Did a Google search, and since the Marian Institute exists in several forms, I'm changing MISTRAL slightly to become the Marius Institute for Scientific and Technological Research and Advanced Learning, known also as the Marius Institute.
I like the name - it's not just a nifty acronym, but the name is vague enough so that it sounds like the organization can do almost anything. After all, an overtly paranormal-esque name for a non-profit would be less likely to receive donations and funding, considering attitudes against research into such phenomena.
Also did a bit more research into Gaius Marius. He was a famous Roman politician and general, the uncle of Julius Caesar by marriage. He's mainly famous for his political career and his reforms of the Roman army. One of his major changes was forcing the individual legionary to carry all his own equipment - and infantrymen everywhere have been cursing his name since, even if they didn't know it. The legionaries began to call themselves "Marius' mules".
Not only did he use a Syrian soothsayer for advice during his military campaigns, but he had an Etruscan soothsayer advising him during his political career. This leads me to figure that one of the Marius Institute's objectives is the practical application of the fruits of paranormal research - and like all good fictional corporations lurking in the background and providing funding for our heroes, that vaguely sinister purpose is not necessarily as benign or as malevolent as anyone is wont to believe.
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