Institute for Fiscal Studies

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) is Britain’s leading independent microeconomic research institute. Its research remit is one of the broadest in public policy analysis, covering subjects from tax and benefits to education policy, from labour supply to corporate taxation. Our research not only has an impact on policy makers, think tanks and practitioners, it has also gained a worldwide reputation for academic rigour, and contributes to the development of academic scholarship. We communicate our research widely on a national and international scale, providing independent advice to policy makers in the UK, Europe and in developing countries; collaborating with world renowned academics on new economic theories and techniques; and disseminating our research globally through the press, media and the web.

The IFS is non-profit and non-political and receives funding from a range of sources, including the Economic and Social Research Council, UK Government departments, foundations, the European Research Council, international organisations, companies and other non-profit organisations. It holds the highest ratings for funding transparency from from Who Funds You? (rated A) and Transparify (rated 5 stars).

The IFS was founded in 1969. In 2018, it was awarded prestigious ‘Institute’ status from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), recognising us as a “global centre of excellence” that has made a significant contribution to the social science landscape. Its Director is Paul Johnson.