The foundational model for the Institute for Innovative Study (IIS) is very similar
to those used for the formation, in their time, of other institutes for advanced, exploratory research,
in particular those listed below.
In a very definite and deliberate sense, the Institute aims to grow and develop by synthesizing from the experiences
and developments of these and other centers. However, the IIS is grounded and focused upon consciously and constantly linking basic,
abstract, theoretical and speculative research with goals of linking activities to attainable solutions that are
not only innovative and unique but pragmatic for our world of today and tomorrow:
- Institute for Advanced Study @ Princeton University
- Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics @ Waterloo University
- Clay Mathematical Institute @ Cambridge, MA
- Institute for Advanced Scientific Research @ Irvine, CA
- Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences @ University of Toronto
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research @ Toronto, CA
- Picker Interdisciplinary Science Institute @ Colgate University
The Institute has developed over the course of several years as a synthesis of earlier projects and small
non-profit research organizations. Unlike many centers including those upon which it is philosophically modeled,
the Institute does not aim to build infrastructure and bring its members and participants into one physical place
on a permanent basis but rather to use its physical base as a hub for networked and collaborative activities
including team-oriented projects and seminars.
The IIS is in the process of organizing its sponsors and benefactors, its faculty and staff, and its specific programs.
The seed-foundation for the Institute is LEAPS -
the Laboratory for Emergent
and Adaptive Processes and Systems -
which as of Spring 2010 is functional, prepared, with sufficient operational funding set in place, and seeking to establish a "home base"
in close relationship at or near an open-minded, liberal arts center of education and learning such as a college or university.
