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 supports scholars and artists, produces books, hosts academic conferences and cultural events, and furthers the intellectual work of the Catholic Church.
Forum on Nuclear Strategy: Disarmament & Deterrence in a Dangerous World
Unleashing the Power of Ideas
Women in Ministry in the Church
Stories, commentary and reflections
Our Impact
IACS supports scholars and creative artists in high-impact programs that strengthen the intellectual vitality of universities.
211
Scholars supported
20
Books with leading publishers
40
Academic conferences and cultural events in the U.S. and Europe
Get the latest updates from IACS
Subscribe to our mailing list and join our vibrant community of scholars, students, artists, educators, clergy, thought leaders and lay professionals.
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.
IACS recently gathered a group of professionals from diverse professional and faith backgrounds to reflect on the meaning and role of beauty in the work we do.
Led by IACS Hancock Fellow Brandon Vaidyanathan, the retreat at @laitylodge in the Texas hill country included time for experiencing the natural beauty of nature, silent meditation and reflection, facilitated discussions, an art workshop, and a musical concert.
For the participants, it was a revitalizing experience and a much-needed opportunity for reflection and connection
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.