Privacy Policy

Introduction

Engine-4 Foundation ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with our organization.

By accessing or using our website and services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use our website or services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
• Professional information (job title, company, industry)
• Educational background and research interests
• Information provided in contact forms, newsletter subscriptions, or partnership inquiries
• Communication preferences and interaction history

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address and geographic location
• Browser type and version
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referral sources and website navigation patterns

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. These technologies help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and performance
• Provide personalized content and recommendations

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

Communication and Services

• Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
• Sending newsletters, updates, and educational content
• Notifying you about our research, partnerships, and events
• Facilitating collaboration and partnership opportunities

Research and Development

• Conducting agricultural research and analysis
• Developing and improving our technologies and services
• Collaborating with research partners and institutions
• Publishing research findings and case studies

Website Improvement

• Analyzing website usage to improve functionality
• Personalizing content and user experience
• Ensuring website security and preventing fraud
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Research Partners and Collaborators

We may share anonymized or aggregated data with research partners and collaborators to advance agricultural research and development. Personal identifying information is not shared without explicit consent.

Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting research, or providing services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, to protect our rights, or to ensure the safety of our users and the public.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Incident response and breach notification procedures

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

Research data may be retained for longer periods to support ongoing scientific studies and comply with research integrity requirements.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Portability: Request transfer of your information to another organization
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing
• Consent Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for processing based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable laws.

Opting Out

You may opt out of receiving promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails or by contacting us directly. You may also manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

International Data Transfers

As a research organization with international collaborations, we may transfer your information to countries outside your home country. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will delete that information promptly.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

For general inquiries, you may also contact us through our contact form.