Values

IHA is a partner for businesses, universities, research centres and cultural institutions.
Its approach reflects that diversity: working with and for all parties in accordance with scientific methods, combining different approaches, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and comparing different viewpoints and skills.

Methodology : In the research it conducts, houses and supports, IHA strives to meet the conditions needed for historical work (respect for sources, criticism of document, matching up information, explaining and applying hypotheses, etc.).
This implies both independence and responsibility in the definition and implementation of research and activity programmes.

Openness : the IHA’s supervisory bodies are comprised of representatives of the business, academic and heritage communities.
The definition and assessment of research programmes and the award of research grants are controlled by the scientific committee, on which renowned academics sit. Regular reports are made on these issues to the board of directors and to the IHA general meeting.

Pluralism : IHA draws on a diverse wealth of experience (aluminium professionals; social science researchers, etc.) and disciplines (history, management, geography, economics, etc.). It is boosted by cross-generational dialogue from students to retired volunteers.
IHA aims to reach a range of audiences, from company trainees to managers via schools and universities and, in some cases, the general public.

Sharing knowledge : History as a tool for examining the present, heritage as a connection between yesterday and tomorrow, comparing viewpoints and experiences as a source of understanding: IHA strives to be responsive to its partners’ historical research and communication needs (studies, training, publications, exhibitions, etc.).