A democratic and sovereign Iran where equality, equity, and social justice prevail, free from external pressures and internal ideological constraints.
Mission Statement
ACI’s mission isto foster a democratic, equitable, and sovereign Iran through research, dialogue, and advocacy
The Association des Chercheurs Iraniens (ACI International Inc.) is an independent, non-profit academic organisation dedicated to rigorous research, policy analysis, and international dialogue on Iran’s social, political, and economic challenges. Founded in Paris in 1992, ACI provides a platform for expert-led discussions, evidence-based solutions, and knowledge-sharing to support democratic development, equality, and social justice.
ACI operates entirely free from political, religious, or ideological affiliations. We are funded solely through public donations, membership contributions, and the extraordinary commitment of our volunteer community. Over the past 32 years, ACI has organised over 50 international conferences, published numerous scholarly works, and engaged hundreds of experts across disciplines.
All funds raised directly support ACI’s research initiatives, academic conferences, and scholarly publications, in strict adherence to international legal and ethical standards. Additionally, a portion of these funds sustains essential operational costs necessary for the continuation of our programmes. We maintain full transparency in our financial and organisational practices and have no financial or institutional ties to any government, political entity, or public institution.
Our ability to remain independent and impactful relies entirely on the generosity and dedication of our members, volunteers, and supporters. Every conference we organise, every publication we produce, and every seminar we host is made possible by the kindness of individuals who believe in the power of knowledge over ideology.
ACI receives no external public funding. Our work is carried out entirely by volunteers, with membership contributions and private donations enabling our activities.
Publications are made possible through the generous donations of benefactors, individually acknowledged in each volume.
Conference videos are funded personally by our volunteer video directors.
We have often found creative solutions to financial challenges. For example, at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, ACI members loaned Persian carpets to the SOAS Gallery in exchange for discounted conference hall hire.
Conferences are funded through donations and modest entrance fees. Costs are kept deliberately low to encourage wide participation, and all speakers and researchers attend at their own expense. Accommodation for speakers is often kindly provided by ACI members across Europe and North America.
None of our achievements would be possible without the unwavering generosity, creativity, and enthusiasm of our supporters.
Support Us
You can contribute to the continuation of ACI’s work through your kind donation.
By supporting ACI, you are investing in independent research, informed debate, and the vision of a democratic future for Iran — ensuring that knowledge, not ideology, shapes the conversation.
By supporting ACI, you are investing in:
Independent knowledge production,
free from ideological or governmental influence
A platform for underrepresented voices, including women, youth, and minorities
Long-term change, grounded in rigorous analysis and international collaboration
Donate
ACI International Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation in the United States, and is also registered as an Association loi 1901 in France.
Donations may be tax-deductible as permitted by law.
