Collaboration. Research. Dialogue.
The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies is a global research center located at the USC Dornsife College for Letters, Arts and Sciences.
IACS draws from an international pool of scholars from diverse disciplines and religious traditions to further innovative research, create dialogue and spark ideas on Catholic thought, creative imagination and lived experience.
Our vision is to ensure that the rich and evolving tradition of Catholic thinking will thrive among future generations through the research and teaching of scholars and intellectuals.
Our mission is to strengthen Catholic thought and imagination and their ability to contribute to the important questions of the day.
Across all walks of life, IACS promotes understanding between academic disciplines through the study and application of the long and rich Catholic intellectual tradition — a tradition that includes insights from many fields, including theology, philosophy, science, the social sciences, history, architecture, art and music.
IACS supports scholars and artists, produces books, hosts academic conferences and cultural events, engages in sustained dialogue around pressing issues and furthers the intellectual work of the Catholic Church.
Overseen by an independent board of trustees that reflects the world in which we live — leaders from the business, tech, academic, arts and faith communities — IACS is led by President Richard Wood, Ph.D.
Founded in 1998, IACS is located at — and receives support from — the University of Southern California, one of the world’s premier research institutions.
As a nonprofit organization, IACS relies on the generosity of its supporters to fund research, programs, conferences and projects.
Learn more about our work, goals and initiatives in the IACS 2021-2025 Strategic Plan.
Follow IACS on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin: @IACSUSC
Learn more about the history of IACS
Financial Documents
