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.
Dr. Aaron Ghiloni serves as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow in Religious Studies at the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, at The University of Queensland. He is the author of Islam as Education: Pedagogies of Pilgrimage, Prophecy, and Jihad (2019) and John Dewey among the Theologians (2012), and editor of World Religions and their Missions (2015, 2nd ed. 2022). He also serves as Associate Editor for the journal Religious Education . Dr. Ghiloni earned his Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Queensland. His educational background forms the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach that bridges philosophy, theology, and educational theory. Dr. Ghiloni's research focuses on the intersection of religion and education, with particular expertise in Islam, Christianity, and interreligious studies. His work explores how John Dewey's pragmatist philosophy can inform religious education and interfaith dialogue. He examines educational approaches to supernaturalism, religious formation, and the role of religion in democratic societies. His scholarship addresses critical questions about how religious traditions can be taught respectfully in pluralistic contexts while maintaining academic rigor. Dr. Ghiloni's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on religious education from multiple perspectives. His work bridges theological inquiry with educational theory, particularly through the lens of John Dewey's pragmatism. Recent publications emphasize interfaith education, comparative approaches to religious missions, and the challenges of teaching religion in pluralistic societies. His research shows an evolving trajectory from examining specific religious traditions to broader questions about religious education methodology and philosophy. Dr. Ghiloni actively supervises doctoral students working in religion and culture. He has served as Associate Advisor for at least one completed PhD dissertation on Wide-Awake In God's World: Bible Engagement For Teenage Spiritual Formation In A Culture Of Expressive Individualism (2018). His teaching portfolio at UQ includes subjects such as History of the Supernatural , Belief and Unbelief , World Religions , Spirituality in the Everyday , and Western Religious Thought from the Middle Ages to the Present .
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.
Anna Halafoff is an Associate Professor in Sociology at Deakin University, focusing on spirituality, religious diversity, preventing violent extremism, worldviews education, and Buddhism in Australia. She coordinates the Spirituality and Wellbeing Research Network and collaborates with institutions like Monash University and UNESCO Chair of Interreligious and Intercultural Relations. CURRENT AFFILIATION: Associate Professor, Deakin University FORMER ROLES: Lecturer, Research Fellow, and PhD researcher at Monash University EDUCATION PhD in Sociology (Monash University, 2010) Graduate Diploma of Education (University of New England, 2006) Master of Letters in Peace Studies (University of New England, 2001) Bachelor of Arts (University of Melbourne, 1992) RESEARCH INTERESTS include spirituality’s role in personal and planetary wellbeing, religious education in secular contexts, and intercultural dialogue. Her recent work analyzes trends like “girl mossing” as alternatives to capitalist productivity culture and explores spirituality’s dual potential for social good and conspiratorial risks. RECENT ARTICLE TRENDS span interfaith peacebuilding, secular religious education, and Buddhism’s intersection with gender equity. These works emphasize practical applications in Australian schools and global multifaith networks. ADVISORY ROLES and GRANTS include research supervision, media commentary, and funding from the Australian Research Council for projects like Australian Spirituality: Wellness, Wellbeing and Risk .
Dr Tan Meng Yoe is a Senior Lecturer in Media and Communications Studies at the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, where he also serves as Deputy Head of School (Education). He holds a PhD from Monash University Malaysia (2014) and is actively engaged in research on digital religion, online Christian communities, and the intersection of media, religion, and politics in Malaysia. PhD in Arts, Monash University Malaysia (2014) Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Monash University Malaysia (2017) Bachelor (Hons) in Communications Dr Tan's research focuses on digital religion, particularly how Malaysian Christians use online platforms for spiritual expression, community building, and theological reflection. His work explores the authenticity and authority of online religious experiences, especially in the context of the pandemic. He has published on blogging as spiritual practice, interfaith engagement on social media, and the future of online church. His recent publications and research projects reveal a strong trend in examining the sociocultural dimensions of digital religion, health communication involving religious institutions, and the evolving role of digital platforms in political and religious discourse in Southeast Asia. His interdisciplinary work bridges theology, media studies, and public health. Notable awards and recognitions include: Research Fellow, Christian Institute for Theological Engagement (CHRISTE), 2021 Finalist for Teaching Excellence Award, Monash University Malaysia Dr Tan has secured research grants from the Monash University Malaysia Better Learning Better Teaching (BTBL) initiative and the Monash Education Academy for education research on assessment feedback. He previously led the Master of Communications and Media Studies programme (2015–2022) and is currently accepting PhD students. His collaborative projects involve researchers across theology, public health, and media studies. He is a Principal Chief Investigator on key projects such as The Future of Online Church in Malaysia and A Model of Combating Disease-Related Stigma in Malaysia , reflecting his leadership in interdisciplinary research that connects faith, technology, and public policy.
