What is a 'think tank'?
A 'think tank' is an organisation structured around the collation, discussion and publication of well-researched ideas. Think tanks are intellectual research institutions based on the analysis and research of public policy. While they are usually associated with or part of a university, many private think tanks also exist, such as CIS
Famous think tanks include the Heritage Foundation (US), the American Enterprise Institute (US), the Cato Institute (US), and the Institute of Economic Affairs (UK). For a longer list, visit our links page.
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How does The Centre for Independent Studies fit in?
CIS is Australia's leading public policy research institute or 'think tank'. We are the largest organisation in Australia concerned with researching public policy issues. Established in 1976, CIS has been at the forefront of public debate for over 25 years. The Centre's main concern is with upholding the values of a free and liberal society. It is within these parameters that we look at social and economic policy issues in Australasia and New Zealand and put forward workable solutions to policy problems.
CIS is a independent, privately funded institute. This means our research is not dictated by political parties, or even by our supporters. We are politically non-partisan, and are funded from a range of private sector donations. Over the years, the individuals, organisations and political parties who value the tenets of a free society have seen the importance of having an institute like CIS, which can operate independently to promote the benefits of a free society.
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How do think tanks contibute to a better society?
Think tanks like CIS contribute to a better society by taking a practical and proactive approach to problem solving in the policy arena. Government policies affect us all on a daily basis. By looking at core social and economic issues and providing acessible solutions, think tanks can become instrumental improving the world we live in.
Institutions such as CIS value the importance of individual rights, and a free society. To that end our research and anlaysis of government policy seeks to examine the benefits that these policies will have for the individual and the free society, and to propose any recommendations that may arise from the research.
CIS is a great source of information. Not only does our web site contain loads of information on our events, including publishing many of our lectures, journals and publications online, but you can also register for events, subscribe or even buy a book from our publications list. All papers and articles available on the website can be downloaded and viewed for free.
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What can CIS offer me? (CIS resources)
The Centre's offices in St Leonards contains a wide range of publications in its library, with publications from around the world. These books are not available for loan, but the library is open for limited public usage. Contact CIS on the details at the bottom of the page to arrange a time to come in.
The offices are also the main headquarters for most of our researchers, who are available if you want to ask some questions or interview them about their research. Go to our staff page (under CIS People in the navigation bar) to see a list of researchers, and contact CIS to arrange a suitable time to see them.
CIS' Liberty and Society programme holds various conferences during the year for youth interested in discussing classical liberal ideas and then learning how to apply these ideas in the real world. Liberty and Society home page.
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How can I be involved?
CIS holds a variety of seminars, lectures and conferences during the year which are open to the public. These activities are aimed at encouraging wide-ranging public debate on current policy issues, and you can register for these events online! CIS Events home page
We publish our research on a regular basis in the form of monographs, occasional papers, readings, and in our flagship journal Policy. These publications are distributed to all our members, the media and other interested parties.You can also subscribe to Policy if you wish, or buy a book from our library. CIS Publications home page.
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