About LISSD
We are Liberia's first independent, non-partisan policy research institution. Here is who we are, what we believe, and why it matters.
When the consultants leave, the knowledge leaves with them.
Liberia's policy decisions on trade, investment, energy, governance, and security are routinely shaped by foreign consultants, international NGOs, and donor-driven research produced outside the country.
These actors, however well-intentioned, rarely build domestic analytical capacity. When their contracts end, the knowledge leaves. No institutional memory remains. The cycle repeats.
The absence of a credible, Liberian-led policy institution has real consequences: decisions about trade policy, investment law, energy infrastructure, and security sector reform are made without the benefit of sustained, locally grounded, independent analysis.
We shift the center of gravity for Liberian policy discourse from international donor offices to a domestic institution with deep roots, long memory, and an unambiguous commitment to Liberia's future.
"To advance evidence-based policy in Liberia through rigorous research, inclusive dialogue, and strategic partnerships."
Empowering government, business, and civil society to make decisions that deliver lasting security, prosperity, and democratic governance for all Liberians.
"A Liberia where policy decisions are informed by credible data, shaped by inclusive voices, and connected to the best thinking in the world."
Positioning Liberia as a model of policy-driven development in West Africa and a voice of consequence in global affairs.
Operational commitments, not aspirational platitudes.
Free from influence.
We accept no research funding with conditions attached to findings. Board members and staff sign annual conflict-of-interest declarations.
World-class standards.
All research undergoes internal peer review. Major reports are subject to external review by international scholars. Methodologies are published transparently.
Always Liberian-led.
Senior leadership will always be Liberian, and the research agenda is set by Liberian institutional needs, not donor preferences. Liberian researchers are trained and retained.
Every Liberian voice.
We actively recruit women, rural Liberians, and young researchers. All major projects include consultation with affected communities.
Transparent by design.
We publish annual reports on finances, research outputs, and institutional performance. The Board conducts an independent governance review every two years.
Rooted locally. Reaching globally.
While rooted in Liberia, LISSD builds relationships with peer institutions worldwide. Liberian researchers are supported to participate in international conferences.
Built for independence. Designed to last.
We're established as a registered NGO under Liberian law, and are affiliating with several 501(c)(3) organizations in the USA. The governance structure is designed to protect research independence and ensure long-term institutional sustainability.
The people building LISSD.
Tamba Ralph Brown
A distinguished Liberian policy leader with deep experience in governance, economic policy, and institutional development, driven by a commitment to building Liberia's first world-class independent research institution.
Full biography coming soon.
Position Open
Recruitment is underway as LISSD builds its founding team.
Position Open
Recruitment is underway as LISSD builds its founding team.
Position Open
Recruitment is underway as LISSD builds its founding team.
Position Open
Recruitment is underway as LISSD builds its founding team.
Position Open
Recruitment is underway as LISSD builds its founding team.
We are building our team. Positions will be announced as LISSD launches.
Liberia deserves world-class policy thinking.
Help us build the institution that makes it possible.