The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study invests in experts who work across disciplinary borders to tackle issues ranging from health equity to complexity theory, the effects of race to quantum information.
In this age of tumultuous change, the development of a long-term view and a critical mass of expertise on a broad range of issues is crucial to the well being of future generations.
STIAS was established in 1999 to provide a ‘creative space for the mind’, a fellowship programme that would advance cross-disciplinary research at the highest level. Modelled on similar institutes internationally, STIAS is the first of its kind in Africa.
Here, leading researchers and intellectuals from across the world are supported to think innovatively and pursue sustainable strategies to the challenges facing the world, with a focus on Africa. Offering various fellowships and scholarships, STIAS provides a uniquely supportive space for thinking, reading, debating and writing.
STIAS and NIAS collaboration
NIAS and STIAS work together on the Iso Lomso Fellowship. Iso Lomso means ‘the eye of tomorrow’ in isiXhosa: seeing towards the future, laying the foundations for tomorrow. The programme is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding seven years and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa.
Iso Lomso Fellows have the chance to combine a residency at Stellenbosch with a subsequent residency at a sister Institute for Advanced Study or relevant research institution in North America, Europe or elsewhere.
NIAS is one of the sister Institutes in Europe.