The Institute of Ismaili Studies

Before "the pursuit of happiness" was a modern ideal, what did a good life actually mean?

Earlier this summer, IIS welcomed leading scholars of early Judaism, Christianity and Islam to the Aga Khan Centre for a two day conference exploring the history of emotional flourishing, long before happiness became something to chase.

Convened by Dr Karen Bauer (IIS) with Dr Françoise Mirguet (Arizona State University) and Dr Daniel An (Yonsei University), in partnership with the British Academy and support from the Wellcome Trust, the conference brought together specialists from across North America, Europe, West Asia and East Asia to examine virtue, pleasure, desire and the good life across three religious traditions, and what these histories still say about wellbeing today.

Head to our website to read the full story and meet the scholars behind it: https://www.iis.ac.uk/news/2026/august/iis-scholar-convenes-conference-on-emotional-flourishing/

Image credit: Rehana M. Virani

IIS scholar convenes conference on emotional flourishing | The Institute of Ismaili Studies See how a two-day IIS conference explored emotional flourishing and the history of happiness across early Judaism, Christianity and Islam in central London.

Professor Tashmin Khamis, a member of the IIS Board of Governors, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Academics Without Borders (AWB), a global organisation that strengthens higher education institutions in low- and middle-income countries through international academic collaboration.

A recognised leader in higher education, Professor Khamis brings extensive experience in teaching, learning and institutional development. Her appointment reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing academic excellence and strengthens IIS' connections with international networks dedicated to improving higher education worldwide.

Read more: https://www.iis.ac.uk/news/2026/august/professor-tashmin-khamis-joins-awb/

Image credit: Rehana M. Virani

Professor Tashmin Khamis joins Academics Without Borders | The Institute of Ismaili Studies IIS Board of Governors member Professor Tashmin Khamis has joined the Board of Directors of Academics Without Borders, a non-profit backing universities.

Rethinking the study of religion.

The launch of A Practical Guide to Critical Religion brings together Dr Alex Henley, Professor Mitsutoshi Horii, Dr Suzanne Owen, Dr Steven Sutcliffe, Professor Naomi Goldenberg and Dr Timothy Fitzgerald to explore how critical approaches continue to shape the study of religion across disciplines.

The discussion reflects on the questions, methods and debates at the heart of the volume, examining how critical perspectives can deepen our understanding of religion in historical and contemporary contexts.

Watch the full discussion: www.iis.ac.uk/multimedia/critical-religion-book-launch-panel

Image credit: Minhas Ali

Ready to apply to STEP?

Register for our upcoming webinar to learn more about the Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP) application process.

The STEP Application Process webinar, on 24 August at 15.00 BST, will guide prospective applicants through the application process, course requirements, and what to expect when preparing your application. Applications for 2027 entry will open shortly.

Register via the link in bio.

Image credit: Rehana M Virani

In the latest episode of Voices of IIS, Naureen Ali reflects on her journey from anthropology and gender studies to caring for and cataloguing the Ismaili Special Collections.

The conversation explores her work preserving rare manuscripts and archival collections, the importance of making these materials accessible to future generations, and how her academic journey led her to a career in heritage preservation at IIS.

Listen to the full episode: www.iis.ac.uk/multimedia/voices-of-iis-with-naureen-ali

For some 150 years (909- 1050s), Sicily formed part of the Fatimid world, yet this period remains one of the least explored chapters in Mediterranean history.

This conference brings together scholars to examine new research on Fatimid Sicily through recently published texts, archaeological evidence and interdisciplinary approaches. From governance and religious culture to trade, material culture and collective memory, the programme explores Sicily's place within the wider Fatimid Mediterranean.

Join us on 19–20 October 2026 at the Aga Khan Centre, London, or online.

Fatimid Sicily: History, Memory, and Legacy | The Institute of Ismaili Studies Join IIS for a two-day conference on fatimid Sicily, exploring its history, memory and legacy in depth with leading scholars, at Aga Khan Centre in London or online.