The Institute for Land, Water and Society, one of Charles Sturt's Universities two research institutes, was established in 2005 with the aim of undertaking internationally recognised research in social and environmental sustainability that enhances the livelihoods and lifestyles of people in rural and regional Australia.

It builds on the recognised strengths in social and environmental research of the pre-existing Centre for Rural Social Research and the Johnstone Centre for Research in Natural Resources and Society. These centres form the principal scholarly communities of ILWS.