The Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS) held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 2 September 2026, bringing together members of the Executive Committee, the Advisory Board and the general membership online from across the country.

The meeting was opened and chaired by A/Prof Eva F. Nisa, who acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the lands from which members were joining and paid respect to Elders past and present.

Annual reports were presented by A/Prof Zuleyha Keskin as Acting President, A/Prof Eva F. Nisa as Secretary, and Dr Faroque Amin, who took up the role of Treasurer in May 2026. Members warmly thanked A/Prof Keskin for her leadership and commitment to the Association throughout the year.

The election results for the incoming Executive Committee were confirmed as follows:

• President — Professor Halim Rane
• Vice President — Professor Karima Laachir
• Secretary — Dr Rachel Woodlock
• Treasurer — A/Prof Zuleyha Keskin
• General Members — Dr Sara Cheikh Husain and A/Prof Eva F. Nisa
• Communications Officer — Fajri Zulia Ramdhani

The discussion that followed focused on the future direction of AAIMS and on opportunities to strengthen the Association’s public, academic and community engagement. Members raised public and policy engagement, research collaboration, media and educational initiatives, responses to Islamophobia and religious literacy, closer engagement with community and government organisations, and better use of the expertise already held within the membership.

Proposals discussed included the establishment of thematic research groups, a regular seminar series, more responsive communication channels for members, and a database of members’ areas of expertise. Members agreed that the Executive would give further consideration to thematic groups, that options for more immediate member communication would be explored, that regular Executive meetings would resume, and that a face-to-face planning day would be explored to set priorities for the coming term.

AAIMS thanks all members who attended and contributed to the discussion, and warmly congratulates the incoming Executive Committee. Members are encouraged to stay in touch through the AAIMS newsletter and website as these initiatives take shape over the coming months.