INTRODUCTION
The Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) of Canada brings together scholars, researchers, academics, thought leaders, knowledge synthesizers and brokers, and students from diverse institutions, sectors and training backgrounds, belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
The aim of this organization is to promote world-class research and scholarship through collaborations, networking, and mentoring to inspire the next generation of Ahmadi Muslim researchers in Canada
As we grow, AAMS Canada hopes to provide and share the following
- Resources
- Collaboration
- Innovative practices
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development opportunities
QuEST CONFERENCE 2023
The National Department of Ta’lim invited Jama’at members to the second annual Abdus Salam QuEST (Quran, Education, Science & Technology) Conference, which was held on Saturday, May 25th, 2024, at Masjid Mubarak in Brampton, ON
This conference expanded upon the previously held “Qur’an and Science Conference” and “Abdus Salam Science Fair”. The event focused on bringing together Ahmadi researchers and young scholars in all disciplines to share their research work and passion for science. The conference was open to all Jama’at members (both men and women). Participants were encouraged to register and be a part of this blessed event
The following are the highlights of the 2023 newsletter of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) Canada
- Short write up on 2023 Nobel award winning work in the field of Physics and Medicine
- Two of our budding researchers have provided insights into the Nobel laureated work in their respective fields of interests
Association of Ahmadi Muslims Scientists (AAMS), Canada holds its first Abdus Salam Quran, Education, Science & Technology (QuEST) Conference in Brampton, Ontario – Zoya Saleha Aziz, Ottawa West
On August 12, 2023, the inaugural Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) Canada Abdus Salam Quran, Education, Science & Technology (QuEST) Conference took place at Masjid Mubarak in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This conference, an expansion of the previously held “Qur’an and Science Conference” and “Abdus Salam Science Fair”, was designed to unite Ahmadi researchers and young scholars from diverse disciplines, promoting the exchange of research work and a shared passion for science
The Abdus Salam QuEST conference, attracted a diverse audience from across Canada, including university professors, missionaries, scientists, doctors, and researchers. The speakers, driven by profound enthusiasm for their respective fields, delivered their academic findings and research outcomes with unparalleled fervor
The conference commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran accompanied by an English translation by Mubarak Ahmad Farhat Sahib. Following this, Tauseef Khan Sahib (National Secretary Talim, Canada and Senior Research Associate, University of Toronto) delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for several engaging sessions to follow
The first session, chaired by Fasih Rehman Sahib (Chair, AAMS Men Wing and PhD Candidate at University of Waterloo), featured presentations by notable speakers. Maulana Farhan Iqbal Sahib delved into his research on the Divinity of Jesuspbuh and provided an in-depth exploration of the “I am” statement from the Gospel of John. Dr. Tammara Soma, Assistant Professor at the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University, offered insights into Mobilizing Food Justice, shedding light on innovative approaches to achieve food security, sovereignty, and a circular food economy. Dr. Ijaz Rauf’s presentation focused on AI-driven advancements in quantum materials. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A that fostered stimulating intellectual discussions, continuing on a one-on-one basis beyond the session
Chaired by Dr. Uzma Urooj (Chair, AAMS Women Wing and Deputy Director, Natural Resources, Canada), the second session of the conference continued with a diverse array of presentations. Dr. Marya Ahmed, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Engineering at the University of Prince Edward Island, presented Stimuli Responsive Biomimetics in Biomedicine. Dr. Asad Naveed, Postdoctoral Fellow in Trauma at St. Michael’s Hospital, shared Strategies for Managing Non-Compressible Torso Hemorrhage in Non-Surgical Settings. Dr. Maleeha Qazi, Medical Resident in Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto, discussed the Management of Brain Cancers: Current Challenges and Future Avenues. Each presentation sparked intellectual discussions, both during the Q&A session and beyond, as attendees explored the intricacies of the subjects
The conference’s success was reflected in its robust attendance, with 279 participants present on-site including 176 men and 103 women. Additionally, over 1000 unique logins accessed the live virtual stream of the conference. Notably, the National Talim Department Canada awarded 13 travel bursaries, providing financial support to students traveling from outside the GTA to partake in the conference. This inclusive approach facilitated nationwide participation, with attendees from across Canada including Vancouver, Edmonton, St. John’s, and beyond
Following Zuhr and Asr prayers, the afternoon session commenced with two science and technology competitions for youth. These competitions, introduced by Haseen Rehman Sahib (Secretary AAMS and Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Waterloo), were catered to students from a variety of educational levels. The first, aimed at Grade 11 and 12 students, showcased their ability to present unique scientific solutions to global challenges in concise 10-minute Inquiry Project presentations. The second, a 3MT Elevator Pitch, challenged undergraduate and graduate students to convey their research projects to a non-specialist audience in a succinct “3 Minute Thesis” style. Winners were honored during the closing session
Respected Lal Khan Sahib, National Amir Jama’at Canada, also graced the conference and chaired the closing afternoon plenary session. Prior to this, he engaged with poster presentations by AAMS Canada members, delving into their research and posing insightful questions
The plenary session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Tariq Rashiduddin Sahib, followed by Dr. Tauseef Sahib’s reflection on the Importance of Higher Education and Research. He also summarized the conference’s proceedings, leading into presentations by Sarmad Naveed Sahib on the Review of Religions publication and Dr. Naveed Aziz (Advisor AAMS and CEO CGEn, Canada) on the Contributions of Muslim Scientists during the Golden Age of Science in Islam. These presentations underscored the legacy of excellence and innovation exemplified by past luminaries like Professor Dr. Abdus Salam
The plenary session concluded with an address by respected National Amir, Lal Khan Sahib. National Amir Sahib’s address drew from verses 191-192 of Chapter 3 of the Holy Quran, emphasizing the invitation to study nature and attain understanding and be considered Ulul Albab – People of intellect. He underscored that appreciation of the flawless universe reflects the concept of Subhanaka, where Allah is devoid of all imperfections. He encouraged studying the Holy Quran to uncover theories aligning with and proven by scientific evidence, bridging faith and knowledge. This alignment, he noted, offers a compelling way to communicate the Quran’s wisdom and truth to non-believers. National Amir sahib concluded his address with silent prayers to bring the 2023 Abdus Salam QuEST conference to a close, followed by dinner.
May Allah bless AAMS Canada to hold future QuEST conferences filled with inspirational speakers that reach to bring together and connect muslim scientists around the nation, InshAllah
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please click below to access the AAMS website for further information
CONTACT DETAILS
Admin: talim@ahmadiyya.ca