The IAS stands for new thinking about big ideas through inter-disciplinary dialogue across all disciplines
2009-10 Theme
Water
About 1,460 teratonnes of water covers 71% of the Earth's surface, mostly in oceans and other large water bodies, with 1.6% of water below ground in aquifers and 0.001% in the air as vapor, clouds and precipitation. Water pervades the arts and the sciences, both thematically and in the flesh: after all it comprises over half the human body. Water is a key to life, a means of mobility, a tourist attraction, a power source. From the sea water that tortured Coleridge's Ancient Mariner we can extract deuterium to power future nuclear fusion reactors.
The IAS annual theme on ‘Water' is designed to attract researchers from across the disciplinary base to address a wide variety of topics spanning the sciences and the arts. More info...
Events
Monday 23 November 2009
- Public Lecture - Peak Water 7:00pm to 8:00pm , Rosemary Cramp Lecture Theatre, Calman Learning Centre , Alexander Bell
Wednesday 25 November 2009
- CANCELLED - Reflections on Water Public Lecture - 'Water' and 'H20' 5:30pm to 6:30pm , Dr Robin Hendry (Durham University)
Friday 27 November 2009
- Water and Power Conference 12:00pm onwards , Kenworthy Room, St Mary's College
Tuesday 1 December 2009
- IAS Fellow's Public Lecture - Caves and Climate Variability: the potential effects of future climate change in Ethiopia 8:00pm to 9:00pm , The Senate Lounge, Durham Castle , Professor Andy Baker (University of Birmingham)
Wednesday 2 December 2009
- Reflections on Water Public Lecture - Water an Element or Compound? Principles, Particles and Elements in the Chemical Revolution 5:30pm to 6:30pm , Room 202, Calman Learning Centre , Professor Hasok Chang (University College London)
Monday 7 December 2009
- Venice Public Lecture - Venice and Opera 6:15pm to 7:15pm , Room 201, Elvet Riverside , Professor Jeremy Dibble (Durham University)
Wednesday 9 December 2009
- Reflections on Water Public Lecture - Water: what's so special about it? 5:30pm to 6:30pm , Room 202, The Calman Learning Centre , Professor John Finney (University College London)
Welcome
The Institute of Advanced Study was established in October 2006 to mark the 175th anniversary of Durham University. It is a prestigious, ideas-based Institute which brings together some of the world’s finest researchers from every discipline to examine themes of major intellectual, scientific, political and practical significance. At least twenty fellows per annum are based in Cosin's Hall (a beautiful 18th Century, Grade 1 listed mansion house, situated on Palace Green - a designated World Heritage site) for up to three months, working with Durham scholars to spark these investigations, set tomorrow's agenda and participate in a varied programme of activities. The Institute also serves as a top-level forum, enabling key-decision makers and experts to discuss pressing policy problems in an intellectually stimulating and unrestricted manner.
There are many ways to participate in the life and work of the institute: through the fellowship scheme, by developing new themes, activities and events, by devising follow-on research activities, by supporting our work financially, or simply by enjoying and engaging with the many and varied outputs of the Institute. The IAS is an invitation to help build capacity, realise potential, and meet the challenge of a changing world. We warmly welcome your involvement.
News
Contact Details
2009/10 Annual Programme
Public Lecture Series: Venice and the Cultural Imagination
Public Lecture Series: Water on the Earth and Beyond
Public Lecture Series: Reflections on Water
