Personally I don't know. But you have to remember that most of the researchers at those bodies do have PhDs. Why don't you read up some of their papers and deci

Personally I don't know. But you have to remember that most of the researchers at those bodies do have PhDs. Why don't you read up some of their papers and decide for yourself. I think you should read @impendia's comment above. If you are really driven to do relevant research then grad school improves your chances of success.