Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T)

What Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T) does

The Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T) is a US-based, not-for-profit professional membership organization founded in 1947 (originally as the Society of Photographic Engineers, renamed SPSE in 1957 and IS&T on 29 January 1992) and headquartered at 7003 Kilworth Lane, Springfield, VA, with 14 staff. Its purpose is to advance the science and practice of image assessment and reproduction across digital printing, electronic imaging, color science, image preservation, photofinishing, pre-press technologies, hybrid imaging systems, and silver halide research. IS&T operates a portfolio of two peer-reviewed journals (Journal of Imaging Science and Technology / JIST and Journal of Electronic Imaging / JEI), an extensive Digital Library of conference proceedings and technical papers, and a recurring calendar of international conferences including the Electronic Imaging Symposium, the Color and Imaging Conference (CIC), the Archiving Conference, Printing for Fabrication (NIP/digital fabrication), digiTIPS webinars, and XR/London Imaging Meeting events.

IS&T generates revenue from individual membership dues ($125/year regular rate, with student and emeritus tiers and add-on journal subscriptions), four tiers of corporate membership ranging from $2,500 Donor to $24,000 Strategic Partner (disclosed members include Adobe, Microsoft, HP, Meta, Google, Apple-affiliated leadership, NVIDIA-affiliated leadership, Applied Image, NTNU, Colorado State University, Image Engineering-Nynomic, and Image Science Associates), conference and short-course registration fees, journal subscriptions, and limited standards-related activity. Distribution is direct via the imaging.org website (self-serve membership, conference registration, digital library access) and in-person at global conference venues.

A core functional differentiator is IS&T's standards-administration role: through its sponsorship of ANSI, the society serves as Secretariat for ISO/TC 42 and its working groups (responsible for more than 200 international photography standards covering capture, communication, display, and printing), administers the IT9 Image Permanence and IT10 Digital Photography committees, and runs the PTP Vendor Extension Registry under ISO 15740. Governance is provided by a 12-member elected Board of Directors, the current President being Marius Pedersen of NTNU (2025-2027) and the Executive Vice President Robin Jenkin of NVIDIA, with an Executive Director role currently held by Jonathan B. Phillips.

Name

Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T)

Legal name

Society for Imaging Science and Technology

Website

https://imaging.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IS&T is a US non-profit professional membership society, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Springfield, VA, that advances imaging science through peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, and ANSI Secretariat administration of ISO/TC 42 photography standards.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Scientific Society

NAICS

Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers (5131)

SIC

Miscellaneous Publishing (2741), Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721)

akta.pro primary industry

Scholarly Society & Association Publishing (EDAGAFAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Scientific & Laboratory Reference (Chemistry, Biology, Physics; Methods & Protocols) (EDAGAGAG)

Keywords

• Scientific imaging research
• Imaging science publications
• Professional membership society
• Photography standards development
• Scientific conference organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Membership Dues: Annual membership fees providing access to digital library, journal subscriptions, conference discounts, and networking opportunities. Regular membership is $125/year with add-ons available.
2. Corporate Memberships: Four-tier corporate membership program: Strategic Partner ($24,000/year), Sustaining ($10,000/year), Supporting ($5,000/year), and Donor ($2,500/year). Benefits include individual memberships, conference discounts, and sponsorship opportunities.
3. Conference Registration: Revenue from hosting major international conferences including Electronic Imaging Symposium, Color and Imaging Conference (CIC), Archiving Conference, Printing for Fabrication, and specialized workshops. Short course fees also contribute.
4. Publications and Journals: Revenue from Journal of Imaging Science and Technology (JIST) and Journal of Electronic Imaging (JEI) subscriptions. Digital library access and PDF downloads. Additional hardcopy subscriptions available for purchase.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

IS&T is a non-profit professional membership organization that publishes peer-reviewed journals (Journal of Imaging Science and Technology and Journal of Electronic Imaging), hosts international scientific conferences (Electronic Imaging Symposium, Color and Imaging Conference, Archiving Conference, Printing for Fabrication), administers the ISO/TC 42 photography standards Secretariat, and runs the PTP Vendor Extension Registry. The society also delivers the digiTIPS webinar series, the Raymond Davis Scholarship program, and a digital library for its global membership of imaging science researchers, academics, students, and corporate partners.

