Cultural Identity and Memory Studies Institute (CIMS)

Description

The Cultural Identity and Memory Studies Institute (CIMS) delves into the exploration of cultural identity and memory. This involves studying diverse textual constructs such as traditions, myths, literary canons, and political institutions, through which various cultural groups depict, critique, revitalise, and repurpose their identity and memory.

Initially established in 1998 as the Institute of European Cultural Identity Studies (IECIS), CIMS originally focused on the collective identities of continental European countries. Over time, its remit has expanded to include other cultural zones such as the Arabic and Persian-speaking world, former Soviet republics, Latin America, French-speaking Africa, Canada, Caribbean, and the UK. This expansion led to a shift in title to the Cultural Identity Studies Institute (CISI), and subsequently in 2020, to the current title of CIMS, to reflect the centrality of memory to understanding identity.

CIMS' research combines a range of perspectives, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks, unified by an interest in interdisciplinary explorations of cultural identity and memory. The Institute seeks to foster innovative approaches, fostering collaboration within the academic community and the wider public. The key aims of CIMS include:

• Encouraging collaboration among researchers interested in cultural identity and memory
• Building research partnerships initially within the university with the potential for wider research networks
• Promoting awareness of the role of memory in understanding societal and human questions, such as identity and conflict
• Influencing public discourse on identity and memory
• Providing a platform for the discussion of individual and collaborative research
• Exploring the role of different media in understanding cultural identity and memory
• Supporting postgraduate students and colleagues
• Sharing expertise and assisting colleagues in securing funding related to the institute's themes

CIMS welcomes participation from staff and students across all disciplines and is a member of the Memory Studies Association (MSA), an organisation for Memory Studies scholars and professionals in related fields such as museums, memorial institutions, archives, and the arts.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

1998

Contact details

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University affiliation(s)

University of St Andrews
St Andrews