Open Source Nuclear Analysis Bootcamp
For decades, the Federation of American Scientists’ Nuclear Information Project has used open sources and satellite imagery analysis to develop the best available unclassified estimates of the status and trends of nuclear weapons worldwide.
In the summer of 2025, the Federation of American Scientists will host a first-of-its-kind bootcamp to communicate and pass on its practices to the next generation of open-source nuclear analysts. This bootcamp, generously funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, aims to help lower the barriers to entry into this field, democratize open-source research practices, and foster a collegial community of experts among successive cohorts.
At this highly interactive bootcamp, you will work directly with FAS team members and external experts to develop skills in open-source and satellite imagery analysis skills and collaborate with others in the cohort on short research projects during the week.
Some examples of topics that will be covered include:
- The basics, ethics, and communication of open-source analysis
- Nuclear secrecy and transparency
- Analyzing primary and secondary sources
- Filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and declassification requests
- Geolocation and satellite imagery analysis of nuclear-related sites
- Missile technology
- The nuclear fuel cycle
The bootcamp will take place at the Federation of American Scientists headquarters in Washington, DC, during the week of July 7 to 11, 2025. Applicants must be able to fully participate in person for all five days of the bootcamp. Travel, transportation, meals, and lodging will be provided by FAS.
We expect that there will be significant interest in this bootcamp, and we will aim to construct a cohort that mixes proficiency levels with respect to different topics. In order to be eligible for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate how you intend to utilize the skills gained during this bootcamp in your work in the nuclear weapons field.
Qualifications
- Based in the United States*
- Bachelor’s degree
- Early- to mid-career professional (Up to 8 years of experience)
- Working-level knowledge of nuclear weapons systems
- Participants must have personal laptops that can download and run Google Earth Pro
*Or will be traveling to and from the bootcamp from somewhere in the United States
Applications are due at 23:59 on 23 February 2025.