The Institute of Advanced Studies started its activities in 2001. The Institute is directed by Professor Paolo Pombeni.
The Institute provides to scholars and scientists of the University of Bologna the instruments and the means to bring to Bologna visiting professors and junior scientists to contribute to the circulation of new ideas and exchange of information. Support to the participation of foreign students to local PhD courses is also supplied.
Over six years of activity the Institute has hosted more than 200 visiting researchers and organized a large number of lectures, seminars and workshops. The Institute is part of the Istituto Studi Superiori of the Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna.