National Institute of Advanced Studies

About NIAS

The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) was conceived and founded in 1988 by the late J. R. D. Tata, as an institution for advanced multidisciplinary research.

Located in a green campus in Bangalore, NIAS serves as a forum that brings together people from varied intellectual backgrounds: administrators and managers from industry and government, leaders in public affairs, eminent people from various walks of life, and academics in the natural and life sciences, the humanities and the social sciences.

Its research teams span the natural and social sciences, the humanities and the arts, and the Institute is unique in its integrated approach to the intersections of science and technology, philosophy, social issues and leadership.

Its objective is to develop scholars, managers and leaders who can respond to the complex challenges that face contemporary India and global society.

The Institute has facilities for conferences, lectures and theatre programmes, notably the JRD Tata Auditorium and Lecture Halls.

It is located on five acres within the Indian Institute of Science campus, and its buildings have a distinctive architecture, including arched corridors. Fully furnished guest rooms are available for visitors and course participants.

NIAS organises public lectures and regional, national and international conferences, symposia and seminars, on its own or with other institutions, on topical research and matters of public concern.

Mission

To integrate findings across the natural and social sciences, technology, the humanities and the arts through multidisciplinary research on complex Indian and global issues.
To develop new leadership across all sectors of society.
To share the results of its research through publications, courses and dialogues with leaders and the public.