Islamabad: The third workshop of the IRI International Postdoctoral Fellowship 2024–2025 (Group-I) commenced on Monday at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). Held at the Dr. Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi Hall, Islamic Research Institute (IRI), the week-long program focuses on enhancing the research endeavors of participating fellows. Titled “Review of Performance, Analysis of Data, and Articulation of Research,” the workshop offers an opportunity for scholars to present their work and receive feedback from senior academics.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of IRI, inaugurated the event. He was accompanied by Dr. Hafiz Aftab Ahmad, Head of the Department of Comparative Study of World Religions, and Prof. Dr. Safir Akhtar, both key facilitators of the workshop.
Dr. Zia-ul-Haq stressed the significance of peer review and encouraged participants to uphold academic rigor. He highlighted the workshop as a vital component of IRI’s commitment to fostering research capabilities and scholarly collaboration in Islamic studies and related areas.
Dr. Hafiz Aftab Ahmad emphasized the importance of comparative studies and interdisciplinary discussions for a comprehensive understanding of current religious and societal matters.
The postdoctoral fellows, representing diverse academic backgrounds, will deliver progress reports on their individual research projects. Workshop sessions will cover data evaluation, methodological assessment, and discussions to enhance the structure and presentation of their work.
The IRI International Postdoctoral Fellowship is a year-long initiative designed to advance original research and scholarly contributions in Islamic thought, history, jurisprudence, and contemporary issues. This workshop represents the mid-point of the fellowship and provides a forum for constructive academic dialogue. The program concludes at the week’s end, with fellows expected to integrate the received feedback into the final stages of their research.