmental protection, and mental health, demonstrating growing interdisciplinary engagement while maintaining theological depth. Professional leadership roles include: Editor-in-Chief, Australian Journal of Islamic Studies Vice President, Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies Member, Wellbeing and Mental Health Research Group Organising Committee Member, Women Acknowledging Women Awards Muslim Scholar Adviser, Australian Catholic Council for Inter-religious Relations Keskin actively supervises four doctoral candidates focusing on halal certification, Muslim leadership development, and youth entrepreneurship in Australia. Her academic service extends to editorial work, conference organization, and interfaith dialogue initiatives that strengthen Muslim-non-Muslim relations. With an h-index of 16, her research demonstrates significant scholarly impact in the field. She contributes to the Wellbeing and Mental Health Research Group, developing research that is 'insightful, inclusive, and inspiring' by connecting Islamic spiritual traditions with contemporary wellbeing approaches. This work creates meaningful bridges between religious studies, psychology, and social sciences in addressing modern mental health challenges.
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.
Dr. Lucia Sorbera is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Arabic Language and Cultures at the University of Sydney, specializing in gender history of the Arab world. She teaches Arabic and Islamic Studies, contributes to International Comparative Literatures and European Studies programs, and supervises postgraduate research in women's history and Middle Eastern politics. PhD in Egyptian Feminism (Università di Venezia) Chair of Arabic Studies Co-editor of Sex and Desire in Muslim Cultures (2020) Her research focuses on Egyptian feminist movements, Arab women's political leadership, and cross-cultural narratives. She has published extensively on transnational feminism, postcolonial studies, and the intersection of gender with contemporary Arab cinema. Recent scholarly activities include a 2025 monograph on feminist human rights foundations and a 2022 editorial on Middle East women's studies. She leads projects analyzing women's narratives in the 2011 Egyptian revolution and chairs the Religion State and Society in the Muslim World research cluster. Scientific Awards: Fernand Braudel Senior Research Fellowship (2021-2022) Kathleen Fitzpatrick Visiting Fellow (2017) Multiple Faculty Research Support Scheme grants (2011-2020) Dr. Sorbera serves on editorial boards for Women and Gender History series and Third Space journal, organizing academic events like the 2013 Competing Visions in the Muslim World symposium.
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.
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.
Calvin Normore serves as an Honorary Professor in Philosophy within the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry at The University of Queensland. His academic career centers on historical philosophical analysis, with sustained contributions to medieval and early modern scholarship. Normore's research spans History of Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, Early Modern Philosophy, Metaphysics, Logic, Philosophy of Mind, and Philosophy of Religion. He has produced seminal work on William of Ockham's logic and metaphysics, Descartes' philosophical system, medieval theories of mental language, and the metaphysical foundations of the Eucharist. His methodology emphasizes contextual rigor while drawing connections to contemporary philosophical debates in metaphysics and epistemology. His publication trajectory reveals deep engagement with 14th-century thought (particularly Ockham and Buridan) and its transmission into early modern philosophy. Normore consistently explores intersections of logic, modality, and mental representation, demonstrating how historical analyses illuminate persistent questions about substances, causality, and selfhood. Recent work extends into theological metaphysics while maintaining analytical precision.
Suleyman Sertkaya is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation at Charles Sturt University. He earned a PhD in Philosophy and Theology from Australian Catholic University in 2016. His work focuses on the intersection of Islamic theology, historical analysis of Prophet Muhammad's life, and contemporary applications of Islamic thought. Education: PhD (2016), Australian Catholic University Research Interests: Specializes in Sīrah studies, Hadith methodology, and interreligious dialogue. Explores Prophet Muhammad's teachings in modern contexts, including the Hizmet Movement and peacebuilding frameworks. Recent Publications: Authored four articles in Religions (2023–2022) analyzing Sīrah philosophy, Medina's historical role, and contemporary Islamic challenges. Keywords span Islamic Studies, Theology, and Medieval Thought. Conference Engagement: 2025: Keynote on 'The Qur’ān and the Turkic World' 2024: Invited speaker on 'SEEDS OF FAITH: DAR AL-ARQAM AND AL-SUFFA' 2023: Presentation on 'The Hizmet Movement and Contemporary Challenges' Supervision: Registered as a doctoral thesis supervisor, mentoring work in Islamic studies and theology.
Dr. Andrew Hammond is a Senior Lecturer in the Politics of Religion and Contemporary Islamic Studies at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (CAIS) within the ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences. Previously, he held positions as a Lecturer in Turkish History at the University of Oxford, a Middle East policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, and editor at the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies. He currently serves as a senior non-resident fellow at the Middle East Institute Switzerland. His academic qualifications include a DPhil in Oriental Studies from Oxford, an MPhil in Modern Middle East Studies from Oxford, and a BA in Arabic and History from SOAS, University of London. Hammond’s research focuses on modern Islamic thought, Islamic political movements, Late Ottoman Islam, Arabic media, Gulf politics, and early Islamic history. He has conducted extensive archival work using materials in Arabic, Ottoman Turkish, modern Turkish, and Persian. His notable publications include Late Ottoman Origins of Modern Islamic Thought (2022), Popular Culture in North Africa and the Middle East (2017), and The Islamic Utopia: The Illusion of Reform in Saudi Arabia (2012). He contributes regularly to Arab Media & Society and Middle East Eye . His academic interests span Quranic exegesis, Salafism’s evolution, Ottoman intellectual history, and media’s role in shaping religious discourse. His recent work examines the intersections between media strategy and state influence in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Hammond’s interdisciplinary approach integrates historical analysis with contemporary policy debates, particularly around Middle Eastern political Islam and media governance. Prior to academia, he worked with BBC Arabic, Reuters, and other media outlets across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. He remains active in policy circles, providing expert commentary on Middle Eastern affairs. His editorial roles and media contributions highlight his commitment to bridging academic research with public understanding of complex regional dynamics.
