National Institute of Advanced Studies

The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), is a research institute in India.

It is one of the unique institutions in the country conducting research in multidisciplinary areas. It is located inside the campus of IISc, Bangalore and was conceived and established by the vision and initiative of the late Mr. J.R.D Tata, who sought to create an institution which would conduct advanced research in multidisciplinary areas, and also serve as a forum that would bring together administrators and managers from industry and government, leaders in public affairs, eminent individuals in different walks of life, and the academic community in the natural and social sciences.

The objective of the Institute has been to nurture a broad base of scholars, managers and leaders who may contribute effectively to tackling the complex problems facing contemporary India with intelligence, sensitivity, confidence and dedication.

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. The Institute is unique in its integrated approach to the study of intersections between science and technology, social issues and leadership.

NIAS is a private society registered on 20 June 1988 under the Karnataka Societies Registration Regulation Act. It was established in 1988 with Dr. Raja Ramanna as Director until his retirement in July 1997. Professor Roddam Narasimha headed the Institute from August 1997 to March 2004. Dr K Kasturirangan is currently the Director. The Institute is an autonomous organisation governed by a council of management.

Researches are conducted in the following specific areas: Education,National security,strategic ideas,Animal behavior ecology,cognitive ethology,conservative biology,Energy and environment,Urban studies,Sociology/Social anthropology,Indian psychology and philosophy,consciousness studies,Cognitive science,Bio-security,Agro ecology,Art and archaeology,Materials heritage,Philosophy of Science

External links

• Official website