National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)

National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) was conceived and founded in 1988 by the late Mr. J. R. D. Tata, who sought to create an institution to conduct advanced multidisciplinary research. Housed in a picturesque green campus in Bangalore the Institute serves as a forum to bring together individuals from diverse intellectual backgrounds. They include administrators and managers from industry and government, leaders in public affairs, eminent individuals in different walks of life, and the academicians in the natural and life sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

The philosophy underlying NIAS is given shape by its research teams, which are drawn from a variety of disciplines in the natural and social sciences, humanities and arts. The Institute is unique in its integrated approach to the study of intersections between science and technology, philosophy, social issues and leadership.

The objective is to nurture a broad base of scholars, managers and leaders who would respond to the complex challenges that face contemporary India and global society, with insight, sensitivity, confidence and dedication.

The Institute has ample facilities for conferences, lectures and theatrical programmes. The JRD Tata Auditorium and the Lecture Halls facilitate an ideal atmosphere for long hours of deliberation and discussion. Situated on five acres of land within the verdant campus of the Indian Institute of Science, the buildings of NIAS have a strikingly distinctive architecture with elegant lines and arched corridors. The fully furnished guest rooms make the visitors' and course participants' stay a pleasant one.

NIAS has an active programme of public lectures, regional, national and international conferences, symposia and seminars organized independently or jointly with other institutions that focus on topical areas of research and public concern.

Mission

The current aims of NIAS are to integrate the findings of scholarship in the natural and social sciences as well as technology, the humanities and arts through multi-disciplinary research on the complex issues that face Indian and global society, and to assist in the creation of new leadership with broad horizons in all sectors of society by disseminating the conclusions of such research through appropriate publications and courses as well as through dialogues with leaders and the public.