The Institute of Historical Research (IHR) occupies a position at the centre of the academic study of history in the United Kingdom. It is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence for its research activities, and in the provision of resources to the academic community as a whole. 

The Institute of Historical Research is one of ten member Institutes of the School of Advanced Study, part of the University of London. 
 
Founded in 1921 by A. F. Pollard, the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) is an important resource and meeting place for researchers from all over the world. Its mission is to: 
 

• Promote the study of history and an appreciation of the importance of the past among academics and the general public, in the UK and internationally, and to provide institutional support and individual leadership for this broad historical community;
• Offer a wide range of services both onsite and remotely which promote and facilitate excellence in historical research, teaching and scholarship in the UK, by means of its library, seminars, conferences, fellowships, training, consultancy, Continuing Professional Development and publications (both electronic and in printed form);
• Provide an accessible and stimulating portal for the exchange of ideas and information and current developments in historical scholarship;
• Produce internationally regarded scholarship from our academic staff and research centres.

A vibrant, interdisciplinary research culture is fostered within the IHR, and more broadly within the School of Advanced Study, part of the University of London, which provides a unique configuration of academic resources for postgraduate and postdoctoral research.

IHR students benefit from free access to a unique range of nationally recognised research training courses, including Methods and Sources, Palaeography, Oral History Techniques, and Databases for Historians.

Postgraduates can take advantage of the resources and expertise of two important research centres: