Dr. Mahdi Ganjvar | Social Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Associate Professor at University of Isfahan |Iran

Dr. Mahdi Ganjvar is a highly respected scholar in the Social Sciences whose career reflects a deep commitment to advancing philosophical thought, ethical inquiry, and the intellectual study of human development and societal progress. With strong academic foundations built through formal studies in Islamic philosophy and theology at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, he has developed a rigorous academic trajectory grounded in classical philosophical traditions and their relevance to contemporary discourse. Dr. Mahdi Ganjvar has extensive academic and administrative experience, having contributed to multiple scholarly committees, curriculum development efforts, postgraduate supervision, and participation in academic conferences at national and international levels. He has published widely in leading journals, producing influential research that bridges traditional philosophical frameworks with modern societal concerns, demonstrating an ability to translate complex theoretical principles into practical insights. His scholarly impact is supported by 62 citations, an h-index of 5, and an i10-index of 2, showcasing the growing influence and sustained engagement his work has achieved in the academic community. Dr. Mahdi Ganjvar’s research interests span philosophical theology, ethical education, the role of reason in social life, liberation theology, intercultural dialogue, spiritual development, social ethics, the interface between philosophy and governance, and the contributions of thinkers such as Mulla Sadra, Avicenna, and other major classical philosophers to contemporary thought. His analyses frequently explore how philosophical insight can guide societal behavior, cultivate peaceful coexistence, and enrich educational systems to support holistic intellectual and moral development. Through publications, teaching, graduate supervision, and participation in academic discourse, he has made meaningful contributions to advancing intellectual scholarship and strengthening the global relevance of classical philosophical perspectives in addressing modern challenges. His ongoing work demonstrates a consistent dedication to thoughtful inquiry, academic excellence, and the creation of knowledge that informs both theoretical understanding and real-world applications. In conclusion, Dr. Mahdi Ganjvar stands as a respected voice in modern philosophical research, with a profile that reflects scholarly credibility, academic leadership, and continued contributions to the evolving landscape of philosophical and social science research.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Ganjvar, M. (2019). Islamic model of children’s spiritual education (CSE); Its influence on improvement of communicational behaviour with non-coreligionists. International Journal of Children’s Spirituality, 24(2), 124–139.

Ganjvar, M. (2020). Faith in God, philanthropy and foundations of criticism of religious violence in Mulla Sadra’s philosophy. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 76(1).

Ganjvar, M. (2022). Philosophy for children (PFC) as an educational practice to promote peace and non-violent coexistence. South African Journal of Philosophy, 41(1), 49–60.

Ganjvar, M.,(2018). Religious normative pluralism in Imam Mahdi’s mode of conduct: Imam Mahdi’s pattern of behavior with followers of other religions. Comparative Theology, 9(19), 1–4.

Ganjvar, M. (2021). The role of communication ethics in propagating the Shiite school with emphasis on Razavi teachings. Research Quarterly in Islamic Ethics, 14(51), 93–114.

Ganjvar, M. (2024). Divine solidarity with the oppressed: The socio-political implications of liberation theology in the Christian-Islamic tradition. Journal of Islam and Social Sciences, 16(32), 21–41.

Ganjvar, M. (2012). Modeling the soul in Mulla Sadra’s view. Wisdom and Philosophy, 8(29), 93–116.

Ganjvar, M. (2025). Delineation of gradation neo-theocracy system based on Mullah Sadra’s epistemological opinions. Philosophical Meditations, 14(33), 203–235.

Ganjvar, M. (2023). How can philosophical education contribute to the denial of religious violence? European Journal of Science and Theology, 19(1), 1–20.

Dr.Naveed Sheikh | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer in International Relations at Keele University | United Kingdom

Dr. Naveed Sheikh is a distinguished scholar and educator at Keele University’s School of Social Sciences, United Kingdom, specializing in politics, religion, and international relations. He earned his Ph.D. in International Studies from the University of Cambridge, where his doctoral research explored the influence of religious imagination on strategic culture in South Asia and the Middle East. With over two decades of academic excellence, Dr. Naveed Sheikh has served in esteemed roles, including Lecturer in International Relations at Keele University, Visiting Fellow at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Warsaw, and Associate Fellow at the Indonesian International Islamic University. His teaching spans international relations, foreign policy, and Middle Eastern politics, while his supervisory experience includes mentoring multiple Ph.D. candidates. Dr. Naveed Sheikh’s research focuses on political Islam, strategic culture, religious politics, and the interaction between theology and international security. As Editor-in-Chief of Politics, Religion & Ideology, he has contributed to shaping global discourse on radical ideologies and religious movements. His scholarly output includes influential publications such as The New Politics of Islam: Pan-Islamic Foreign Policy in a World of States and several chapters in leading academic handbooks and edited volumes published by Routledge and Springer. His recent studies examine the geopolitics of religion, the hermeneutics of jihad, and postcolonial subjectivity within Islamic movements. Recognized with multiple awards for teaching and research excellence,Dr. Naveed Sheikh’s work bridges academic inquiry and policy relevance, offering nuanced insights into the complex relationships between religion, identity, and global politics. His research achievements are reflected in 10 citations across 10 documents, 4 indexed publications, and an h-index of 2 according to Scopus. Through an impressive record of publications, global collaborations, and leadership in academic discourse, Dr. Naveed Sheikh continues to contribute profoundly to advancing knowledge in social sciences, fostering critical dialogue on religion and international affairs, and mentoring the next generation of scholars committed to global understanding and peace.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

1. Sheikh, N. S. (2023). Reaction, restoration, and the return of Alpha-Islam: Wahhabism from premodern ideas to postmodern identities. In E. Orofino & W. Allchorn (Eds.), Routledge Handbook on Non-Violent Extremisms: Groups, Perspectives, and New Debates. Abingdon: Routledge.

2. Sheikh, N. S. (2023). Islam v. Islamic State: Charges, arguments, and evidence in the Islamic case against ISIS. In A. Akande (Ed.), Politics Between Nations: Power, Peace, and Diplomacy. New York: Springer.

3. Sheikh, N. S. (2021). Making sense of Salafism: Theological foundations, ideological iterations, and political manifestations. In J. Haynes (Ed.), Routledge Handbook on Religion and Ideology (pp. 177–196). Abingdon: Routledge.

4. Sheikh, N. S. (2007). The New Politics of Islam: Pan-Islamic Foreign Policy in a World of States. London and New York: Routledge.

Featured Publications:

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