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About the Institute

About The Scientific Institute for Generative Intelligence

Our Mission

SIGI exists to build the scientific foundation for understanding how generative AI systems select, cite, and surface information. We believe that as AI-generated responses replace traditional search results for millions of queries, the mechanisms behind source selection deserve rigorous, independent study.

Our research spans LLM citation behaviour, generative search patterns, content architecture for AI readability, and the emerging discipline of Generative Engine Optimization. We publish our findings openly and develop reproducible methodologies that meet rigorous research standards of evidence.

As AI increasingly mediates access to information, we work to ensure the processes behind that mediation are understood, documented, and transparent.

Key Facts
Founded
2026
Parent Organisation
TDS Australia
Focus
LLM Citation Research & GEO Science
Location
Sydney, Australia
Areas of Study

What We Study

Primary
LLM Citation Behaviour

How do large language models decide which sources to cite? We study the patterns, biases, and determinants of citation in AI-generated responses across all major platforms.

Applied
Generative Engine Optimization

The emerging science of structuring content for AI readability. We research what makes content more likely to be surfaced, cited, and accurately represented by LLMs.

Methodological
Research Frameworks

Developing standardised, reproducible research methodologies for studying generative AI behaviour that meet rigorous research standards and enable cross-study comparison.

Transparency

Relationship to TDS Australia

SIGI operates as the dedicated research arm of TDS Australia. We believe transparency about this relationship is essential to our credibility. TDS provides operational support, infrastructure, and funding. In return, SIGI's research informs the broader TDS ecosystem.

However, SIGI's research agenda is set independently. Our methodology is published openly, our data collection processes are documented, and our findings are reported regardless of whether they support commercial applications.

The TDS ecosystem includes commercial services such as TDS DaaS (Design as a Service) and TDS GEO Agency (applied Generative Engine Optimization). SIGI's research provides the scientific foundation for these services, but does not direct their commercial operations.

We publish all conflicts of interest alongside our research and welcome scrutiny of our methodology and findings.

Publication Standards

A Note on Our Research

SIGI papers are self-published original research. They have not undergone external peer review. We welcome independent replication and critique. All methodologies, raw data, and analysis procedures are published openly to enable scrutiny and verification by the research community.

Leadership

Research Team

Research Director
Jessica Tavitian

Leads SIGI's research programme into LLM citation behaviour and generative search patterns. Responsible for research design, data analysis, and publication strategy.

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Technical Director
Victor Tavitian

Oversees SIGI's technical infrastructure, data collection systems, and multi-platform testing frameworks. Leads methodology development and research tooling.

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FAQ

Common Questions

The Scientific Institute for Generative Intelligence (SIGI) is a research institute that studies how large language models select, cite, and surface information. We focus on LLM citation behaviour, generative search patterns, and GEO methodology.
SIGI operates as the research arm of TDS Australia. While TDS provides operational support, SIGI's research agenda, methodology, and findings are developed independently and published transparently.
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of structuring content so that AI systems are more likely to surface, cite, and accurately represent it. SIGI studies the science behind GEO through rigorous, reproducible research.
TDS Australia is SIGI's parent organisation. TDS operates commercial services including DaaS and a GEO agency. SIGI provides the research foundation that informs but does not direct those services. We are transparent about this relationship in all our publications.
We welcome research collaborations with academic institutions, AI labs, and independent researchers. Contact us through our contact page to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.