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Mashood Baderin is a Professor at SOAS University of London's School of Law, where he has established himself as a leading scholar in Islamic law, international law, and human rights. With over 90 publications spanning more than two decades, Professor Baderin has made significant contributions to bridging Islamic legal traditions with contemporary international legal frameworks. Professor Baderin's research interests focus on the intersection of Islamic jurisprudence with modern legal challenges. His work explores how Islamic legal principles can inform contemporary human rights frameworks, international criminal justice systems, and social reform initiatives in Muslim-majority countries. He has extensively examined Islamic legal theory (usul al-fiqh), the application of Islamic law in modern contexts, and the relationship between Islamic law and international legal norms. His most recent publications reveal a continued focus on the universality of international law from Islamic perspectives, the application of Islamic law in African contexts, and the relationship between Islamic principles and human rights frameworks. Professor Baderin has edited significant works including 'Islamic Legal Theory' (2014) and authored the widely recognized 'Islamic Law: A Very Short Introduction' (2021). Professor Baderin has supervised numerous doctoral students working on Islamic law topics with regional focus on Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. His students' research often examines gender issues, legal reform, and the practical application of Islamic law in contemporary settings.

• Islamic Law
• International Law
• Human Rights
• +5 more

Hatoon Alfassi is an Honorary Research Fellow in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Manchester. A Saudi historian specialized in pre-Islamic Arabian history and women's studies, she previously held positions at King Saud University and Qatar University. Alfassi earned her PhD from the University of Manchester focusing on women and power in ancient Nabataea. Her research examines women's historical agency in ancient Arabian societies, Islamic feminism, and contemporary gender rights in Saudi Arabia. She pioneered studies of Nabataean women through epigraphic analysis and comparative methodology. Current work analyzes intersections between religious interpretation, legal frameworks, and women's citizenship rights in Gulf societies. Alfassi received the MESA Academic Freedom Award (2018) and French National Order of Merit (2012). Her publications in Arabic and English include five books and numerous articles analyzing gender dynamics from antiquity to modern reforms. She maintains an active public intellectual presence through decades of newspaper columns addressing women's rights.

• Ancient Arabian History
• Women's History
• Nabataean Civilization
• +3 more

Dr. Roham Alvandi is Associate Professor of International History at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he also serves as Director of the Iranian History Initiative and Master's Programme Director. He is affiliated with the Phelan United States Centre and the Middle East Centre at LSE, and is a Fellow of the British Institute of Persian Studies, the Royal Historical Society, and the Royal Asiatic Society. Dr. Alvandi earned his DPhil and MPhil from the University of Oxford, where his doctoral thesis won the Foundation for Iranian Studies’ Dissertation Prize and the Pavry Memorial Prize. He also holds degrees from the University of Sydney, where he received the University Medal, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. His research focuses on modern Iranian history, U.S. foreign relations, and the Global Cold War, with current work exploring human rights activism and the origins of the 1979 Iranian Revolution. His scholarship has been published in leading journals such as Diplomatic History , Cold War History , and Iranian Studies . He is the author of Nixon, Kissinger, and the Shah: The United States and Iran in the Cold War (Oxford University Press, 2014), selected by the Financial Times as one of the best history books of the year, and editor of The Age of Aryamehr: Late Pahlavi Iran and its Global Entanglements (2018). His recent media commentaries and articles—appearing in The New York Times , The Guardian , The Wall Street Journal , and The Washington Post —reflect a consistent focus on Iran’s political trajectory, nuclear ambitions, and societal resistance. The articles highlight themes such as the fragility of the Islamic Republic, the role of historical memory, and the persistent desire for secular democracy among Iranians. Financial Times Best History Book of 2014 Foundation for Iranian Studies’ Dissertation Prize University of Oxford’s Pavry Memorial Prize University Medal, University of Sydney LSE Excellence in Education Promotion Prize (2015) LSE Excellence in Education Award (2018) Dr. Alvandi has supervised PhD students including Jack Roush and Jean-Baptiste Ollieric, and has received LSE teaching awards in recognition of his excellence in education. He has held visiting appointments at the University of Tehran and Columbia University, and previously worked on the strategic planning staff for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He is also a frequent contributor to documentaries by HBO, BBC, and Manoto, serving as a historical consultant on projects such as Hostages and Hoveyda .

• Modern Iranian History
• U.S. Foreign Relations
• Global Cold War
• +7 more

Professor Hisham Farag is a distinguished academic at the University of Birmingham , where he serves as Professor of Finance and Director of Research at the Birmingham Business School . He is also the Founding Director of the Sustainable Financial Innovation Research Centre (SFIC) , underscoring his leadership in advancing research in sustainable finance and financial innovation. His work is deeply embedded in the Department of Finance , where he contributes to both research and academic leadership. His primary research interests span a wide and impactful range of topics in modern finance, including FinTech , corporate governance , board structure and diversity , corporate social responsibility (CSR) , behavioural finance , sustainable finance , ESG , and green finance . His research investigates how governance mechanisms, board composition, and financial innovations influence firm performance, risk, and ethical outcomes, particularly in both developed and emerging markets. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on global corporate governance, alternative finance, and the social dimensions of finance. Key themes include the role of board diversity in bank stability, the impact of FinTech on entrepreneurship, and the integration of CSR in Islamic and Chinese financial institutions. His work frequently appears in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Corporate Finance , British Journal of Management , and European Journal of Finance . Professor Farag has received significant research funding from notable institutions including the Bank of England , Innovate UK (Energy Systems Catapult) , and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) . His research projects have addressed critical issues such as board effectiveness, risk in financial institutions, and investment decisions in hedge funds. He is actively involved in the academic community, serving as Associate Editor for several prestigious journals: European Journal of Finance , Research in International Business and Finance , Business Ethics European Review , and African Accounting and Finance Association . He has also co-authored a research monograph titled Balancing the Board: Directors’ Skills and Diversity , funded by ICAS. Among his accolades, he received the Best Paper Award at the Global Finance Conference in California, USA. His scholarly output includes numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and professional reports, reflecting a sustained and influential contribution to the field of finance.

• FinTech
• Corporate Governance
• Board Structure
• +8 more

Professor Muhammad A S Abdel Haleem, OBE, is the King Fahd Professor of Islamic Studies at SOAS University of London, within the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics. He holds a BA from Cairo University and a PhD from the University of Cambridge (Cantab), with additional qualifications including FCIL (London). His research focuses on Quranic language, style, and translations, alongside Islamic family law and Arab society. Key interests include Qur’anic exegesis, comparative religious studies, and the intersection of scripture with contemporary issues like disability ethics and interfaith relations. Professor Haleem has supervised numerous PhD candidates exploring topics such as divine states in Sufism, gender relations in the Quran, and charitable work in multicultural societies. He has authored over 60 works, including translations of the Quran and influential studies on Quranic structure and theology. Awards: Order of the British Empire (OBE) Publications: Over 60 books and articles, including Understanding the Qur'an: Themes and Style and translations of the Quran. His work bridges academic theology with practical ethics, emphasizing contextual interpretation and intercultural dialogue. Current research continues to explore Quranic coherence, legal hermeneutics, and the Quran’s role in modern society.

• Qur'anic Studies
• Islamic Theology
• Islamic Family Law
• +3 more

Dr. Caglar Ezikoglu is a Lecturer in International Relations at the School of Social Science and Humanities, University of Wolverhampton (FABSS). He holds a PhD in International Politics (Aberystwyth, 2019) and an MA in European Politics (Sussex, 2013). His academic journey spans institutions including Leeds Beckett University (Visiting Lecturer, 2023-2025), University of Birmingham (Teaching & Research Fellow, 2023-2025), and Cankiri Karatekin University (Lecturer, 2019-2023). Education: PhD, International Politics, Aberystwyth University (2014-2019) MA, European Politics, University of Sussex (2012-2013) MA, Political Science, Ankara University (2009-2012) BA, Political Science, Ankara University (2005-2009) Ezikoğlu’s research synthesizes populism , authoritarianism , and political behavior with a regional focus on Turkey , the Middle East , and comparative historical studies (e.g., Ancient Rome). His work interrogates themes such as democratic erosion , religious freedom , and media’s role in political hegemony . Recent publications (2024-2025) bridge political theory , comparative case studies , and public policy analysis , often critiquing authoritarian trends in Turkey and beyond. His upcoming book compares Catonism in Rome to Erdogan’s populism , while a 2024 article in Intellectual Discourse examines economic voting behavior collapse in Turkey. Scientific Awards: Nominated for BISA Early Career Excellence Teaching Prize (2024) Nominated for PSA Sir Bernard Crick Teaching Prize (2024) Awarded British Academy’s GLOBAL TALENT VISA (Exceptional Promise, 2025) Received a Turkey Fellowship (2023-2024) Awarded BISA Conference Bursaries (2015-2017) He serves as Co-Convenor for the PSA International Relations Specialist Group and Editor for Open Theology (Web of Science Q1). As a Country Expert for V-Dem (2021-2025) and Senior Commissioning Editor for E-International Relations (2017-2020), he contributes to global academic networks.

