Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS)

The Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS) is a leading Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering research and disseminating knowledge about Islamic and Muslim societies. Established as an interdisciplinary academic association, AAIMS focuses on promoting national and international collaboration in various sub-disciplines of Islamic studies, including law, anthropology, history, sociology, political science, philosophy, and theology.

Mission and Objectives

AAIMS aims to create and disseminate knowledge related to Islam as a religion and the lived experiences of Muslims both within Australia and globally[1][2]. By building a network of academics across Australian universities, AAIMS facilitates opportunities for joint research initiatives, enhances collaboration across different disciplines and institutions, and promotes the dissemination of research outputs produced by its members[2][3].

Activities and Events

To achieve its objectives, AAIMS organizes a series of events, conferences, and prizes. These activities include monthly newsletters and other initiatives that support newly emerging academics and provide a platform for seasoned scholars to collaborate and share their research[3][4]. Notably, AAIMS hosts an annual conference that serves as a flagship event, bringing together experts to discuss contemporary issues affecting Islam and Muslim societies[5].

Recent Initiatives

The association's recent activities include hosting the Fourth Annual Conference titled "Islam in a Polarised World," held at the University of Western Australia in November 2023. This conference drew attention to the roles and challenges faced by Islam in a multipolar global context, focusing on both local and global polarizations and their implications for peaceful coexistence among diverse communities[5].

Governance and Membership

AAIMS operates under a constitution that outlines its scope, membership guidelines, subscription fees, and election processes for its executive and advisory boards. The association encourages diverse membership and participation from academics across Australia, supporting the development of a robust network of researchers in the field of Islamic and Muslim studies[2].

By fostering collaboration and advancing research in this field, AAIMS aims to establish Australia as a hub of excellence in studies related to Islam and Muslim societies.

[1] https://www.aaims.org.au [2] https://www.aaims.org.au/about/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/b21e3f87-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [4] https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/en/activities/australian-association-of-islamic-and-muslim-studies-external-org-2 [5] https://www.uwa.edu.au/schools/research/centre-for-muslim-states-and-societies/2023-aaims-conference