New research Institute to examine values, Islam and schooling

Wednesday 27 September 2006

Research to promote increased harmony between the Islamic and wider Australian community will be a key project of a new research institute established at the University of Newcastle.

The 'Values, Islam and Schooling' study by the Research Institute of Advanced Study for Humanity will examine issues relating to work, welfare, wider community education about Islam, acceptance of minority differences, strengthened communication skills and life-long learning.

The University of Newcastle's Professor Terry Lovat, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Arts) and Acting Director of the Research Institute of Advanced Study for Humanity, said the research would complement the Australian Government's current work on Islam and schooling, especially in the context of the National Framework for Values Education which is being used to address issues of Muslim youth and Australian schooling.

"Current research on Islam at the University is limited mainly to anthropological perspectives. The Research Institute of Advanced Study for Humanity can offer added expertise in education, history, communication, religious studies and theology, social work, linguistics, politics and studies of disadvantaged minorities. This added perspective will provide a more complete picture to develop sustainable solutions," he said.

With University funding of $1.7 million over the next five years and anticipated external funding of up to $12 million, the Institute will bring together leading researchers in the fields of education, humanities and social science to examine problems and offer solutions for common challenges facing today’s communities.

"The Institute will focus on areas of community fragmentation, conflict and restoration; access and equity; socio-economic productivity; and informing and empowering communities," Professor Lovat said.

Other key projects for the Institute include research into communication difficulties experienced by the six million Australians with a communication disability or who speak a language other than English at home; quality teaching in schools; and Indigenous socio-economic disadvantage.

"Building on the University's strong track record in Indigenous research, the Institute will bring Indigenous researchers and experts in other disciplines together to support and strengthen its research in this area."

The Research Institute of Advanced Study for Humanity follows the announcement of ten Priority Research Centres which focus the University's resources into areas of existing and potential research strength in health, energy and the environment, and science and engineering. The Priority Research Centre approach enables the University to continue supporting other important research activities, emerging areas and niche opportunities such as those in the humanities, social science and education.

Professor Terry Lovat is available for interview. Contact Kate Reid, Media and Public Relations, on 02 4921 5351 / 0438 745 098.