An ADI member has been named the leading researcher in the field of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies by The Australian Research Magazine for the second year in a row, and this year Deakin University was also named the top university in the field.

Associate Professor Benjamin Isakhan was named leading researcher in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies by The Australian’s annual Research Special Report, following on from last year’s winner, ADI Deputy Director, Prof Shahram Akbarzadeh. Benjamin Isakhan is an Associate Professor in Politics and Policy Studies and an active member of various research networks, including the Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), which is convened by Prof Akbarzadeh.

‘I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been named Australia’s leading researcher in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies in The Australian’s Research 2020 Special Report,’ A/Prof Isakhan said, ‘I am indebted to the support of my colleagues in Politics, International Relations and Middle East Studies at Deakin University.’

‘Deakin has a unique concentration of world leading experts in Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies,’ A/Prof Isakhan highlighted. The fact that Deakin was also named the leading institution in the field is testimony to this and to the strength of MESF.

MESF hosts a number of high-profile international projects and teaching initiatives, including projects sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York, Gerda Henkel Stiftung and the Australian Research Council. MESF members are sought for expert comment for media organisations across the globe and have global networks.

Despite the shutting down of international borders this year, MESF has managed to take advantage of the growing use of digital meeting spaces to host a number of events with renowned global speakers that have reached international audiences.

Prof Akbarzadeh says this global focus is part of the success of MESF, ‘We are showing sustained leadership in the field of Middle East and Islamic Studies. We have developed a number of international collaborations to conduct pioneering research projects, most notably in heritage studies, regional politics and Muslim affairs. Our top ranking is a result of quality research and publications in leading outlets.’

Another reason for success is that the interests of Deakin’s Middle East and Islamic Studies scholars are so broad. Using interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies, MESF projects cover the Middle East, Central Asia and Muslim minorities in Australia and elsewhere, from angles of international relations, security and foreign policy dynamics, the changing nature of civil society and democracy, and the complex and overlapping histories of the Middle East and its languages, cultures and political movements.

To learn more about MESF and its upcoming events, visit their website.