Rigor
Our research meets the standards of academic psychology, organizational behavior, and data science. Every claim is validated; every finding is replicated.
The Merit Institute advances the empirical science of human capability assessment. We investigate what actually predicts excellence in complex, emerging domains—such as AI governance, biosecurity, complex systems research, and frontier policy. We develop measurement frameworks organizations can use to evaluate capability reliably. By publishing open-source standards and datasets, we establish capability assessment as an empirical discipline, not a guessing game.
Neutrality
We serve organizations across the ideological and sectoral spectrum—from frontier AI labs to biosecurity think tanks to government agencies. We provide evidence; we do not advocate for particular policies or organizations.
Openness
We publish our data, methods, and findings openly. Capability assessment is a public good—progress is fastest when researchers and practitioners can build on each other’s work.