Founded in 1978, the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) is a nonprofit, worldwide foundation that seeks to improve the well-being of the general public through the advancement of science. The foundation specializes in furthering the understanding of scientific issues related to nutrition, toxicology, food safety, risk assessment and the environment. The International Life Sciences Institute utilizes its strategic alliances and global network to bring scientific solutions to public health issues. The foundation specializes in dealing with matters related to obesity, functional foods and food biotechnology. It also supports various researches, issues publications, operates educational projects, and sponsors global conferences and workshops. The foundation is affiliated with the World Health Organization (WHO) as a nongovernmental organization. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the International Life Sciences Institute maintains branches worldwide.