FAS

In Memoriam: Paul Leventhal, John W. Leonard

04.11.07 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

Almost every day brings forceful reminders of the transience of all human endeavors, challenging us to consider our own mortality and to act with compassion, if we can.

Paul Leventhal, a tireless advocate for the cause of nuclear non-proliferation, died this week of cancer. As president of the public interest Nuclear Control Institute, he was a relentless critic of nuclear policy, a font of new ideas, and a mentor to a generation of younger activists. He is remembered here.

John William Leonard, who also died this week at age 30, was the son of Bill Leonard, the respected director of the Information Security Oversight Office. “He was more than a good son, he was a good man,” said an obituary notice in the Washington Post today (4/11/07, page B8). The notice stated that charitable contributions may be made to the John William Leonard Memorial Fund, c/o Bank of America, 28250 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

publications
See all publications
Emerging Technology
Blog
International Collaboration to Strengthen Domestic Critical Minerals Efforts

As Congress considers broader packages to advance critical minerals production and supply chain resilience, science diplomacy vehicles must be part of that conversation, not as an afterthought, but as an intentional and foundational pillar of any strategy.

07.24.26 | 5 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
Policy Statement
Endorsement of the Strategic Technology and Resilient Alliances Act

“Structured partnerships with our allies on critical minerals innovation can ensure that the best science and the best talent are working together towards shared security and economic prosperity.”

07.24.26 | 1 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
Policy Statement
Pass S.3306/H.R.2985 – Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act

This is a bipartisan, commonsense measure to reauthorize the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) before it expires in September 2026.

07.23.26 | 1 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
New Jersey, Virginia Can Lead the Nation By Building ‘AI Resilience Cohorts’ to Develop Early-Career, State Talent Pipelines

Many states are introducing AI policies and task forces, but lack the “AI-native” personnel to build and maintain initiatives. To address this in the short term, states should establish AI Resilience Cohorts to embed early-career technologists in key offices to support state AI initiatives. Right now, Virginia and New Jersey have the opportunity to take […]

07.22.26 | 7 min read
read more