Skip to main content

Institute of Advanced Study

Founded in 2006, the Institute of Advanced Study offers world-leading researchers a unique space for transformative reflection in and beyond individual disciplines.
Alternative text

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 

Find our more about our Fellowships
Group photo outside Cosin's Hall

IAS Fellows Michaelmas 2025

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

IAS Fellows Epiphany Term 2024/25

IAS Fellows Michaelmas 2024

IAS Fellows Michaelmas 2024

IAS Fellows Epiphany 2024

IAS Fellows Epiphany 2024

IAS Fellows Michaelmas term 2023 outside Cosin's Hall

IAS Fellowship Michaelmas 2023 

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 in the IAS this term. 

1 Writing Group
15 Events

Upcoming Events

Find out more about the IAS and its communities

Play video 1

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.

Discover More

Latest News

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.

Research news
Exterior building Cosin's Hall

IAS Publishes its Latest Term Card Showcasing Upcoming Events

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

The IAS partners with the Charles Wallace India Trust for a new joint Fellowship opportunity in Durham

The IAS is delighted to announce that it has partnered with the Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) to fund an additional Fellowship for a scholar from India.
Research news
CWIT and IAS logos
More News

Our Transformations Blog

Recent News

Welcome from IAS Director - Alex Easton (Autumn 2025)

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

Humans, Numbers and now AI

IAS Christopherson Knott Fellows Dr David Chivers (Economics) and Professor John Paul Gosling (Mathematical Sciences)
numbers

What does Interdisciplinarity mean?

Professor Louise Barrett explores the power of interdisciplinary research
200x300
See more

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
/media/durham-university/external-location-photography-/durham-location-/4859-(1)-500x375.jpg

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

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