The SIR Programme is an initiative to further research on contemporary issues in Islamic Finance. The Programme was set up in 2012 following a resolution made at the SC-OCIS Roundtable, an annual flagship event under the SC and OCIS collaboration. Since its launch, three scholars have successfully completed their research on topical issues relevant to Islamic finance, while the fourth Scholar is currently in residence as a Visiting Fellow.

The Programme, as well as the broader collaboration with OCIS, is part of the SC’s on-going thought leadership and capacity building initiatives to advance the development of Islamic capital markets globally. Apart from collaborating with global institutions like OCIS, the SC has also been working on other initiatives, including the publication of books and case studies, conducting applied research and offering professional development programmes, to enhance capabilities and promote greater innovation within the industry.

Applicants and nominees for the Visiting Fellowship under the SIR Programme must be specialists in Islamic finance and/or a closely related discipline, preferably with practical experience of policy-making with an international or comparative component, and must be able to demonstrate competence to conduct independent academic research. The closing date for submissions is Sunday, 24 January 2016.

The selected Scholar will be expected to take up residence in Oxford in October 2016 for the academic year 2016/17, and will be expected to conduct research relating to the development of Islamic finance on a topic of contemporary relevance to this field, and to participate in a range of academic activities at OCIS. In addition, the Visiting Fellow will be expected to give occasional lectures and conduct seminars, to engage in collaborative study and, upon request, to provide outreach to relevant institutions and the local community.

The tenure of the Fellowship is for one academic year. The successful Visiting Fellow will have membership of the Centre and enjoy full access to its facilities including shared office accommodation. A grant of 10,000 pound sterling (£10,000) will be made to contribute towards covering the Visiting Fellow’s living, travel and incidental research expenses.

For further details on the SIR Programme, downloadable application forms and instructions on how to apply, please view under Fellowships at www.oxcis.ac.uk. Applications and nominations may also be emailed directly to Mr Richard Weyers, Deputy Registrar, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, email: [email protected] by 24 January 2016.

SECURITIES COMMISSION MALAYSIA