Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OXCIS) was established in 1985 as an independent centre affiliated with the University of Oxford, focused on advanced research into Islam and Muslim societies. The Prince of Wales serves as its patron. In 2012, it received a royal charter from Queen Elizabeth II. The Centre’s governance is overseen by a board of trustees comprising scholars, statesmen from around the world, and representatives of the University of Oxford.

Dedicated to studying Islamic culture, civilization, and contemporary Muslim societies through a multi-disciplinary lens, the Centre’s Fellows contribute to various departments, faculties, and colleges within the university. Numerous students and senior academics have visited Oxford over the years through the Centre’s Scholarships and Visiting Fellowships programmes. Throughout the academic year, the Centre organizes lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and other academic events.

Since 1993, when the Prince of Wales delivered his inaugural lecture ‘Islam and the West’, the Centre has hosted lectures by many distinguished statesmen and scholars. Speakers have included heads of state and government, internationally renowned scholars from the Muslim world and beyond, and secretaries-general of international organizations such as the UN, OIC, Arab League, UNESCO, and the Commonwealth.

The Centre began in a wooden hut on St Cross Road before relocating to offices on George Street in 1990. In the 2016/2017 academic year, it moved into a new building designed by Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil.