Institute for Humane Studies researcher Mitch Mitchell noticed how authority without accountability can lead to misplaced restrictions while helping with construction of a municipal pool in East Germany in 1989.

The Institute for Humane Studies supports and partners with professors to promote the teaching and research of classical liberal ideas, and to advance higher education’s core purpose of intellectual discovery and human progress. At IHS, we believe the principles of the classical liberal tradition – including individual liberty and responsibility, limited government, economic freedom, the rule of law, free speech, and open inquiry – are the foundation of a just, peaceful, and prosperous world. We believe for those ideas to take root, they must be taught, explored, and challenged in higher education. That’s why IHS has built the foremost network of scholars across the country who are researching and teaching classical liberal ideas. We are a partner throughout their academic careers, offering guidance, resources, and access to a passionate, supportive community. -We facilitate the impact of professors both on and beyond their campuses, convening them to advance their research and partnering with them to run campus programs for students. -We support future professors. Each year, IHS awards more than $1 million in fellowships to hundreds of students from around the world. In addition, we offer an integrated suite of academic career programs including mentoring, research grants, research-development seminars, online resources, and placement support. -Through our work with faculty, we inspire and educate college students. We partner together to offer students intensive summer seminars and on-campus programs throughout the year. From the student just beginning to develop an interest in classical liberal ideas, to the established professor, IHS is a champion for each individual’s intellectual journey – and together we are partners for a free and open society.