Building the Centre
A Unique Centre
Internationally and in Australia there are numerous institutes for Middle Eastern and Islamic studies but many concentrate on Islamic religious studies. It is important that the new Centre avoids duplicating effort and frames an agenda that can add to global knowledge in new ways.
The new Centre will address the Muslim world in its many guises, as Islam is embedded in the different cultures of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas as well as the Middle East. The non-Muslim world will not simply be expressed as the West. This will allow the Centre to focus on common issues and concerns, combatting the triggers of prejudice and intolerance.
In order to examine and understand the issues between Muslim and non-Muslim worlds, the Centre will establish links to institutes with complementary agendas and integrate its endeavours with global colleagues.
International Advisory Board
An advisory board will be appointed from international candidates to provide broad direction to the Centre. Board members will have a sound and established record in the field of intercultural engagement and will have wide-ranging influence to promulgate change.
Structure
The Centre will be led by an acclaimed professor reporting to the Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. Selection criteria for this key role will emphasise outstanding scholarship in cultural, political and reconciliation fields, creativity, leadership and connections appropriate to an international cultural milieu.
In support will be a team of senior research fellows, research assistants and an administrative officer.
Provision will be made for annual visiting research fellows.
Location
It is anticipated that initially the new Centre will operate from
the complex containing the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre. In
due course a purpose-built facility may be established at this or
another campus.
Funding
Given the disturbing recent increase in tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims in various nations, the Centre should be established promptly. This will obviously require substantial capital funds. Major government support has been generous - $3m from the State Government and $7m from the Federal Government.
Further information on donations.
Timing
The Centre should be fully operational in 2010 after an establishment phase in 2009.