Have questions or want to learn more about our research and opportunities? Reach out to our team and discover how you can contribute to advancing knowledge in Middle East and Central Asia studies.
Our people
The Middle East Studies Forum brings together leading scholars to explore complex regional dynamics and inform public debate and policy.
Meet the director of the Middle East Studies Forum
Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh is a professor of Middle East and Central Asian Politics and Director of the Middle East Studies Forum. He was awarded a Future Fellowship from the Australian Research Council and recognised as Australia’s leading researcher in Middle East and Islamic studies. His work focuses on Central Asia, Islam, the Middle East, and Muslims in Australia.
He has led major conferences and policy workshops, published more than 40 scholarly articles and several books, and contributed research informing government and public debate. He also serves on editorial boards of leading academic journals.
We have developed a number of international collaborations to conduct pioneering research projects, most notably in heritage studies, regional politics and Muslim affairs.
Director, Deakin Middle East Studies Forum
The Middle East in Transition Conference
The Deakin Middle East Studies Forum Conference 2026 invites interdisciplinary contributions that explore the political, historical, cultural and ethical dimensions of these transformations.
Our research team
Our members are world‑leading experts across topics related to the contemporary Middle East and Central Asia, bringing together deep interdisciplinary expertise in politics, international relations, security studies, migration, religion, and cultural analysis.
Doctor Rebecca Barlow
Doctor Dara Conduit
Professor Anoush Ehteshami
Associate Professor Ibrahim Fraihat
Doctor Niamatullah Ibrahimi
Professor Michelle Pace
Doctor Ali Mozaffari
Doctor Vladimir Rauta
Doctor Arif Saba
Shadi Rouhshahbaz
Afsaneh Seifinaji
Doctor Zahid Shahab Ahmed
Doctor Safiullah Taye
Professor Sally Totman
Eleanor Childs
Arash Ghassemi
Aftab Hussain
Sofya Shahab
Kainat Shakil
Doctor Sarah Cheikh Husain
Azadeh Davachi
Doctor Abbas Farasoo
Jack Jacovou
Doctor Reem Sweid
Neda Zeyghami
Contact us
Email the team
