NIAS - the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies - is an academically independent Nordic research and resource center, focusing on modern Asia from a predominantly social sciences perspective. NIAS is an integrated part of the University of Copenhagen with the status of a centre under the Department of Political Science. The study of Asia in the Nordic region is fragmented across many, relatively small, research environments. Therefore collaboration at a regional level is needed to ensure that support, networks and opportunities exist for scholars and students active in Asian studies in the Nordic region. Through the Nordic NIAS Council (NNC), in which leading Nordic universities and research institutions participate, NIAS organizes a well-functioning institutionalized cooperation that strengthens collaboration in the Nordic countries. NIAS is more than a research institute. We are also a resource centre containing a wide array of knowledge and skills, and with a broad network of contacts connecting people and institutions with expertise on Asia. Through conferences and workshops, accessible information resources, commentary on current affairs, and contact with media, government and businesses, we constantly seek to broaden knowledge of modern Asia in the Nordic region. The core activities of NIAS are: - Independent research - Support for research, networks and education - Provision of expert information, resources and services - Scientific publishing - Dissemination of research - Academic exchange and networks - Nordic research collaboration NIAS operates as a Nordic organization and from a Nordic perspective. We have a contractual relationship with the Nordic Council of Ministers, which is the main financial contributor to our activities. This means that mainly we work from a Nordic base. However, this is not a forced priority - our Nordic focus is our major strength.