The AMSS (UK) (Association of Muslim Social Scientists) held its Annual Conference on March 20 -22, 2009 jointly with The University of Chester, the Department of Theology and Religious Studies,under the theme “Muslim Youth: Challenges, Opportunities and Expectations.” 

Scholars from outside Britain attended including US, Poland, Turkey, Spain, Germany, Pakistan,  and Jordan. Dr. Jamal Barzinji and Dr. Hisham Altalib attended on behalf of the IIIT Headquarters in the USA. Dr. Jeremy Henzell-Thomas delivered the keynote address entitled: Muslim Youth and the Renewal of Core Human Values: The Centrality of Education.”

The University of Chester, is noted for its leadership in the unique establishment of The Centre for Applied Muslim Youth and Community Studies (CAMYCS), which seeks to advance scholarship and public awareness of Muslim youth and communities in Britain, Europe and internationally by initiating and engaging in quality teaching, learning and research activities that will impact locally, nationally and internationally.

The participants were highly impressed by the warm welcome and the great hospitality by The University of Chester faculty and staff.

The conference opened with Qur’anic recitation and a welcome address by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Timothy Wheeler followed by Dr. Anas Al-Sheikh Ali, the Chairman of AMSS (UK), who elaborated on the role of the Youth and Education.

About 28 papers were presented on the following subthemes: Defining Muslim Youth Work: Identities, Perspectives from Practice, Parenting, Perspectives on Extremism, Engaging with Civil Society, From the Mediterranean and Central Asia, Higher Education, New Media, Developing Potential.