International researchers, an exceptional setting, a laboratory of ideas – The Paris Institute of Advanced Study

The Paris IAS is an international research institute dedicated to the humanities and social sciences with the purpose of fostering new research and spreading knowledge. It is inspired by similar institutes in Europe and North America, which are based on the model of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

Photo © Institut d’études avancées de Paris

The Hôtel de Lauzun on Île Saint-Louis in Paris

Since 2013, the Paris IAS has been located in an outstanding building dedicated by the City of Paris to enhancing the international profile of the social and human sciences: the Hôtel de Lauzun. This remarkable 17th century hôtel particulier, built between 1655 and 1659, retains part of its interior décor. Over the centuries, it has been home to historical figures and famous writers such as Théophile Gautier and Charles Baudelaire.

This unique architectural complex combines historical rooms dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, along with modern offices, conference rooms, working spaces, and a library.

Residential Fellows

Photo © Ville de Paris – Daniel Lifermann

The Paris IAS offers fellowships to internationally recognised scholars and scientists for research stays in Paris for periods of five to ten months, in order to work on a research project of their choice, freed from the ordinary obligations of academic life.

A yearly call for applications is broadly spread throughout the international academic community. Independent experts evaluate the candidates’ projects and experience, and finally an international Scientific Advisory Board assesses the applications.

Following this demanding process, the 25 best candidates – of all nationalities, ages, and research fields – are invited to the Paris IAS.

Activities and programmes

Photo © Institut d’études avancées de Paris

As a center for academic life, the Paris IAS hosts conferences, seminars, and lectures organised by residential fellows and partner institutions. The fellows’ research covers a wide variety of topics and disciplines: history, archeology, philosophy, literature, sociology, psychology, law, political science…

At the same time, the Paris IAS promotes two specific research programmes: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Neuroscience, which aims to link research on the mind and the brain, and The Societal and Political Stakes of the Energy Transition.

Version abrégée de l’article soumis par l’IEA Paris