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.
Chin Ming Stephen Lim is a Lecturer in Theology at Hong Kong Ming Hua Theological College, School of Theology, with a PhD, MA, and MBBS background. He specializes in decolonial biblical interpretation, focusing on reading the Bible through Asian and Singaporean contexts. Research Interests: His work bridges biblical studies with postcolonial theory, interreligious engagement, and critiques of global productivity cultures. He explores how biblical texts interact with migrant communities, political prisoners, and ecological themes in Southeast Asia. Scientific Contributions: Lim’s publications include interdisciplinary studies like Global Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Burden (2025) and context-driven theological works such as Contextual Biblical Hermeneutics (2019). His scholarship spans articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. Teaching: Lim instructs courses in Biblical Greek, Hebrew, and exegesis, including THL101–THL535. He advocates for contextual biblical literacy and decolonized pedagogical approaches.
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.
Maree Dinan-Thompson is an academic affiliated with James Cook University, contributing extensively to research in Health and Physical Education, interreligious education, and Indigenous education. Her work bridges curriculum design, pedagogical strategies, and cultural integration in educational settings. She has been involved in multiple research projects exploring topics such as interfaith dialogue in Catholic schools, Indigenous knowledge systems in physical education, and curriculum alignment post-reforms. Her research often emphasizes the intersection of education with cultural, social, and community aspects. Her research interests are centered around Health and Physical Education curriculum development, interreligious learning in diverse school contexts, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge into educational practices. She explores how pedagogy can foster inclusive environments, particularly in multicultural and Indigenous communities, while also analyzing the cognitive demands of science curricula and teacher preparation. Recent articles (2024) highlight investigations into Indigenous games as knowledge systems and parent/child perspectives on interreligious education in Catholic schools. Earlier work (2020-2012) delves into curriculum alignment, teacher professional identity, and cultural preservation through traditional games. These studies reflect a consistent focus on educational equity, cultural responsiveness, and effective pedagogical strategies.
Nerina Jane Caltabiano is a Professor at James Cook University. Her research spans psychology, education, and public health, with a focus on mental health, social behavior, and educational equity. She has contributed to understanding pandemic-related behaviors, interreligious education, and student well-being. Her work often addresses societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Key research interests include: mortality salience in crises, interreligious learning in schools, teacher bullying dynamics, and the psychological impact of social media. She collaborates internationally, publishing in journals like Current Psychology and Journal of Educational Review . Her recent work highlights trends in pandemic behavior analysis, digital parenting patterns, and academic support systems. Despite prolific publication, no awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.
Professor Leonardo Franchi is a Professorial Research Fellow in Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney Campus, within the School of Philosophy & Theology. He also teaches at the University of Glasgow, where he previously served as Director of Catholic Teacher Education from 2012 to 2016. Appointed in September 2022, he works at 0.5 FTE, indicating a part-time academic role. He is actively involved in international research networks, including the Association of Catholic Institutes of Education (ACISE) and the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU). His research lies at the intersection of theology and education, with a focus on Catholic identity, religious and moral education, teacher formation, curriculum development, and the liberal arts. He has supervised doctoral students on topics including Music in Islamic Education, Intercultural Education in Cyprus, and teacher confidence in Catholic settings. His recent publications reflect a consistent engagement with Catholic educational mission, pedagogy, and theological foundations. Themes include the integration of Catholic social teaching (e.g., Laudato Si' , Fratelli tutti ), the role of the liberal arts, spiritual development, and the identity of Catholic schools as spaces of dialogue and inclusion. His work appears in journals such as Religions , Journal of Catholic Education , and International Studies in Catholic Education . Franchi holds significant editorial roles, serving as Series Editor for Catholic Education Globally (Springer) and Education and Integral Human Development (CUA Press). He is a member of editorial boards for Studia Pedagogica Ignatiana , Review of Religious Education and Theology , and Educa: International Journal of Catholic Education . He has also contributed to public scholarship through podcasts, webinars, and media articles. Member, Executive, Association of Catholic Institutes of Education (ACISE), 2016–present Council Member, Scottish Catholic Historical Association (SCHA), 2019–present Co-convenor, Scottish Catholic Historical Association, from September 2024 External Consultant, Centre for the Transformation of Catholic Education, Catholic University of America, 2022 Foundation Director, Mater Christi Multi-Academy Trust, Lancaster, 2021–2023 He supervises doctoral students and advises on Catholic educational policy, including participation in the Academic Advisory Forum for the Reform of Religious Education in England and Wales (2018–2020). He has led major academic colloquia and served as an external reviewer for accreditation processes. His work bridges academic scholarship, institutional leadership, and ecclesial engagement.
