The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) was founded in 2003 and is housed at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. ISS seeks to expand knowledge in a number of fields associated with security by leveraging the expertise and education resources available at UNLV, in the state of Nevada, nationally, and internationally. The Institute partners with government agencies and private entities to spearhead security-related research, conduct training for law enforcement personnel, first responders and disaster managers, and devise practical and cost-effective solutions to real world problems.

The Institute for Security Studies brings subject matter expertise,  project management experience, research skills, and outreach capabilities to the realms of homeland security, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, emergency management, and energy security.

Recognizing that energy security is becoming increasingly central to national security policy and global stability, the ISS is launching a new Energy Security Policy Initiative. The enterprise will conduct independent research that sheds light on the geo-political and economic implications of energy policies, assesses the costs and challenges of securing access to global energy resources, and develops analytical frameworks to advise decision makers and educate citizens on policies to improve America's energy security.