It was founded on 1 July 2003 to promote the study of relations between Ireland and Latin American countries.
The first undertaking of SILAS was the publication of Irish Migration Studies in Latin America open-access journal.
Other SILAS activities include research projects, publishing of studies and essays, funding of fellowships, grants and research prizes, organisation of field trips, educational programmes and conferences, and involvement in restoration and museum projects.
The Society is open to any discipline, to any historical period, and to any methodological approach.
SILAS is a non-profit international organisation incorporated in Geneva under the Swiss laws.