IIAS and COVID-19
Thank you for visiting the site of The International Institute for Asian Studies. In these unprecedented and challenging times, like everyone else across the globe, we at IIAS have had to adapt our working methods. However, we are extremely grateful that we are able to continue much of our work from a ‘safe distance’.
Our staff members are well; they are currently working from home, but team-spirit remains high. We regularly connect with each other to discuss ongoing work and projects, but there is also plenty of much needed social interaction through video chatting. We are also in touch with our current Fellows, some of whom have stayed in Leiden, whilst others have returned home to be with family and friends. Although the Institute is closed, our Fellows can thankfully continue to benefit from the online catalogues of the Leiden University Libraries.
Our events have of course been affected by the ongoing pandemic. We can no longer host lectures or workshops at the Institute, but we are working towards making them possible through an online streaming service. This would allow the public to ‘attend’ lectures online. We are also taking this opportunity to explore other ways in which online technologies may offer alternatives to, or added benefits for, events in the future.
Work on our next issue of ‘The Newsletter’ has luckily not been interrupted and will be published in mid-June. We are appreciative of the commitments made by our contributors under these difficult circumstances. If you have not yet subscribed for a free copy of The Newsletter, please do so here www.iias.asia/subscribe
Preparations for ICAS 12 in Kyoto (24-27 August 2021) are ongoing, although naturally, we are keeping an eye on developments. We are currently accepting proposals for ICAS 12, and submissions for the ICAS Book Prize. More information can be found on www.icas.asia
IIAS’s major initiatives such as Humanities Across Borders (HaB), Urban Knowledge Asia (UKNA), Southeast Asian Neighborhoods Network (SEANNET), Africa-Asia, In Situ Graduate School, and the Double Degree MA on Critical Heritage Studies are continuing, albeit in the confinement mode. A number of associated events are being reprogrammed.
We will share any developments with regard to IIAS events or projects through our website, social media platforms and email updates. We would like to thank everyone involved in our activities, near and far, and look forward to seeing you again in person soon. Please stay safe and healthy; we wish you all the best for the coming time.