The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a research and learning organisation affiliated with the University of Sussex in Brighton, England, and based on its campus in Falmer, East Sussex. It delivers research and teaching in the area of development studies.

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) was established in 1966 at the University of Sussex by economist Dudley Seers, who served as its first director from 1967 to 1972.  The institute was founded to promote research, teaching, and communication on economic development, addressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and social justice.

Later directors included Mike Faber (1982–87), John Toye (1987 to 1997); Keith Bezanson (1997–2004); Lawrence Haddad (2004–2014) and Melissa Leach (2014–2023).

The current director of IDS is Professor Peter Taylor.

In partnership with the University of Sussex, IDS has ranked first in the world for development studies every year since 2016, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject.  

IDS consists of ten research clusters or teams which concentrate their research on specific angles of development.

IDS has engaged in teaching since 1973 when the first MPhil course in development began. Currently it teaches at postgraduate and doctorate level and has been awarded accreditation for its teaching programme by the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI).

IDS offers eight master's courses and one PhD degree.