In an effort to strengthen academic ties between the UK and Indonesia, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies welcomed a delegation from the University of Darussalam Gontor (UNIDA Gontor) on Wednesday, 15th March 2023. The delegation was led by Prof Dr KH Hamid Fahmy Zarkasyi (Rector), accompanied by Dr Khoirul Umam (Vice Rector for research and networking), Dr KH Anang Rikza Masyhadi (Head of Tazakka Boarding School), KH Hadiyanto Arief (President of Darunnajah University), Eko Nur Cahyo (Lecturer of UNIDA Gontor, PhD Candidate Coventry University), Royyan Ramdhani Djayusman (Lecturer of UNIDA Gontor, PhD candidate at Kingston University) and Muchammad Taufiq Affandi (Lecturer of UNIDA Gontor, PhD student at Durham University).

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr Farhan Ahmad Nizami (founder Director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies), and Dr Afifi Al-Akiti (Islamic Centre Lecturer in the Faculty of Theology, Islamic Studies).

The discussions revolved around the potential areas of collaboration between the two institutions, including the exchange program for students, staff, and lecturers.

During the visit, delegation from the University of Darussalam Gontor had chance to have a short tour to research and teaching facilities of the centre, including its library and auditorium.
(Eko Nur Cahyo, Royyan Ramdhani Djayusman, Muchammad Taufiq Affandi)