Product overview

IS&T is a professional membership organization (not a technology company) that provides a portfolio of publications, conferences, and standards in the field of imaging science. The core offerings include two peer-reviewed journals (Journal of Imaging Science and Technology and Journal of Electronic Imaging), multiple annual conferences (Electronic Imaging Symposium, Color and Imaging Conference, Archiving Conference, Printing for Fabrication), and the digiTIPS webinar series. These are supported by the IS&T Digital Library for member access, ISO/TC 42 photography standards administration, the Career Center job board, and the Raymond Davis Scholarship program. The organization does not offer software products, APIs, or AI/ML capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Individual Membership Annual membership for individual imaging science researchers, academics, students, and practitioners, providing access to the IS&T Digital Library with unlimited PDF downloads, a complimentary online subscription to JIST or JEI, conference and short course discounts, and networking through committees and regional chapters. Regular rate $125/year with Student and Emeritus tiers available.
• Corporate Membership Four-tier corporate membership program (Strategic Partner $24,000, Sustaining $10,000, Supporting $5,000, Donor $2,500) for technology companies, academic institutions, and imaging industry vendors. Includes bundled individual memberships, conference and exhibit discounts, targeted recruitment mailings, and sponsorship opportunities for partner companies.
• Journal of Imaging Science and Technology (JIST) Peer-reviewed scientific journal covering imaging science research. Members receive complimentary online subscription with add-on hardcopy available for $75 (US or non-US). Online JIST subscription add-on $45.
• Journal of Electronic Imaging (JEI) Peer-reviewed journal focused on electronic imaging technologies. Members receive complimentary online subscription; additional online subscription add-on available for $45.
• Electronic Imaging Symposium (EI) Annual international symposium covering electronic imaging topics including machine learning, 3D imaging, and augmented/virtual reality. Held annually in Burlingame, CA (e.g., January 24-27, 2027). Includes conference proceedings and short courses.
• Color and Imaging Conference (CIC) Annual international conference on color science and imaging. Features technical presentations, workshops, and networking for researchers and industry professionals. Held at rotating locations (e.g., CIC34 in Barcelona, Spain, November 2-6, 2026).
• Archiving Conference International conference focused on imaging, digitization, preservation, and access for 2D, 3D, and AV materials in cultural heritage institutions. Cooperating partners include the Library of Congress and Cultural Heritage Imaging. Held at rotating locations (e.g., Boston, MA, July 20-23, 2026).
• Printing for Fabrication (Print4Fab) / Advanced Inkjet Technology Technical conference covering digital printing, digital fabrication, and NIP (Non-Impact Printing) technologies. Held at rotating international locations (e.g., Fribourg, Switzerland, January 26-28, 2026).
• digiTIPS Webinar Series Online webinar series providing educational sessions on imaging topics, delivered monthly (e.g., January 29, February 25, March 26, April 21 in 2026). Sessions are recorded and available for registration.
• ISO/TC 42 Photography Standards Administration IS&T sponsors ANSI to serve as Secretariat for ISO/TC 42 and its working groups, administering over 200 international photography standards covering capture, communication, display, and printing of images. IS&T also administers the US TAG to ISO/TC 42.
• IS&T Digital Library Online repository providing access to technical articles, papers, conference proceedings, and publications. Members receive unlimited PDF downloads. Provides searchable access to decades of imaging research.
• Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) Standards and Vendor Extension Registry ISO 15740:2013 standard for communicating with digital photography devices. IS&T assigns vendor extension identifiers (VEID) for PTP protocol extensions, providing a unique registry mechanism for digital camera vendors.
• Raymond Davis Scholarship Scholarship for full-time students to attend IS&T conferences, including $500 plus 50% off registration for Archiving, CIC, and EI conferences. Established in memory of Raymond Davis, the first President of the Society in 1947.

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered founding partner, flagship, core and minor.

