The Future of Islam

SS2.15 – The Future of Islam in Europe – Friday, July 15, 14:00 – 15:15 CEST – Hybrid, onsite KOG, Cleveringa stage and online 

How can science and art lead and moderate the cultural shifts and transformations that are happening within societies is the central thematic question of the track ‘Cultural Identities and Societal Transformations’ of the ESOF2022 scientific programme. 

One session that exemplifies this track’s theme is “The Future of Islam in Europe” by Prof. Maurits Berger conducted as citizen science research. Using a survey, he invited Muslims to anonymously share their thoughts and opinions about their future and role in Europe. His session will provide the first results of this citizen’s research project to reveal the innermost thoughts of Islamic practitioners across Europe. 

A Unique Point of View 

How did he get this idea? Prof. Berger: “I was asked to speak at a conference, not again about the Sharia, but about climate change and sustainability. And what could be the role of a ‘green Islam’? That got me thinking. The topic of radicalisation has dominated the studies on Islam and is often initiated by non-Muslims when there are so many other topics that Muslims find relevant. So, this study is very broad and as far as I’m concerned more optimistic and constructive. Because it’s about how we move forward together rather than about what’s wrong.” 

During his ESOF2022 session on Friday, July 15, 14:00 – 15:15, Prof. Berger aims to present the first results to reveal the innermost thoughts and important topics of Islamic practitioners across Europe. This will be a perennial research topic for Prof. Berger as he will continue to encourage as many people as possible to share their thoughts, including Muslim researchers and students at Leiden University. 

Ongoing Research 

Prof. Berger: “Based on the results of this survey, I intend to set up a wider network of European academics for cooperation and exchange. But I also want to connect university with society. One of the ways of doing that is by forming small ‘think tanks’ of Muslim students and young professionals. Ideas and initiatives from the ground can then feed into university and back.” 

For more information and to contribute to the survey: The future of Islam in Europe. 

There are many more sessions to discover and plenty of reasons to register for ESOF2022. Be sure to check out the full ESOF2022 Programme. And to learn more about the other sessions of the Cultural Identities and Societal Transformations by using the track filter.

In the orange box below you can see what the Cultural Identities and Societal Transformations track has to offer.

Other Interesting Sessions in the Cultural Identities & Societal Transformations Track
(search by session number): 

WS0.5 – Decolonization and the ‘Psychedelic Renaissance’, Wednesday, July 13, 13:00 – 14:30, Onsite, KOG (B013) 

SS1.25 – Europe as a Geopolitical Stabilizer After the Russian Invasion in Ukraine, Thursday, July 14, 15:45 – 17:00, Virtual, Online Room 2 

SS1.26 – The Deep Past of Future Society. Questioning the Western Perspective on the Reconstruction of Human History, Thursday, July 14, 15:45 – 17:00, Virtual, Online Room 3 SS1.38 – Contested Heritage, Thursday, July 14, 15:45 – 17:00, Hybrid, Stadsgehoorzaal (Aalmarkt Stage) 

PL2.3 – Keynote: This is Bioart’s Moment! Pandemic Reflections on Radical Interdisciplinary in the Arts and Sciences, Friday, July 15, 14:15 – 15:15, Hybrid, Stadsgehoorzaal (Main Stage) 

Track: Cultural Identities and Societal Transformations

There will be many interesting sessions and activities in this track happening during ESOF2022. In addition, there will be: 

• A keynote address on bioart by “bioartist” Dr Jennifer Willet, Canada Research Chair in Art, Science, and Ecology, a professor in the School of Creative Arts at the University of Windsor and the Director of INCUBATOR;
• 2 pre-conference workshops;  and  
• A total of 13 scientific sessions (searchable using the track filter in the programme calendar), including one from the ESOF2022 Regional Site Katowice and the World Programme.