The Institute for Somali Studies (ISOS) was established in March 5, 2001 by a group of Somali educators, researchers, and intellectuals affiliated to the Mogadishu University.
The purpose of the Institute is to take the lead in research and analysis to address, and facilitate the need for national economic, political and social development for post-conflict Somalia.
The intention of this institution is to identify the existing national problems and threats and then determine the available solutions. It is the mandate of the Institute to, through research and analysis, provide the available options and analyse the alternative solutions. The institute will serve as think-tank to consult with the right directions, as need arises.

Objectives

The following are the objectives of the Institute at its early stages of operation:

1. Collection of data about Somalia and the surrounding countries. Such data could be in the form of (a) written and published materials (books and papers); (b) thesis of Masters and PhDs; (c) official documents from governments and non-governmental (NGO) agencies. Also, films, videos, and other electronic media of communication.
2. Establishing annual conferences and periodical seminars for information exchange and information exhibits.
3. Provision of guidance and facilities for researchers, writers and students studying Somalia and other related fields.
4. Cooperating with local and international similar agencies.
5. Production of educational videos and films.

Role of ISOS

The role of this institution is to participate and take the lead in researching and analysing the social, political, and economic obstacles blocking national post-conflict development. The institution identifies the existing national problems and threats and then through research and analysis proposes the available options and the necessary solutions. The institute will serve as a think-tank to consult with the right directions, as need arises.

Concept
The Institute is a foundation for the national post-conflict development, and one of its mandates is to provide solutions for the challenges facing the public, private sector, government and development agencies which are participating the task of national reconstruction. Also, the institute is one of the first institutions to spearhead new social, political, environmental, and economic solutions especially designed for post-conflict Somalia.

Definition

Our definition of "Somali Studies" is studying the political, social, environmental, and economic issues through research and analysis with the aim of achieving national sustainable development.

Strategy

The strategy of the institute for realizing its objectives is as follows:

1. Collection of information through purchase, legal electronic transfer, information exchange, and/or donations.
2. Organizing annual exhibitions, conferences and award programs, periodical seminars and workshops.
3. Encouraging writers, researchers and research students by providing them guidance and facilities in the form of financing their projects, organizing material and human resources, facilitate transportation and accommodation.
4. Cooperating with local and international agencies by developing a working relationship, networking, information exchange, and sharing other material and human resources.
5. Production of educational videos and films by allocating a budget for buying the necessary equipments, borrowing or renting, or seeking through donation.
   

Structure

The institute will comprise of the following administrative units: a unit officer will operate these units until they mature into a full-fledged departments:

1. A resource centre, which will be developed into a reference library is in the process. The resource centre will have all the necessary information and data about Somalia, whether it is books, films, videos, research papers, etc.
2. A program unit, which performs such tasks as research and analysis, organization of annual award programs, monthly workshops, seminars, and exhibitions.
3. A media unit, which deals with the media, and manages audiovisual equipments and resources.