Instute of Island Studies Website

Institute of Island Studies

Under the auspices of the Faculty of Arts, the Institute of Island Studies (IIS) is a research, education, and public policy institute that encourages a deep knowledge, understanding, and expression of Prince Edward Island; serves as a bridge between the University and Island communities; contributes to the formulation of public policy in Prince Edward Island; and undertakes comparative studies of Prince Edward Island and other islands around the world. The IIS is located on the first floor of Main Building.

Since its founding in June 1985, the principal activity of the IIS has been the initiation and co-ordination of research projects. Areas of special interest have included Prince Edward Island history, culture, society, economy and environment; and models for small island governance, economic development, ocean and coastal resource management, and land use. Since 1994, the IIS has engaged in an active international program, (formerly known as the North Atlantic Islands Programme, now the North Atlantic Forum) which facilitates research projects, exchanges and networking activities that are devoted to self-reliant economic development in islands of the North Atlantic.

Currently, the Institute’s activities vary from year to year but often include public forums on major contemporary issues, invited speakers from many islands of the world, an island to island literary exchange with Tasmania, collaborative research with community partner organisations on a wide range of issues important to Island communities, and international internships.

The IIS is also home to Island Studies Press, which publishes, for both popular and academic audiences, books about Prince Edward Island and other islands. The Director of the IIS is also on the publishing team for the online, freely accessible and peer-reviewed Island Studies Journal.