What is the IWM Institute?

Research: We are an Independent Research Organisation, working in partnership with leading universities, and our research services enable public access to IWM’s world class collections.

Programme: Our public programme of talks, performances and podcasts explores our major research themes, and supports IWM's exhibition seasons and anniversaries.

Networks: We work in collaboration with our global network of experts, researchers, eyewitnesses and Associates.

Watch our trailer

“We live in an age of information overload. Unlock your phone and fall into a black hole, a storm of click bait headlines and urgent alerts. Millions of tiny sound bites flitting past without context or depth. 

We live in an age of information weaponization. Alleged Russian meddling in US elections, accusations of interference in the Brexit vote. Sensationalism, misinformation, distortion, it leaves you wondering who can you trust? Are you getting the full story? Are your choices your own? It’s hard to sort fact from fiction from fake news. So where does this leave us on the big issues? War, conflict, suffering, power. Look at Syria, Yemen, Libya, where hundreds of thousands have been lost in the last few decades. When did these conflicts begin? How will they end? Why does it matter? 

The constant deluge of information and media images of catastrophes, can leave us feeling saturated and powerless and when problems feel this insurmountable, it’s tempting to turn away and switch off. 

But we don’t have to sleepwalk into this world. We can go deeper than the news cycle, connect with the people behind the headlines, see how 100 years of history gives us a clearer understanding of today and where we might be tomorrow. We can find a source of knowledge we trust and the time and space to make sense of it. A society based on understanding and compassion, that’s a very different place. Decide which world you want to live in.”

Watch and listen

Explore the IWM Institute's programme of talks, debates and podcasts.

Rupert Frere image
© IWM (Photographer: Rupert Frere)
Podcast Series

Conflict of Interest | Series 1

In Conflict of Interest Series 1, celebrity guests explore recent conflicts like the Northern Ireland "Troubles" and the Iraq War. Through simple yet profound questions, they uncover the people, objects and stories that bring these modern conflicts to life. 

East and West Germans celebrate the lifting of travel restrictions on East Germans on a graffiti covered section of the Berlin Wall in front of the Brandenburg gate, November 1989.
© Crown copyright. IWM (HU 73009)
Podcast Series

Conflict of Interest | Series 2

In Series 2 of Conflict of Interest, celebrity guests and IWM curators delve into the complexities of the Cold War. From the Vietnam War to the division of Korea, each episode uncovers the stories and objects that shaped this era of global tension. 

Visitors standing in IWM London's new Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography galleries, admiring large artworks, one of which is 'Oppy Wood, 1917, Evening' by John Nash.
© IWM
Podcast Series

Conflict of Interest | Series 3

In Series 3 of Conflict of Interest, celebrity guests join IWM curators to explore how art, film, and photography unveil the realities of war. They uncover the human stories behind the works on display in IWM London's Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries. 

Associates

Associates are experts drawn from fields including the arts, media, academia, policy and the NGO sector. Associates work with IWM to develop creative new ways of deepening understanding of war and conflict.

  • Marcus Webb and Rob Orchard Profile Picture

    Marcus Webb and Rob Orchard

    Marcus Webb and Rob Orchard are the co-founders of The Slow Journalism Company and editors of Delayed Gratification.

  • Masuma Ahuja Profile Picture

    Masuma Ahuja

    Masuma Ahuja is an author, independent journalist and former Digital Editor at The Washington Post.

  • DrLinaKhatib

    Dr Lina Khatib

    Lina Khatib is Head of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House.

Research

Research is at the heart of the IWM Institute. Explore our work below.

UNTV TILE
© UN610A

Research

Research is a central pillar of the IWM Institute.

A group of CDP students sat around a table talking

Collaborative Doctoral Awards

Learn more about our Collaborative Doctoral Partnership programme, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

A view of the card index kept at Leytonstone Public Library
IWM (D 22113)

Research Room

We provide access to a wide range of material in our Research Room including documents, printed material, photographs, sound recordings, IWM’s administrative records and e-resources. Booking is essential.