Knowledge Society

Jamil and his team built balloon-borne telescopes that were launched in Antarctica to collect specific data about the early Universe.
Jamil and his team built balloon-borne telescopes that were launched in Antarctica to collect specific data about the early Universe.
Navigating uncharted career paths: Lessons from astrophysicist Jamil Shariff
Navigating uncharted career paths: Lessons from astrophysicist Jamil Shariff
28 August 2023

In the boundless expanse of career possibilities, the journey to finding your path can feel like coursing through the cosmos — filled with unexpected discoveries, unforeseen challenges, and unconventional opportunities. Jamil Shariff, a senior technical staff member in Systems Design at Canadian space technology company MDA, embodies this journey with a career trajectory that defies the norm, offering invaluable insights for those seeking to advance in their careers while facing the unknown.

Alice Hunsberger, an expert on the 11th century sage, scholar and traveller, joins the first episode of Muslim Footprints to talk about Nasir Khusraw’s marvellous journey.
Alice Hunsberger, an expert on the 11th century sage, scholar and traveller, joins the first episode of Muslim Footprints to talk about Nasir Khusraw’s marvellous journey.
New podcast explores Muslim civilisations through the ages
New podcast explores Muslim civilisations through the ages
12 June 2023

The Ismaili is pleased to announce the launch of Muslim Footprints, a biweekly podcast series that brings listeners scholarly knowledge about the rich diversity of Islam. The first episode is available now. subscribe to Muslim Footprints on your favourite podcast platform including SpotifyiTunes, and Google.

Dr Farouk Topan is awarded an Honorary Fellowship at SOAS' 2022 graduation ceremony.
Dr Farouk Topan is awarded an Honorary Fellowship at SOAS' 2022 graduation ceremony.
Lessons from a lifetime of learning
Lessons from a lifetime of learning
28 January 2023

In recognition of his contribution to the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Professor Dr Farouk Mohamedhusein Tharia Topan was recently awarded an Honorary Fellowship at SOAS, where he worked from 1993 until his retirement in 2006. In a wide-ranging interview with The Ismaili, Dr Topan reflects on his life in teaching, academia, and service to the Jamat.

Over 20 per cent of college students say their mental health has significantly worsened under Covid-19.
Over 20 per cent of college students say their mental health has significantly worsened under Covid-19.
Online learning at UCA: a story of adaptation
Online learning at UCA: a story of adaptation
28 March 2022

On 15 March 2020, during the spring semester, the University of Central Asia (UCA) campus in Naryn closed abruptly, to stop the spread of Covid-19. Students and teachers were faced with a challenging question: how to continue classes and learning, when everyone had been asked to stay at home?

The international environment at the IIS creates a dynamic space for collaboration where ideas are shared from diverse settings and backgrounds.
The international environment at the IIS creates a dynamic space for collaboration where ideas are shared from diverse settings and backgrounds.
The Institute of Ismaili Studies: A spotlight on pluralism
The Institute of Ismaili Studies: A spotlight on pluralism
2 December 2021

At The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS), more than 50 students arrive in London every autumn at the start of the academic year to embark on a voyage of discovery. For those studying at the IIS, there is a deep sense of pluralism inherent in the student experience.

Researchers have proven that the first five years of a child’s life are the most crucial in terms of brain development.
Researchers have proven that the first five years of a child’s life are the most crucial in terms of brain development.
Educating from the cradle onwards
Educating from the cradle onwards
28 October 2021

Seeking knowledge is inextricably linked to faith and spirituality in the Muslim tradition. In his address during the foundation laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mawlana Hazar Imam spoke of the intersection of education and faith. He said that, “The Holy Qur’an sees the discovery of knowledge as a spiritual responsibility, enabling us to better understand and more ably serve God’s creation.”

The profession of teaching involves constantly adapting to changing circumstances; among young people, their societies, and the world at large.
The profession of teaching involves constantly adapting to changing circumstances; among young people, their societies, and the world at large.
Teachers: Inspiring tomorrow’s leaders
Teachers: Inspiring tomorrow’s leaders
4 October 2021

The 20th century writer William Arthur Ward once wrote that “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day 2021, we celebrate the teachers and educators in our Jamat that continue to inspire us week after week, and thus help to positively shape the future of humanity.

Students enjoying the outdoor landscaping at the UCA Khorog Campus.
Students enjoying the outdoor landscaping at the UCA Khorog Campus.
University of Central Asia to celebrate first graduating class during virtual ceremony
University of Central Asia to celebrate first graduating class during virtual ceremony
15 June 2021

Mawlana Hazar Imam will deliver a virtual address at the University of Central Asia’s first-ever convocation on 19 June. The ceremony will honour the first class of undergraduate students at the School of Arts and Sciences and will be livestreamed from the University campuses in Khorog, Tajikistan and Naryn, Kyrgyzstan.

Four of the crew members of Expedition 65 currently aboard the International Space Station, including flight engineers Thomas Pesquet (ESA), Megan McArthur (NASA), and Shane Kimbrough (NASA) as well as Commander Akihiko Hoshide (JAXA).
Four of the crew members of Expedition 65 currently aboard the International Space Station, including flight engineers Thomas Pesquet (ESA), Megan McArthur (NASA), and Shane Kimbrough (NASA) as well as Commander Akihiko Hoshide (JAXA).
NASA and Ismaili Jamat in the US partner for a live event from the International Space Station
NASA and Ismaili Jamat in the US partner for a live event from the International Space Station
12 May 2021

In today’s global environment, engineers, scientists, and inventors from different backgrounds collaborate on a global scale to create the technologies that impact human life on a daily basis. Against this backdrop, the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern US is collaborating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to host an In-flight Education Downlink live from the International Space Station with Expedition 65 astronaut Megan McArthur on 17 May 2021. 

Pandemic perseverance: Pursuing your dreams during Covid-19
Pandemic perseverance: Pursuing your dreams during Covid-19
26 February 2021

I always saw the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as a daunting exam; nevertheless, the fact that so many students would be taking it with me physically gave me some sense of moral support, even if that support was coming from strangers.

Azan Virji from Kenya and Ashiana Jivraj from Canada aim to help other international students navigate their journey in higher education in the USA.
Azan Virji from Kenya and Ashiana Jivraj from Canada aim to help other international students navigate their journey in higher education in the USA.
International students helping others achieve their dreams
International students helping others achieve their dreams
29 January 2021

Take any highly successful person and chances are that person had a mentor to guide his or her journey, but when Kenyan-born Azan Virji set out to obtain a world-class medical education in the United States, he didn’t know whose path he could follow.

Abdul Saboor Farid shares public health guidelines with his students to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Abdul Saboor Farid shares public health guidelines with his students to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Building a knowledge-sharing bridge between the USA and Tajikistan during the pandemic
Building a knowledge-sharing bridge between the USA and Tajikistan during the pandemic
29 January 2021

As the global community faced unforeseen challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools and universities were required to quickly implement remote learning in order to maintain social distancing and other Covid-19 safety protocols.

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