Proposed closure of the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS)

As part of the restructuring of the School of Advanced Study of the University of London, there is a proposal to close the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS).

Since its foundation in 1965, ILAS has served as the flagship for Latin American studies in the UK. Internationally recognised as a centre of excellence, it occupies a unique position at the core of academic study of the region. The Institute plays a national role in facilitating the dissemination of new research to wider audiences, academic and non-academic, both within the UK and internationally. This it does through organising academic events, providing online research resources, publishing scholarly writings and hosting visiting fellows from different parts of the world and especially Latin America. In this process the Institute works in collaboration cultural, diplomatic and business organisations and NGOs with interests in Latin America, as well as with Latin American communities.

In addition, the combined Latin American collections at Senate House constitute a world-class library of some 100,000 volumes dedicated to the study of Latin America. The Institute also founded and is the administrative home of the highly respected Journal of Latin American Studies.  Finally, but not least, the Institute supports the development of a new generation of scholars of Latin America through its fellowships, grants and training events.

There is a proposal to close the Institute at the end of November. We are sharing this information in case you would like  to write a letter opposing the closure to the acting Dean, Professor Jo Fox: jo.fox@sas.ac.uk and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Professor Wendy Thomson, Vice-Chancellor@london.ac.uk

You may also wish to sign the petition that has been organised by our supporters at Change.org.

Please pass this Newsletter to anyone with an interest in supporting Latin American studies