Intellectual Independence Policy

IST maintains strict intellectual independence for all of its projects and publications.

The Institute for Security and Technology is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that bridges gaps between technology and policy leaders to help solve emerging security problems. One of our core values as an organization is integrity: we value integrity over self-interest, and hold ourselves and our work to the highest standards of accountability. As such, IST maintains strict intellectual independence for all of its projects and publications. Our employees, adjunct advisors, and advisory committee members develop their own work, consistent with IST’s vision and mission. To protect the integrity of our research and findings, all those working and affiliated with IST are required to meet standards of professional ethics and adhere to this intellectual independence policy. 

As a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) organization, IST accepts funding from a broad range of sources in support of its mission. We maintain independent control from donors and partners of the work resulting from sponsored projects; accept funding only from donors who do not seek to influence or interfere with IST research and recommendations; and exercise strict independence in all cases. 

To learn more about the partners and funders who support our work, we encourage you to read our public donor acknowledgments and our disclosures of financial support in our annual reports. We also make public our annual audited financial information and U.S. IRS Form 990.

IST does not engage in lobbying or activities that would require IST or its personnel to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). As a nonpartisan organization, we do not adopt or advocate positions on particular matters.