MOST Policy Initiative is based at the University of Missouri, but also exist as an independent non-profit corporation. In 2022, we will transition our employees away from the University of Missouri and work independently through the 501(c)(3) organization.
Regardless of if we’re employed by the university or nonprofit organization, MOST Policy Initiative is not a lobbying organization. Our purpose is to serve as a boundary spanning institution between science and policy at the state and local levels by providing resources, fostering relationships, and showcasing collaborative solutions.
In order to avoid lobbying, we follow guidelines outlined by the Missouri Ethics Commission.
MOST Policy Initiative works collaboratively with policy-makers and the scientific community to determine priority topics and to identify knowledge gaps. We do not offer unsolicited scientific advice to lawmakers. Rather, we take requests for information from lawmakers through the Missouri Science & Technology Policy Fellows Program. When working with scientists, we encourage them to build relationships with elected officials and leaders in order to understand where science can most effectively inform policy discussions.
Upon request, we share scientific information with policy-makers through the following media.