• International Relations
• Middle East Politics
• Turkish Politics
• +9 more

Dr. Marle Hammond is a Professor at SOAS University of London in the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, specializing in Arabic Literature and Middle Eastern and North African cinema. She earned her PhD from Columbia University in 2003 and has held prestigious fellowships at St. John's College and as a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow at Oxford University before joining SOAS in 2010. Her educational background includes: PhD in Arabic Literature from Columbia University (2003) Postdoctoral Fellowship at St. John's College Research Centre (2002-2006) British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship at Oxford University (2007-2010) Dr. Hammond's research focuses on Arabic women's writing across historical periods, examining grammatical gender and sexed subjectivities in Arabic and Persian literary traditions, the intersection of madness and poetry, and Arabic-language cinema with particular attention to early Egyptian melodramas. Her scholarly approach combines literary analysis with gender studies and cultural history perspectives. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on recovering and analyzing historical women writers and poets from the Islamic world. Through works like "Rayhana 'The Mad': Her Persona and Poetry" (2024) and biographical entries on figures such as Sara al-Halabiyya, Hafsa bint al-Hajj, and Taqiyya bint Ghayth al-Suriyya, she has contributed significantly to expanding the canon of women's literary contributions in pre-modern Islamic societies. Her book "Arab World Cinemas: A Reader and Guide" (2024) represents a major contribution to film studies of the region. Dr. Hammond has received notable recognition for her work: Winner of the First Annual Journal of Middle East Women's Studies Book Award (2011) for "Beyond Elegy: Classical Arabic Women's Poetry in Context" British Academy Midcareer Fellowship (2017-2018) British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (2007-2010) External Examiner for Oxford University (2018-2020) and Exeter University (2018-2021) Associate Editor for the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Women's Writing in the Global Middle Ages (2022) Dr. Hammond has supervised doctoral students including Kubin, K. (2023) on "Affects of Shame and the Postcolonial: Identity, Recognition and Belonging" and Boulos, T. (2023) on "Breaking the Silence: Pain, Torture, Resistance and Bearing Witness in the writings of Palestinian Prisoners of War and Administrative Detainees." She has served on editorial boards and as Book Review Editor for Middle Eastern Literatures (2014-2015). Her scholarly influence extends through invited talks at institutions including Oxford, UCL, and King's College London, as well as appearances on BBC Radio 4's "In Our Time."

• Arabic Women's Literature
• Classical Arabic Poetry
• Gender Studies in Middle Eastern Contexts
• +5 more

Qudsia Mirza is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of East London (UEL), affiliated with the Department of Law & Criminology in the Royal Docks School of Business and Law. A qualified solicitor, she has extensive academic experience across the UK and US, including roles at Birkbeck, University of London, Albany Law School (New York), and the University of Cincinnati. Her research focuses on Islamic Law with a particular emphasis on feminist/reformist perspectives, diasporic legal cultures, and human rights intersections. Research interests include Islamic Law and Gender, Islamic Feminism, Legal Pluralism, and Human Rights. Current projects examine the impact of religious and legal frameworks in Pakistan and globally, co-directed with Southern Methodist University. She has held prestigious visiting positions at Harvard Law School, UC Berkeley, and Spain's Onati Institute. Publications span topics like intersectionality in Muslim labor markets, human rights cinema, and feminist exegesis of religious texts. She has received two British Academy Research Grants and holds editorial roles at Social and Legal Studies and Muslim World Journal of Human Rights . Active in professional governance, she serves on Liberty's Executive Committee and advises organizations like the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants and the Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute.

