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Welcome to the Institute of Advanced Study

Durham’s Institute of Advanced Study (IAS) is a home for growing big ideas. We support, promote and grow new and creative interdisciplinary ideas that transform our perspectives in challenging and provocative ways. We provide time, space, and resources to exchange and integrate ideas, knowledge and skills. We are a home to an inclusive, diverse and supportive community of scholars from Durham University and across the world.
Learn More About our Research
External shot of the front door leading into the institute of advanced study
Students writing on whiteboard

Our Research at the IAS

At the IAS, our research drives innovation and fosters collaboration across disciplines. Our scholars engage in cutting edge projects that push the boundaries of knowledge and address global challenges. Explore our research initiatives and discover how we are shaping the future of inquiry.

Learn more about our research

IAS Fellowships

“The Fellowship has not only been hugely productive, but it has had a profound effect on me. It has reminded me why I am an academic and has restored the love I have for the job.” - Dr Peter Coe 

IAS Fellows outside Cosin's Hall - January 2026

IAS Fellows Epiphany 2026

IAS Fellows outside Cosin's Hall - Michaelmas

IAS Fellows Michaelmas 2025

IAS Fellows Epiphany Term 2024/25 Fellows outside Cosin's Hall

IAS Fellows Epiphany 2025

Fellows outside Cosins Hall

IAS Fellowship Michaelmas 2024

IAS Fellows Epiphany 2024

IAS Fellows Epiphany 2024

IAS staff and Fellows outside Cosin's Hall

IAS Fellowship 2023 Epiphany 

I have been convinced for a long time that the IAS environment is by far the most stimulating for those seeking to deepen and fertilise their research questions through contact with alternative visions and approaches.

Professor Raouf Boucekkine
Aix-Marseille University (June 2025)

IAS Term Card

Find out what's happening this term

1 Writing Group
16 Events

Find out more about the IAS and its communities

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The IAS an overview

At the Durham Institute of Advanced Study, we want to bring people together from within Durham and around the world, to share ideas and knowledge and to make lasting connections to shape the fields they work in.

Latest News

  • A new cohort of Fellows join the IAS

    The Institute of Advanced Study (IAS) has welcomed its second cohort of Fellows for the current academic year, who will be in residence until the end of term in Durham.
    External shot of Institute of Advanced study at Cosins Hall
  • The IAS Launches its Call for 2027/28 Major Project Proposals

    The IAS has announced the launch of its call for Major Projects for the 2027/28 academic year. The IAS champions bold, creative, and interdisciplinary research that challenges established thinking and fosters new ways of understanding the world. Through dedicated time, space, and resources, the Institute cultivates an inclusive and diverse community of scholars from across the University and around the globe.
    Exterior building Cosin's Hall
  • IAS Publishes its Latest Term Card Showcasing Upcoming Events

    IAS Publishes its Latest Term Card Showcasing Upcoming Events
    Term Card Michaelmas 2025

The IAS Launches its Call for 2027/28 Major Project Proposals

The IAS has announced the launch of its call for Major Projects for the 2027/28 academic year. The IAS champions bold, creative, and interdisciplinary research that challenges established thinking and fosters new ways of understanding the world. Through dedicated time, space, and resources, the Institute cultivates an inclusive and diverse community of scholars from across the University and around the globe.
Exterior building Cosin's Hall

IAS Publishes its Latest Term Card Showcasing Upcoming Events

IAS Publishes its Latest Term Card Showcasing Upcoming Events
Term Card Michaelmas 2025

A busy term ahead at the IAS

We have an exciting year of projects ahead of us, and a number of events coming up this term to highlight for you.
head shot of Prof Alex Easton

IAS initiatives: Empowering Early Career Researchers in Interdisciplinary Exploration

Dr Margarita Staykova, IAS Co-Director, Faculty of Science, details the ECR initiatives at the IAS
profile image of Dr Margarita Staykova

Publications, Videos and Social Media

Find out more about the Institute of Advanced Study including publications, details of former Fellows, and past projects.

Highlights

  • IAS Word Press

    Keep up to date with the IAS newsletter, IAS videos, and historic IAS information
    External shot of Institute of Advanced study at Cosins Hall
  • Publications

    Explore some of the recent publications from IAS Fellows or from Durham colleagues supported by the IAS via funded projects and activities.
    External shot of Institute of Advanced study at Cosins Hall

IAS Word Press

Keep up to date with the IAS newsletter, IAS videos, and historic IAS information
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Publications

Explore some of the recent publications from IAS Fellows or from Durham colleagues supported by the IAS via funded projects and activities.
Durham Cathedral on the River Wear in winter

Transformations

The IAS Launches its Call for 2027/28 Major Project Proposals

The IAS has announced the launch of its call for Major Projects for the 2027/28 academic year. The IAS champions bold, creative, and interdisciplinary research that challenges established thinking and fosters new ways of understanding the world. Through dedicated time, space, and resources, the Institute cultivates an inclusive and diverse community of scholars from across the University and around the globe.
Exterior building Cosin's Hall

IAS Publishes its Latest Term Card Showcasing Upcoming Events

IAS Publishes its Latest Term Card Showcasing Upcoming Events
Term Card Michaelmas 2025

A busy term ahead at the IAS

We have an exciting year of projects ahead of us, and a number of events coming up this term to highlight for you.
head shot of Prof Alex Easton

IAS initiatives: Empowering Early Career Researchers in Interdisciplinary Exploration

Dr Margarita Staykova, IAS Co-Director, Faculty of Science, details the ECR initiatives at the IAS
profile image of Dr Margarita Staykova

Get in touch

Enquiries about IAS should be sent via the email below.

Institute of Advanced Study

Durham University,

Cosin’s Hall,

Palace Green,

Durham,

DH1 3RL 

Tel: +44 (0) 191 334 2589