The acronym VIAS is short for 'Verein iranischer AkademikerInnen und Studierender' ('Association of Iranian Academics and Students: AIAS'). AIAS is an independent and politically neutral association that was founded by a group of committed Iranian students and graduates in 1993. It presently numbers 51 members (according to February 2012 head count).

The AIAS main activities consist in the organization of cultural and scientific events on behalf of Iranians living in Switzerland and in raising the Swiss public's awareness of Iranian culture with the help of such events.

The main objectives of the association are

• encouraging mutual contacts among Iranian students, doctoral students and graduates
• encouraging all efforts contributing to mutual understanding
• interaction and communication with other groups pursuing similar interests
• organizing and hosting lectures, concerts, art exhibitions, traditional festivals and classes