• Islamic Law
• Islamic Law and Gender
• Islamic Feminism
• +5 more

Hugh Kennedy , Professor at SOAS University of London within the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, is a leading scholar in early Islamic history. His research spans political structures, military systems, and cultural transitions in the Islamic world. Fields of Interest : Early Islamic History, Abbasid Caliphate, Sacred Space, Historical Geography, Islamic Law. Research Trends : His work explores the evolution of Islamic political terminology, frontier interactions, and the socioeconomic impacts of Muslim rule. He has published extensively on the Ḥajj, urban development, and manuscript production in the Abbasid era. Supervised Theses : Tanaka (zandaqah), Ye (ʿAbbāsid mysticism), Habib (sacred space), Khatun (trade networks), Manstetten (madrasa origins), Lodhi (hijra law), Webb (Arab origins).

• Early Islamic History
• Abbasid Caliphate
• Political and Military Structures
• +4 more

Ach Fatayillah Mursyidi is a Researcher at the Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies, Gadjah Mada University, and a PhD candidate in Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on the intersection of Islam and modern science, religious authority in digital spaces, and the role of religious organizations in state-building and democracy. Education: PhD Candidate, Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, University of Edinburgh (ongoing) MA, Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies, Gadjah Mada University BA, Financial Management, Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University Research Interests: Islamic Studies, Religion and Modern Science, Religion-State dynamics, Human Rights, and Ethnographic Analysis of Religious Practices. Recent Trends in Publications: His work explores digital religion’s impact on religious authority, modern fatwa development, and the role of traditional Islamic institutions like pesantren in Indonesian governance. He also examines minority rights and citizenship issues through case studies of marginalized religious communities. Grants/Awards: Recipient of the Education Endowment Fund (Indonesian Ministry of Finance) and DIKTIS Scholarship (Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs).

• Islamic Studies
• Religion and Modern Science
• Religion, State, and Politics
• +3 more

Professor Muhammad Abdel-Haleem is a distinguished scholar at SOAS University of London's School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, specializing in Qur'anic studies and Islamic thought. With a career spanning over five decades, he maintains an active research profile with publications extending into 2025, demonstrating his continued scholarly engagement. His research interests focus on Qur'anic linguistics, translation methodologies, and contemporary applications of Islamic scripture. Professor Abdel-Haleem examines structural coherence in the Qur'an, semantic challenges in translation, and the relevance of Qur'anic teachings to modern issues including environmental sustainability, gender relations, and pandemic responses. His work bridges classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary academic approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on Qur'anic hermeneutics with increasing attention to contemporary applications. His 2023-2025 works address environmental concerns in Hajj rituals, pandemic responses through Qur'anic interpretation, and gender relations, demonstrating how classical Islamic texts can inform modern ethical and practical challenges. His methodological approach emphasizes linguistic precision while maintaining sensitivity to cultural and historical contexts. Professor Abdel-Haleem supervises graduate research at SOAS, with recent theses examining topics like Muslim minority fiqh and gender relations in the Qur'an. His editorial work includes the Oxford Handbook of Qur'anic Studies (2020), establishing him as a leading authority in the field. His professional activities include presentations at major academic forums such as the 90th Conference of the Arabic Language Academy in Cairo.

• Qur'anic Studies
• Islamic Theology
• Arabic Linguistics
• +3 more

Dr. Sara Ababneh is a Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Sheffield's School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations. Previously an Associate Professor at the University of Jordan's Center for Strategic Studies, her research bridges political theory and gender studies with a regional focus on the Middle East. Her core research examines intersections of class, gender, resistance movements, liberation struggles, and economic sovereignty. She employs feminist and postcolonial frameworks to analyze Islamic political parties, labor movements, and women's rights advocacy across Jordan and Palestine. Current projects investigate decolonial pedagogies and geopolitical dimensions of feminist praxis. Her publications demonstrate strong thematic coherence, predominantly exploring: feminist critiques of Western epistemological hegemony; re-politicization of economic rights in Arab uprisings; and Islamic paradigms of gender justice. Methodologically, she combines discourse analysis with ethnographic approaches to capture lived experiences of resistance. Research grants include principal investigator roles for the Arab Barometer, Gender Barometer, and International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES Jordan). She coordinates international research networks addressing feminist ethics during geopolitical crises.

