Institute for the Study of the Americas

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The Institute for the Study of the Americas was founded in August 2004 through a merger of the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS) with the Institute of United States Studies (IUSS), both of which had been founded in 1965 at 31 Tavistock Square. Like its predecessors, the new Institute forms part of the University of London’s School of Advanced Study.

The Institute of US Studies (IUSS) had been the first academic department to award degrees in American studies in Europe. In particular IUSS has, since its formation, benefited from close links to the US Embassy in London and has produced a number of highly successful graduates now active in politics, academia and the media.

The Institute of Latin American Studies had likewise had a distinguished history of research and teaching.

The Institute for the Study of the Americas promotes, coordinates and provides a focus for research and postgraduate teaching (awarding MAs, MPhils and PhDs) on the Americas – Canada, the US, Latin America and the Caribbean – in the University of London.

The Institute also plays a national and international role as a coordinating and information centre for all sections of the hemisphere at the postgraduate level in the universities of the United Kingdom.

As well as serving and strengthening national networks of North Americanist, Latin Americanist and Caribbeanist scholars, the Institute actively maintains and builds ties with important academic, cultural, diplomatic and business organisations with interests in the region.

The Institute also provides the editorial and administrative office for the Journal of Latin American Studies.