The Eaker Institute is the public policy and research arm of the Aerospace Education Foundation. It was established in 1996 to focus and expand upon AEF's existing educational and publishing efforts in aerospace and national security policy.

Named after the famed World War II commander of the Eighth Air Force, General Ira C. Eaker, the Institute emulates Eaker's intellectual approach and unique ability to further airpower thinking. An aviation pioneer who piloted the "Question Mark" demonstrating the feasibility of aerial refueling in 1929. Eaker was a reasoned intellectual who succeeded at articulating the early case for strategic airpower. A convinced advocate, he continued to write a syndicated column and lecture about the role of airpower for years after retiring from the Air Force.

Activities of the Eaker Institute:

• Host discussions among the nation's most creative and well-respected aerospace thinkers, some of whom will serve as senior fellows of the Institute.
• Publish a series of Eaker Papers on important defense and aerospace issues, as well as papers from emerging aerospace thinkers who might challenge the conventional wisdom.
• Conduct defense colloquia focusing on the potential of aerospace to meet America's security needs in the world today and tomorrow, incorporating arguments and viewpoints from both within and outside the Air Force community.
• Increase public awareness of aerospace issues by actively engaging in national policy debates, disseminating Eaker Institute products at the national and local levels, and by sponsoring studies and analyses of specific issues of importance.