• National Archivesfounding partnerOthersOne of the original 81 researchers who formed the Society of Photographic Engineers in 1947. Historical founding partner from government sector.
• US Navyfounding partnerOthersOne of the original 81 researchers who formed the Society of Photographic Engineers in 1947. Historical founding partner from military sector.
• National Bureau of Standardsfounding partnerOthersOne of the original 81 researchers who formed the Society of Photographic Engineers in 1947. Historical founding partner that later became NIST.
• Bell & Howell Co.founding partnerOthersOne of the original corporate members joining in 1947. Among first corporate supporters including Eastman Kodak Co., Bausch & Lomb Optical, Graflex Inc., and Kollmorgan Optical.
• Eastman Kodak Co.founding partnerOthersKey corporate member since founding in 1947. One of 18 original corporate members and over 270 individual members by end of 1950.
• AdobeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic Partner corporate member at $24,000/year. Highest tier corporate membership with benefits including partner in leading direction of programs, invitations to connect with academic members, and 25% off conferences and short courses.
• MicrosoftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustaining Corporate Member at $10,000/year. Includes 10 individual memberships, 20% off conferences, 15% off exhibit rates, and 2 targeted recruitment mailings.
• HPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting Corporate Member. Provides sponsorship for conferences and student scholarships including Raymond Davis Scholarship.
• MetacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting Corporate Member. Active board member participation with Alex Chapiro serving as VP (2026-2028).
• ISO/TC 42 (International Organization for Standardization)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerIS&T sponsors ANSI to serve as Secretariat for ISO/TC 42. ISO/TC 42 was created in 1947 and is responsible for over 200 international photography standards.
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIS&T serves as Secretariat administrator for ANSI's participation in ISO/TC 42 and its working groups, as well as for the US TAG to ISO/TC 42.
• Color Group (UK)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperating Society for CIC31 Color and Imaging Conference. One of several international color societies collaborating with IS&T.
• International Society for the Colour (ISCC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperating Society for CIC31 Color and Imaging Conference.
• RPS Imaging Science GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperating Society for CIC31 Color and Imaging Conference. Royal Photographic Society specialized interest group.
• IOP Printing and Graphics Science GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperating Society for CIC31 Color and Imaging Conference. Institute of Physics special interest group.
• Cultural Heritage ImagingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsor of Archiving Conference sessions. Contributor to papers on high-accuracy digital imaging of cultural heritage.
• Library of CongresscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperating Society for Archiving Conference. Fenella France serves as Past Chair of Archiving Conference committee. US Federal agency for national archives.
• Federal Agencies Digitization Guidelines Initiative (FADGI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGuidelines body whose work is referenced in ISO/TC42/JWG 26 standards for digitizing cultural heritage materials.
• Metamorfoze (Dutch National Programme)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch national preservation program whose guidelines are referenced in ISO/TC42/JWG 26 standards development.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Society for Information Display (SID): Professional society focused on display technology and visual perception, publishing the Journal of the Society for Information Display and hosting Display Week — highly comparable in member society + journal + conference model.
• Inter-Society Color Council: Member-driven organization advancing color science across societies; a cooperating society with IS&T for CIC and a natural peer in color and imaging research community.
• SPIE: International society for optics and photonics that publishes peer-reviewed journals (Optical Engineering, Journal of Electronic Imaging co-published with IS&T), runs major conferences, and administers standards — the closest functional analog to IS&T in imaging/photonics.
• Royal Photographic Society: Historic UK-based photography society (founded 1853) with international membership, journals, distinctions, and cooperating-society partnership with IS&T on the Color and Imaging Conference.
• Optica (formerly Optical Society): Co-partner with IS&T on the Edwin H. Land Medal and a peer scientific society publishing flagship journals (Optica, Optics Letters) and hosting major conferences in optics and imaging research.
• Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) - already listed: Standards body and publisher for motion imaging — closely comparable model of member-funded standards and publishing.
• SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers): Membership organization developing motion-imaging standards, publishing the SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal, and running technical conferences — directly comparable standards + publishing + conference model.

Broad incumbents

• Elsevier (Image and Vision Computing): Major commercial publisher that publishes Image and Vision Computing and other imaging journals; competes with IS&T's JIST and JEI for imaging research submissions and library subscriptions.
• ACM SIGGRAPH: Special interest group running the largest computer graphics and interactive techniques conference; overlaps with IS&T Electronic Imaging in 3D/AR/VR and computational imaging topics.
• IEEE Signal Processing Society: Larger IEEE society publishing IEEE Transactions on Image Processing and running ICIP — overlapping significantly in image processing / electronic imaging research served by IS&T's JEI.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ImagingOrg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/society-for-imaging-science-and-technology-is&t-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T)