You are in :

UK Islamic studies network

Our research into Islamic studies revealed that the higher education (HE) sector would find it particularly useful to have a national network for the subject.

Research and consultation in 2007 and 2008 showed that Islamic studies scholars are often lone experts affiliated to different departments, working in isolation from scholars doing related work at other institutions.

Aims of the network

We are, for this reason, funding a national network to bring the community of Islamic studies scholars closer together. This network aims to provide information on courses and staff, facilitate events, seminars and exchange of ideas, and enable academics to connect.

The Higher Education Academy, working with Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), is developing the network with £850,000 of funding from HEFCE, HEFCW and SFC. With their UK-wide Subject Centres, the Academy is well-placed to represent and consult the wider Islamic studies community.

The network aims to:

  • support academics working in different disciplines or institutions, including those who are not currently part of a wider network
  • provide opportunities to share good practice through events, project grants and publications
  • increase access to digital resources by working with JISC
  • develop an enhanced picture of the provision of Islamic studies in UK higher education
  • build on work carried out since the designation of Islamic studies as a strategically important subject.

Events and funding opportunities

The network is hosting its inaugural conference – 'perspectives on Islamic Studies in Higher Education' – on 25-26 May 2010 at Aston Business School.

The network will also provide project grants and other funding opportunities.

Further information

Alternatively, please contact the network's Academic Co-ordinator, Dr Lisa Bernasek, or the Islamic studies team, e-mail islamicstudies@heacademy.ac.uk, tel 01904 717500.

Last updated 17 May 2011