CASS lecturer honoured with 2018 Max Crawford medal

Dr Raihan Ismail from ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences has been awarded this year’s prestigious Max Crawford Medal for her outstanding scholarly achievement in the humanities.

Dr Ismail, a lecturer at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies since 2014, was also recognised for her publications, which make a significant contribution to the understanding of humanities disciplines by the general public. Her book, The Saudi Clerics and Shi’a Islam, was published by Oxford University Press in 2016 and Dr Ismail engages in many public policy discussions and debates about issues of the Middle East.

“I am honoured to be recognised by the Australian Academy of the Humanities for the work about which I am passionate in the areas of Islamic and Middle Eastern studies,” Dr Ismail said.

The Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies Professor Amin Saikal said Dr Ismail is an enormous asset to ANU and Australia.

“Dr Ismail is one of the brightest, most diligent and productive scholars of her generation. It is extremely gratifying to see that her contributions as a leading researcher, teacher and public speaker in the field of Arab and Islamic studies are recognised in this way,” Professor Saikal said.

“This recognition comes to her as an early career researcher, and Dr Ismail has indeed already proved to be one of the highest achievers.”

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Calford said Dr Ismail has a very bright future ahead of her.

“In her short but illustrious career, Dr Ismail has demonstrated immense capacity to analyse and evaluate the issues of the Middle East region and inform and engage the Australian public on these critically important matters,” he said.

“I am confident we will see Raihan Ismail recognised and honoured as an outstanding scholar in many ways in the future.”

“I also congratulate Dr Ana Tanasoca from the University of Canberra, who was a co-recipient for this year’s medal. It’s wonderful to see two early career researchers from Canberra recognised with such an award.” Professor Calford said.

Dr Ismail will be presented with the 2018 Max Crawford Medal at a ceremony in November this year.