Research. Dialogue. Understanding.
The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies is an independent global research center located in Los Angeles at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
IACS works to create dialogue, spark ideas and sustain academic research on Catholic thought, creative imagination and lived experience.
IACS supports scholars and artists, produces books, hosts academic conferences and cultural events, and furthers the intellectual work of the Catholic Church.
Gustavo Gutiérrez: Between Memory and Prophecy
Unleashing the Power of Ideas
Humanizing Networks: Human Fraternity in the Digital Age
Stories, commentary and reflections
Our Impact
IACS supports scholars and creative artists in high-impact programs that strengthen the intellectual vitality of universities.
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Scholars supported
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Books with leading publishers
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Academic conferences and cultural events in the U.S. and Europe
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Renowned muralist and educator Fabian Debora recently opened the doors of Homeboy Art Academy in Boyle Heights to IACS Pesident Rich Wood, and USC Dornsife Professor of Art History Lisa Pon, where they witnessed the transformative power of art and education.
The visit was part of CHARM, a new initiative at USC bringing together faculty, staff and students from across our university to partner on projects and events on campus and in our communities.
Learn more about CHARM at charm.havencreative.org.

A conversation about the role of women in the Catholic Church featuring Tricia Bruce, Ph.D., of the University of Notre Dame’s Center for the Study of Religion and Society, Rachel Lu, writer for America Magazine, and Casey Stanton, co-director of Discerning Deacons.

Hosted by IACS, “Caring for Our Common Home” featured USC Chief Sustainability Officer Mick Dalrymple and Pope Francis biographer Austen Ivereigh discussing ecology, sustainability and the role of religion in the movement to protect the natural world.

For nearly 500 years, Our Lady of Guadalupe has lived prominently in the imagination and hearts of millions of people across the Americas and beyond.
“Guadalupe — At the Break of Dawn,” our multi-year project with Loyola Marymount University, brings leading scholars together to explore the historical, cultural and religious impact of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The life and legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Becky King Cerling, Ph.D., executive director of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC, discusses the life and legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI with Spectrum News 1 Anchor Renee Eng.

Guadalupe: Holy Art in the Streets
Our event series “Guadalupe: Holy Art in the Streets” explores the influence of Catholic faith and the presence of the Virgin Mary in street art across Los Angeles and Southern California.

Preparing a new generation of leaders, educators and scholars
Our Journey of Faith, Knowledge and Discovery
Reach Out
For questions and inquiries, please email iacs@usc.edu or call us at (213) 740-1864
Visit Us
Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at USC
3601 Watt Way, GFS 304
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1693
Who We Are
Meet the IACS team