The Institute of Science and Technology (IST) is the higher education arm of the International Academy of Science, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing applied science, scientific education, and the transformation of research into practical technologies — a concept known as “Inventioneering.”

Founded in 1985 by a group of distinguished scientists and entrepreneurs, IST was established with a bold vision: to create a higher education institution focused on applied scientific learning that would drive innovation for the betterment of society. Guided by expert faculty, IST students engage in hands-on projects, tackling real-world challenges and contributing to breakthrough developments in fields such as renewable energy, computer science, cybersecurity, and education technology.

Today, IST remains committed to bridging scientific discovery with technological application. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in high-tech disciplines, emphasizing practical research, problem-solving skills, and preparation for impactful careers.

Dr. Roger Billings, know as the “Godfather of Hydrogen Energy” and “father of inventioneering,” is a visionary scientist, inventor, and serial entrepreneur whose innovations span renewable energy, network computing, cybersecurity, and online learning. As a high school senior, he built the world’s first hydrogen-powered car, and then went on to develop the first fuel cell car. Featured in TIME magazine as “Dr. Hydrogen,” he earned the Ten Outstanding Young Men award for his pioneering ventures.

Billings created the Billings Microsystem, one of the earliest personal computers. He patented the foundational client/server computing model, enabling Internet-scale data sharing, and founded WideBand Corporation to produce high-speed networking products. He developed B2 Cryptography, the encryption protocol at the heart of GoldKey technology, safeguarding data for militaries, businesses, and schools worldwide.

As President of the International Academy of Science, Billings launched the Acellus Learning System in 2001 — an online platform and launched a weekly “Science LIVE” broadcast, a cornerstone of the Roger Billings Mentoring Program, influencing millions of students in thousands of schools.

In 2025, he was honored with the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award.

Dr. Geoffrey Pardoe, a pioneering British aerospace engineer, significantly advanced the UK’s space capabilities. As Senior Aerodynamicist at Armstrong Whitworth (1949-1951), he developed the Sea Slug missile. At de Havilland (1951 1956), as Chief Aerodynamicist, he contributed to the Firestreak missile and the Blue Streak ballistic missile (1956-1960).

As Chief Project Engineer of the Space Division at Hawker Siddeley Dynamics (1960-1969), he proposed the Black Prince launcher, advocating for independent British space programs, leading to the British National Space Centre (1985).

Pardoe served as President of the Royal Aeronautical Society (1984-1985) and Chairman of the renowned Watt Committee on Energy (1986). He founded General Technology Systems (1973), developing the LittLEO satellite launcher, and as Managing Director (1985-1987) and Deputy Chairman (1987-1993) of Surrey Satellite Technology, advanced small satellites.

Honored with an OBE (1988) and fellowships from the Royal Aeronautical Society (1968) and Royal Academy of Engineering (1988), his legacy includes the Geoffrey Pardoe Space Award.

Mr. Willis M. Hawkins, a visionary aeronautical engineer, profoundly influenced aviation and defense through his five-decade tenure at Lockheed Corporation. His designs revolutionized military aviation, including the P-80 Shooting Star — the U.S. Air Force’s first operational jet fighter-and the supersonic F-104 Starfighter. In World War Il, he advanced early jet technology with the L-133, America’s first jet prototype.

As chief engineer, Hawkins led the 1951 proposal for the Lockheed Model 82, which became the iconic C-130 Hercules transport. He founded Lockheed Missiles and Space Company and became Lockheed Corporation vice president and later president of Lockheed California. He contributed to projects in the Skunk Works division with its secretive, rapid-prototyping ethos, yielding landmarks like the U-2 spy plane and SR-71 Blackbird.

As U.S. Army Assistant Secretary for R&D (1962 – 1965), he spearheaded the Polaris submarine-launched ballistic missile and the M1 Abrams tank.

He received the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award (1961) and the National Medal of Science (1988).