The American Institute for Maghrib Studies (AIMS) is a private, non-profit educational organization that fosters research and the exchange of information among scholars and students from the United States and the Maghrib for the purpose of better understanding the region. AIMS was established in 1984 and serves as the principal professional organization for U.S.-based scholars interested in North Africa. It administers overseas research centers in Tunis, Oran, and through its partnership with TALIM, Tangier.
AIMS sponsors The Journal of North African Studies (published by Francis and Taylor), sponsors annual academic conferences and workshops in North Africa, administers a yearly dissertation workshop for students, offers prizes and travel awards to its members, provides funding support for students and scholars to undertake research in the region and supports overseas research centers in Tunis (CEMAT) and Oran (CEMA) and is represented by its affiliate partner TALIM in Tangier.
AIMS is governed by its appointed officers and a nine-member Board of Directors, elected for three year terms. The AIMS board meets annually in conjunction with the Middle East Studies Association (MESA). The board consists of two-third members appointed from the institutional membership, and one-third coming from the general membership. All members are invited to meet annually at the AIMS business meeting which generally directly follows the board meeting.
AIMS is a member of the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC), which is housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. Founded in 1981, CAORC is a private not-for-profit federation of independent overseas research centers that promote advanced research; fostering international scholarship by providing fellowships, grants, faculty development and more. AIMS overseas research centers cover an entire region.
AIMS receives support from the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education. Specific programs have been supported by grants from other sources.