• Gender Politics
• Middle East Studies
• Postcolonial Theory
• +2 more

Rahmanara Chowdhury is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at Nottingham Trent University. A Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she specializes in culturally informed approaches to domestic violence, spiritual abuse, forensic mental health, and holistic wellbeing, particularly within Muslim communities. Her pedagogy spans undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses, with a focus on supervising projects related to minority community dynamics. PhD in Domestic Violence and Abuse in UK Muslim Communities, funded by ESRC at Brunel University London Research Associate at Nottingham Trent University in forensic mental health projects Co-editor of Holistic Responses to Reducing Reoffending (2024), addressing minority needs in criminal justice Her research intersects decolonial methodologies with forensic psychology, examining spiritual abuse in faith contexts, cultural competence in criminal justice, and collaborations with grassroots organizations. Key publications include analyses of domestic violence in Scottish Muslim communities (2024), holistic resettlement strategies (2023), and critiques of cultural barriers in mental health access (2021). She advocates for bridging communities marginalized as 'others' through academic-practitioner partnerships. Scientific Recognition : Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society), Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Rahmanara actively supports PhD enquirers from under-represented groups and has contributed to landmark reports on minority communities and criminal justice reform. Her work emphasizes relationship-building and capacity development across sectors like policing, healthcare, and domestic abuse services.

• Domestic Violence
• Spiritual Abuse
• Forensic Mental Health
• +5 more

Dr. Richard Gauvain is a Lecturer at the University of Chester's Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences , based in the Humanities, Cultures and Environment department. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Glasgow (2002) with specialization in Islamic Studies. His academic career spans universities in the Middle East, Europe, and the UK, encompassing diverse teaching roles in Religious Studies, History, Political Science, and Middle East Studies. Dr. Gauvain's research focuses on Islamic law , Salafism , ritual theory , and Anglican studies , particularly in Middle Eastern contexts. Notable themes include Salafi ritual practices in Egypt, the socio-political dynamics of Islamic reform movements, and the interplay between tradition and modernity in religious discourse. Recent work examines Egyptian Anglican Orthodoxy and UAE national identity narratives . His publications span International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church , Oxford Handbook of Ritual and Worship , and Routledge Handbook of Islamic Ritual , reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with anthropology, theology, and political science. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but his extensive fieldwork and ethnographic contributions highlight scholarly rigor. Teaching expertise includes research methods and theory across undergraduate and graduate levels. His academic language proficiency includes Arabic (fluent) and Spanish (academic competence).

• Islamic Studies
• Religious Law
• Comparative Religions
• +5 more

Dr. Michael Talbot is an Associate Professor in the History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Middle East at the University of Greenwich, affiliated with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences within the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He holds advanced degrees including a PhD and multiple prestigious fellowships (FRAS, FRHistS). His research focuses on global Ottoman interactions, with specialties in Ottoman-British relations, maritime history, and consular networks. Recent work examines Ottoman communities in Britain/Ireland and Ottoman-Algerian/Palestinian dynamics. Education: BA Hons, MA, PhD in History, Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE). He is an SFHEA (Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy) and Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA). Research interests emphasize transnational connections, including Ottoman maritime territoriality, diplomatic practices, and colonial perceptions. He bridges academic and public history through BBC radio contributions and consulting for Netflix’s Rise of Empires: Ottoman . Scientific Recognition: 2018 BBC/AHRC 'New Generation Thinker' award for public scholarship. Media engagements include BBC Radio 3 broadcasts and expert commentary on Ottoman history for major platforms. Advising: Actively supervises graduate students in Ottoman diplomatic history, global interactions, and Middle Eastern studies. No current grants listed but maintains international archival collaborations. Engages in digital humanities through exhibition curation projects. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Ottoman Studies networks and the University’s Humanities Research Centre. Active in transnational historical research partnerships.

• Ottoman History
• Global Ottoman Relations
• British-Ottoman Diplomacy
• +4 more