Statement from the IES Advisory Council (June 2024)

The Institute of English Studies' Advisory Council is proud to support the work of the IES as part of the wider mission of the School of Advanced Studies, University of London. A centre of excellence for research into all aspects of the history of the book (including digital) as well as training and development in the most innovative literature-led methods of interdisciplinary research, the Institute has an important outreach mission, working with providers of English literary education across the whole of England and the devolved nations. 

The IES has a fellowship programme and appoints Fellows for variable terms, at all career stages, and from all over the UK, who can benefit from its resources and research priorities. The Advisory Council is also drawn from all over the UK, and its Councillors, drawn from every career stage from senior leaders to early career and PGR, contribute their expertise to the IES's development, based on the best insights available from diverse career experiences, subject specialisms, institutions and places. 

The Council also has members from the Library and Archive sector, making it a vital platform for urgent and complex agendas such as open access. At a time of serious concerns and instability for English studies in HE curricula, IES is deeply committed to working as an advocate for the subject with the English Association and University English, offering advice and practical solutions for units that find themselves at risk.