The Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace

 Founded in 1965, the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace enjoyed the personal support of former United States President Harry S. Truman. The Institute supports major studies on the history, politics, and social development of the non-Western world, with particular emphasis on the Middle East. There are four regional research units – Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.  Much of the work is interdisciplinary because of the varied interests of the Institute's fellows. Several conferences, workshops, and symposiums are organized each year. Worldwide contacts are maintained with universities, institutes, and individuals in the different fields of research.

In its capacity as an institute for the advancement of peace, the Truman Institute initiates joint projects to parallel major international political activities in conflict resolution and in the struggle to uphold the principles of human rights, as defined by the UN Charter in both the international and local spheres. Hence, apart from being active in more academic forums, many Institute members are involved in grassroots organizations. The Truman Institute also plays an instrumental role in bringing together people from all sorts of academic and professional backgrounds, including politicians, diplomats, and journalists, to exchange ideas.

Many of the meetings and conferences are open to the public, which serves to further enrich discussions and keep the work of the Truman Institute immediately accessible.

Although part of the Hebrew University and located on the Mount Scopus campus, the Institute has its own Board of Trustees and an Academic Committee that determine its overall policies and research programs. Several Visiting Fellows from abroad are in residence each year, reflecting the Institute's multidisciplinary and multiregional emphases.

After the Six-Day War of 1967, the Truman Institute’s building was the first to be completed on Mount Scopus following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Its large, black-marbled entrance hall leads off to the Library and Documentation Center with its unique collection of periodicals; to the Abba Eban Centre, which holds material from the diplomatic and political career of former Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban; and to the spacious Handler Auditorium, where conferences are regularly held. The offices of the research fellows and staff are located on the upper floors.