Ismail Albayrak serves as Professor and Fethullah Gulen Chair in the Study of Islam and Muslim-Catholic Relations at the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Australian Catholic University. His research critically examines Qur'anic interpretation, Ibadi Islamic traditions, and the political instrumentalization of religion in authoritarian contexts, particularly Turkey. Albayrak's scholarship centers on Qur'anic exegesis, with deep expertise in Ibadi hermeneutics and Turkish Islamic modernism. He conducts comparative analyses of religious figures like Bediüzzaman Said Nursi and Aleksander Solzhenitsyn, exploring prison narratives and spiritual resilience. His work critically dissects the Diyanet's construction of 'Erdoğanist Islam' as a tool for state violence legitimation and authoritarian securitization, while also examining online fatwa credibility and historical preservation of the Qur'an. His recent publications reveal three dominant trends: (1) Qur'anic studies focusing on preservation, pausing signs, and Ibadi interpretation; (2) political Islam analyses centered on Turkey's religious authoritarianism; (3) comparative religious studies examining prison experiences and interfaith relations. This triad demonstrates his commitment to bridging theological scholarship with contemporary sociopolitical critique. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. While Albayrak's extensive publication record indicates significant scholarly influence, the source text contains no information regarding student supervision, research grants, or collaborative funding initiatives. As Fethullah Gulen Chair holder, he operates within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy's research infrastructure, though specific laboratory affiliations or dedicated research teams are not referenced in the available documentation.
Dylan Chown is a Lecturer at the University of South Australia (UniSA) within the Education Futures school and the Centre for Islamic Thought and Education. His research focuses on culturally responsive pedagogy, Islamic education, and wellbeing in schools, particularly for Muslim learners. Chown has co-authored multiple books and chapters, including Wellbeing in Islamic Schools: Nurturing the Mind, Body and Soul (2025) and Global Perspectives and New Challenges in Culturally Responsive Pedagogies (2023). His work emphasizes integrating religious and cultural funds of knowledge into education to enhance learning outcomes and address inequities faced by Muslim students in Western secular contexts. Chown’s recent publications explore educator preparedness, dual consciousness in Muslim learners, and the role of Islamic pedagogy in teacher training programs. Key contributions include examining the intersections of religion and health/physical education in Islamic schools, advocating for strength-based approaches to spirituality in education, and analyzing the affective dimensions of teaching in diverse religious settings. He collaborates with educators and policymakers to develop frameworks for holistic wellbeing and faith-informed teaching practices. Chown’s research bridges classical Islamic educational philosophy with contemporary educational challenges, positioning Islamic schooling as a site of both cultural preservation and social equity.
Professor Mohamad Abdalla AM is a renowned academic and community leader in Islamic Studies and Education at the University of South Australia (UniSA). He holds the position of Professor in UniSA Education Futures, contributing to research and teaching in culturally responsive pedagogy, curriculum renewal, and interfaith dialogue. His work emphasizes integrating Islamic principles into education while addressing contemporary challenges faced by minority communities. Prof. Abdalla’s research focuses on Islamic education in Western contexts, dehumanization in online hate speech, and leadership frameworks rooted in Islamic teachings. He has authored/co-authored influential books such as *Islamic Schooling in the West: Pathways to Renewal* (2018) and *Leadership in Islam* (2018), and edited volumes like *Curriculum Renewal for Islamic Education* (2021). He has received prestigious awards, including the Order of Australia (AM, 2020), and held leadership roles in organizations like the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies (NCEIS) and the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN). His advocacy includes post-9/11 community reconciliation efforts and bridging cultural divides through dialogue. Prof. Abdalla’s teaching strengths span Islamic history, law, and intercultural relations. He actively engages in public discourse, as evidenced by media features and his role as a research degree supervisor.
Eleonore Stump is a Research Professorial Fellow at the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at Australian Catholic University. Her work bridges analytic philosophy and classical theological traditions, focusing on issues such as the problem of evil, atonement theory, Thomistic ethics, and the intersection of narrative with religious knowledge. Stump's research interests include medieval philosophy, particularly the thought of Aquinas and Augustine, and contemporary philosophical theology. She has written extensively on virtue ethics, moral responsibility, and divine attributes such as simplicity and omnipresence. Her book Wandering in Darkness (2010) offers a groundbreaking Thomistic approach to theodicy through narrative analysis. Her recent publications explore themes like humility and courage in Thomistic virtue theory (2022), the coherence of classical theism (2019), and the role of biblical narratives in understanding suffering (2024). She engages with both historical and contemporary debates, advocating for a rich, analytic engagement with classical theological concepts. Stump has contributed to interdisciplinary projects on topics ranging from free will in Augustine to the nature of divine goodness. Her work often emphasizes the importance of narrative forms in transmitting religious knowledge and shaping moral understanding.
