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FAS Logo-by Federation of American Scientists-

10 Things To Know About The Federation Of American Scientists

The FAS is a nonpartisan policy research and advocacy group created in 1945 to address national security concerns. A group of atomic scientists who were very concerned about the use of science for evil after the tragic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki founded the organization. It promotes progress on a wide range of contemporary challenges where science, technology, and innovation policy may make a significant difference, and it guarantees that scientific and technical competence is represented at the policymaking table. Its website contains information about numerous programs, including Arms Sales Monitoring, Biological Weapons, Nuclear Weapons, Secrecy, and Government and Space Policy. Here are 10 things to know about the Federation Of American Scientists.

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1. The organization’s goal is to try to increase global security using science and scientific analysis

The Security Curve-by David Fiammenghi-

FAS’s objective is to promote a safer and more secure world by finding and advancing solutions to critical scientific and technology security policy problems, educating the public and policymakers, and encouraging transparency through research and analysis in order to maximize policy effect. This goal was formed early on and was thought vital for the federation because decisions made by the US during the FAS’s creation were critical in influencing international relations. The FAS desired that the public become more critical and aware of the government in order to monitor decisions made to ensure that they matched what the population genuinely want. The FAS would act to educate the public about the dangers of the incorrect use of atomic energy and to underscore the importance of international control over atomic weapons and energy.

2. It was founded by a group of scientists and engineers

On November 30, 1945, a group of scientists and engineers from the Association of Manhattan Project scientists, Oak Ridge scientists, and Los Alamos scientists formed the Federation of Atomic Scientists. Its initial aim was to support the McMahon Act of 1946 by educating the public, press, lawmakers, and policymakers, as well as to advocate worldwide transparency and nuclear disarmament.

3. It is the United States’ oldest arms control group

Federation of American Scientists (logo)-by Srsun1-

The Federation of American Scientists will celebrate its 78th anniversary in November 2023, a milestone that underscores its standing as the country’s oldest arms control group. While we look back, FAS is excited to maintain its leadership and establish new initiatives in the next years. Its work is respected, trusted, and valued because it is rigorous, impartial, non-partisan, and evidence-based.

4. FAS focuses on making the government more transparent

The Project on Government Secrecy strives to increase public access to government information while also shedding light on the machinery of government secrecy, such as national security classification and declassification regulations. The project also distributes previously unreleased or difficult-to-find government papers of public policy significance, as well as intelligence policy tools. The Secrecy News blog publishes declassified papers as well as Congressional Research Service publications.

5. FAS has been involved in the control of nuclear energy and weaponry

16-in Battleship Ammunition-by U.S. Navy photo-

The Nuclear Information Project provides information about nuclear weapons, arms control, and the nuclear fuel cycle. It’s working on setting high standards for nuclear energy safety and security, exposing government secrecy tactics, and tracking and eliminating the global criminal trade in conventional, nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Aside from the Nuclear Notebooks, the Nuclear Information Project performs other open-source inquiries concerning nuclear weapons.

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6. FAS operates several programs

USS Trepang;0867402-by US Navy-

The three core projects of the FAS are biosecurity, government secrecy, and nuclear security. Nuclear security projects include the Nuclear Information Project which studies worldwide nuclear arsenals and nuclear arms control treaties, to lessen the existential threat of nuclear war and the Defense Posture Project examines significant improvements in military technology that challenge current conceptions of deterrence. The Project on Government Secrecy strives to put light on government secrecy practices and encourage openness.

The Congressional Science Policy Initiative provides Members of Congress with evidence-based analysis of science and technology issues, mobilizing experts and connecting them directly with policymakers. The Organs Initiative employs data science to drive improved patient outcomes. The Technology and Innovation Initiative investigates the role of immigration policy and emerging technology in enhancing national security and economic growth. The Day One Project strives to develop and execute creative and actionable ideas in science and technology policy.

7. The FAS is sponsored by several donors

FAS benefits immensely from the support it receives from members and supporters, private foundations, and the public sector. These contributions enable the organization to carry out a wide range of initiatives and activities.

8. The FAS also provides training and education programs

Letter blocks by Pixabay-

The Learning Technologies Program (LTP) focused on how to use innovative technologies to improve how people teach and learn. The LTP developed prototype games and learning tools and assembled collaborative projects comprised of non-governmental organizations, design professionals, and community leaders to undertake innovative education initiatives at both the national and local levels. The Project worked to help construct learning tools to bring about big breakthroughs in learning and training. The core initiative of the Program is Immune Attack, a completely 3-D game in which high school students discover the inner workings of the body’s circulatory and immune systems, as they pilot a tiny drone through the bloodstream to attack microscopic intruders.

9. The organization has been recognized for its work on several occasions  

The Federation of American Scientists was awarded $10,586,000 between 1984 and 2017, including 25 grants in International Peace & Security, MacArthur Award for Creative & Effective Institutions, and Nuclear Challenges. The MacArthur Foundation awarded the Federation of American Scientists $2,400,000 in 2004, their largest grant, to support everything they do.

10. It’s a lobby for scientists

Ricardo René Larémont-by US Army Africa-

In a 2002 study done within the FAS, it was determined that roughly thirty percent of members were physicists. Medicine, biology, engineering, and chemistry were the next most represented fields. The remaining four fields account for another 61% of the overall member population. Members were also given free copies of “Secrecy News,” an electronic bulletin about government secrecy and intelligence.

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FAS’s objective is to promote a safer and more secure world by finding and advancing solutions to critical scientific and technology security policy problems, educating the public and policymakers, and encouraging transparency through research and analysis in order to maximize policy effect.