Matthew Tan is Senior Lecturer in Theology at the University of Notre Dame, based at the Sydney Campus within the School of Philosophy & Theology. He previously served as Lecturer in Theology and Philosophy at Campion College Australia and as Visiting Professor in Catholic Studies at DePaul University, Chicago, reflecting his international academic engagement. His research explores the intersections of Theology, Social Theory, Postmodern Culture, and personal identity , particularly as mediated through digital spaces and migration experiences. He is known for his creative engagement with pop culture, technology, and ecclesial life, often drawing from anime, social media, and television to illuminate theological concepts. Matthew’s scholarly work spans Christology, ecclesiology, virtue ethics, and digital religion . His recent publications analyze pornography, Facebook, anime, and online celebrity through a theological lens, revealing how contemporary culture shapes and reflects spiritual realities. This body of work demonstrates a consistent focus on theology in mediatized societies , especially concerning identity, community, and transcendence. He has received the Russell Berrie Fellowship in Interreligious Dialogue (2009–2011) , recognizing his contributions to interfaith understanding. His professional memberships include the Australian Catholic Theological Association and the Colloquium on Violence & Religion, indicating active participation in theological discourse. Matthew advises students in theology-related research, particularly in areas connecting faith with culture and media. Though specific grants are not listed, his fellowship and publications suggest sustained research support. He is the author of two books, numerous peer-reviewed articles, and a regular contributor to public theology via his blog Awkward Asian Theologian and media appearances on ABC and Centre for Public Christianity. He is actively involved in academic communities, presenting at international conferences such as the Centre for Theology and Philosophy, Colloquium on Violence & Religion, and the Australian Catholic Theological Association. His work bridges academic theology, public discourse, and digital culture, positioning him as a distinctive voice in contemporary theological conversation.
Kee-Fook Chia is a Senior Lecturer in Theology at the School of Theology, Australian Catholic University, affiliated with the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy. His research focuses on interreligious dialogue, mission theology, and religious pluralism with particular attention to Asian contexts. He has explored topics such as Confucian-Christian relations, Catholic identity in multi-religious settings, and the theology of mission through an Asian perspective. His work integrates biblical reflection with contemporary social issues, such as refugee ethics and the role of Catholic schools in pluralistic societies. Chia has contributed to major theological handbooks and edited volumes on topics including Edward Schillebeeckx’s theological anthropology and the postcolonial challenges facing Asian Christianity. His publications span book chapters, journal articles, and edited collections, consistently addressing themes of interfaith learning, receptive ecumenism, and the application of theological principles to global mission strategies. While no specific awards are listed in the provided materials, his extensive contributions to interreligious and missiological discourse reflect significant scholarly engagement.
Alison Marie Fitchett Climenhaga serves as a Research Fellow at the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy. Her research centers on religious practices in East African Catholic communities, examining intersections of faith, healing, and post-conflict recovery through ethnographic and theological lenses. Her primary research areas include Religious Studies , Missiology , and African Christianity , with specialized focus on Catholic shrines in Rwanda , charismatic healing practices in Uganda , and trauma recovery in mission contexts . She investigates how religious narratives shape community resilience and human flourishing in post-genocide societies. Recent publications demonstrate a cohesive trajectory analyzing Biblical interpretation in African Catholicism and contested healing modalities within charismatic movements. Her work bridges theological reflection with anthropological fieldwork, revealing tensions between institutional prayer teams and independent healers while exploring how mission frameworks address psychological trauma in communities affected by violence.
Darren Sarisky serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, conducting advanced research at the intersection of biblical studies and systematic theology with particular focus on modern theological developments. His scholarly work prominently features: Theological interpretation of biblical and non-biblical texts Genealogies of modernity in theological discourse Retrieval of historical theological traditions Analysis of theologians including T.F. Torrance, John Webster, and Karl Barth Patristic engagement through figures like Basil of Caesarea Scriptural reasoning and interreligious dialogue frameworks Recent publications (2019-2024) reveal sustained investigation into scripture's ontology, hermeneutical ethics, and participatory frameworks in Johannine theology, while critically examining concepts like ascriptive realism and theological genealogies. His scholarship consistently bridges historical analysis with contemporary systematic concerns, demonstrating particular expertise in modern theological historiography and biblical reception. No scientific awards or professional honors were documented in the provided materials. Information regarding graduate student supervision, research funding, or collaborative grant activities was not included in the source content, nor were details about laboratory affiliations or research team structures provided.
