Evidence Based Policy Research and Advocacy Since 1945.
FAS envisions a world where cutting-edge science, technology, ideas and talent are deployed to solve the biggest challenges of our time. We embed science, technology, innovation, and experience into government and public discourse in order to build a healthy, safe, prosperous and equitable society.
About Us
After the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a group of atomic researchers, deeply concerned about the use of science for malice, created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity. The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to advance science policy and counter scientific misinformation.
Over 75 years later, the Federation of American Scientists is still working to minimize the risks of significant global threats, arising from nuclear weapons, biological and chemical agents, and climate change. The organization also works to advance progress on a broad suite of contemporary issues where science, technology, and innovation policy can deliver dramatic progress, and seeks to ensure that scientific and technical expertise have a seat at the policymaking table.
Issues We’re Tackling
Our founders recognized that data-driven policy and security go hand-in-hand. The diverse work at FAS offers evidence-based analysis and solutions for the most pressing policy and security challenges of today.
Global Risk
Humanity must proactively develop and pursue sound policies to protect against global catastrophe, including through scientific and political cooperation.
Government Capacity
The federal government has a long history of creating and deploying innovative science and technology solutions – but institutional complexity and bureaucratic bottlenecks too often stifle its ability to solve problems.
Education & Workforce
American society is grappling with inequalities in education, housing, workforce development, and more, but a fair government can ensure everyone prospers while leaving nobody behind.
Emerging Technology
Rapidly emerging technologies have societal benefits and risks that have not been fully realized, but the United States does not have the robust R&D strategy or funding needed to lead on innovation, development, and commercialization.
Energy
We work to support more efficient commercialization of energy decarbonization technologies, innovative research, and more effective deployment of smart energy policy.
Environment
Governments and communities are largely unprepared to address the cascading impacts of climate-related hazards, let alone proactively prepare for them.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity & Belonging.
A key pillar of our work is aimed at democratizing the research and policymaking process.
We recognize the critical role that diverse voices play in contributing to and shaping science policy, and seek to intentionally represent those voices in our process, ensuring a range of perspectives and ideas are captured and represented in our work.
Fiscal Sponsorship
The FAS Fiscal Sponsorship Program seeks to support burgeoning entrepreneurs in science and technology policy. Through this program, FAS provides sponsorship and support for philanthropic endeavors in an effort to forge partnerships and expand our impact in the science community.
On Generative AI Use
FAS is closely watching the emerging utility, potential, and government policy concerning generative artificial intelligence use and development. FAS regularly publishes memos, public statements, and policy recommendations on artificial intelligence and emerging technology. We encourage media inquiries for our experts working in this domain: Oliver Stephenson and Clara Langevin.