(FEB NEWS) CISFI Research Group of the Department of Sharia Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga held a Talkshow & Socialization of the CISFI Research Circle on Friday, February 13, 2026. This activity took place offline in the FEB UNAIR Discussion Room and online via Zoom Meeting, and was attended by around 15 students offline and 20 students online from the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels who have research interests in the field of Islamic Social Finance (ISF).
This activity aims to introduce the Center of Islamic Social Finance Intelligence (CISFI) as a platform for developing cross-disciplinary student research. CISFI is designed as a research hub that facilitates the strengthening of students' academic capacity in the fields of zakat, waqf, and Islamic microfinance, while also encouraging research that impacts society.
In the presentation session, a team of lecturers and researchers from Islamic Social Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga (FEB UNAIR), disseminated their leading research focuses, including the development of productive zakat (alms), innovative waqf (waqf), and empowerment-based Islamic microfinance. These three areas are projected to be a concrete contribution from the Department of Sharia Economics in strengthening inclusive economic practices based on social justice values.
One of the main agenda items of this event was the launch of the Tiered Research Circle, a research coaching scheme in which doctoral students serve as mentors to master's and undergraduate students. This coaching model is expected to bridge the research capacity gap between levels and foster a sustainable collaborative academic culture. Additionally, participants discussed a collaborative research roadmap geared toward national and international publications.
The event also marked the launch of an open membership scheme for students interested in joining the CISFI research ecosystem. This initiative underscores the commitment to building a research ecosystem from an early age, where students are not only participants in learning but also producers of knowledge.
As stated in the forum, "CISFI is expected to become a space for students to grow together to produce Islamic Social Finance research that has a real impact on society."
This activity aligns with the commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening research capacity and ongoing academic mentoring. Furthermore, the development of Islamic Social Finance competencies supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by encouraging the development of inclusive economic solutions that contribute to economic growth based on social justice.