Our Aims

This section details the aims of IMASE, and the methods by which we set out to acheive them.

Public Engagement

"Raising awareness of relevant challenges, and communicating new ideas. "

In order for our work to be relevant, IMASE plans to build and maintain clear channels of communication between our focus groups and the people they concern. In doing so, IMASE aims to identify where the need is greatest for the expertise and knowledge that our members can offer. We will endeavour to deliver practical solutions to these areas.

Additionally, IMASE intends to promote informed dialogue to raise awareness and understanding of science and technology. We hope to trigger an analysis and discussion of the societal impacts of developments in science and technology between researchers, practitioners, decision makers and opinion formers. Research and consultation exercises, encompassing social and ethical studies will be conducted to advise and shape policy.

We aim to produce quality media content and provide a valuable and accessible resource on scientific policy and research development in the Muslim world.

Translation

"Researching and delivering best-practice solutions."

In order to accomplish our mission, we aim to translate our resources into results by introducing a series of focus groups. These groups will channel resources from both the resource base and external sources, to address specific subject matters.

Our focus groups are multidisciplinary bodies that consist of scholars, academics, industrialists, students, civil-society workers and interested members of the general public. Guided by an understanding of Islamic principles and technology issues, the groups will be able to provide quality consultancy and assistance in the fields of relief, development, research, industry, and policy making.

IMASE also seeks to provide a platform to support the work of our members. Where the capacity exists and the purpose of a proposed group overlaps with our aims, we will enable and support the creation of new working groups to address these tasks.

Resource Base

"To continue developing our comprehensive skills database for use in practical applications."

In order to provide IMASE with knowledge and human capacity, we plan to develop our existing network of expertise into a growing online resource database. This will enable interested parties to access the talent, experience and expertise of our global community.

This knowledge base will be formulated by IMASE, consolidating existing networks into an accessible format. The database will then be extended to include members of other appropriate organisations.

The resource base is a component of an initiative to provide a full suite of technical and support services for those in need. These will include the provision of a careers database, internship programmes and an index of related institutions, organisations and companies.

IMASE hopes to eventually extend its remit to generate funding for education and research. Investment in scholars provides returns for the knowledge base, as individuals granted research funds begin making their own contributions to this resource pool.

Knowledge

"To advance and apply our understanding of the sciences for the benefit of humanity."

Current scientific and technical knowledge
For most people in the developing world, access to basic amenities is well below that which exists in countries of higher income and industrialisation. To this end, we aim to apply contemporary knowledge to improve the quality of life of mankind as a whole, while specifically encouraging the use of appropriate technologies to help global Muslim communities.

In order to engage with this challenge, we will draw upon the expertise of our network of members, who form the main body of our organised effort. We aim to help people help themselves and their environments by sharing knowledge, building capacity, and forging partnerships. Among the functions of our organisation is a virtual forum that will enable members to exchange ideas and disseminate technical information throughout the world. One of our long-term projects is to become a portal for those interested in connecting with contemporary works on science and technology.

Revival of Islamic scientific thought and practice
Our overarching aim is to develop and raise the level of Islamic, and scientific, thought and practice amongst people, especially scientists and engineers. From our history, we know that leadership and participation in the global knowledge culture is a sign of a healthy Muslim society (Ummah), and we often remember the periods of dynamism and leadership in our past. IMASE aims to be a platform that can inspire, support and promote such activity in order to build a creative and credible research culture that is Islamic in character.

This will involve the proactive partnership of a range of communities, including students, researchers, religious scholars, thinkers, policy makers, development practitioners and technologists, to work towards delivering ideas and results.