Federation of American Scientists

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) website, fas.org, serves as the digital platform for a non-profit policy research and advocacy organization dedicated to using science and analysis to address critical national and international security challenges.

History, Mission, and Goals

• Founding and History: FAS was founded in November 1945 by atomic scientists from the Manhattan Project who felt an ethical obligation to warn the public and policymakers about the dangers of nuclear weapons and to advocate for their control. They believed scientists had a unique responsibility to contribute to informed public debate on scientific and technical matters affecting national and global security.
• Definition and Mission: FAS defines itself as an organization committed to providing objective, science-based analysis and practical policy solutions. Its core mission is to work towards a safer and more secure world by addressing challenges like nuclear proliferation, government secrecy, biosecurity threats, emerging technologies, and energy security.
• Goals: The primary goals are to inform policymakers, the media, and the public; foster dialogue on complex science and technology policy issues; advocate for policies that reduce global security risks; and promote transparency and accountability in government.

Core Functions and Content

FAS.org achieves its mission through several core functions:

1. Research and Analysis: The site hosts a wealth of in-depth reports, issue briefs, articles, and analyses produced by FAS experts on its key focus areas (Nuclear Weapons, Government Secrecy, Biosecurity, Technology & Innovation, Energy & Environment).
2. Data and Resources: It provides valuable data resources, including estimates of global nuclear forces (the "Nuclear Notebook") and tracking of government secrecy trends.
3. Expert Commentary: FAS experts frequently publish blog posts and commentary reacting to current events and policy developments related to science and security.
4. Policy Recommendations: The organization develops and promotes specific, actionable policy recommendations based on its research.
5. Information Hub: The website serves as a central repository for FAS publications, project information, expert biographies, and news updates.

Distinctive Features and Resources

While FAS covers several areas, some features stand out:

• Project on Government Secrecy: Directed by Steven Aftergood for many years (and continuing), this project is a leading voice and resource on U.S. government secrecy, classification policies, and freedom of information. It publishes the widely read "Secrecy News" newsletter.
• Nuclear Information Project: This project produces the authoritative "FAS Nuclear Notebook," published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which provides carefully researched estimates of the status and trends of world nuclear forces.
• Expert-Driven Projects: FAS often runs specific, timely projects focusing on emerging threats or policy opportunities, drawing on its network of scientific and policy experts.

Attracting Users: Strengths and Appeal

FAS.org attracts users primarily through:

• Credibility and Expertise: Its long history and foundation by concerned scientists lend it significant credibility. It relies on rigorous, evidence-based analysis from recognized experts in their fields.
• Non-Partisan Approach: FAS strives for objective analysis, making its research valuable across the political spectrum for those seeking factual grounding on complex issues.
• Unique Data and Focus Areas: Resources like the Nuclear Notebook and the work on government secrecy provide unique information not easily found elsewhere, drawing in researchers, journalists, policymakers, and concerned citizens.
• Relevance: The topics FAS covers—nuclear security, biothreats, technology policy, government transparency—are consistently relevant to major global challenges and public discourse.

Social Media Presence

FAS maintains an active presence on several social media platforms:

• Twitter: https://x.com/scientistsorg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/federationofamericanscientists
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/federation-of-american-scientists/

Conclusion

FAS.org is the online home of the Federation of American Scientists, an organization born from the dawn of the nuclear age with a mission to apply scientific analysis to pressing global security issues. Through its in-depth research, unique data resources like the Nuclear Notebook and Project on Government Secrecy, and expert commentary, the website serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking credible, non-partisan information and policy solutions related to nuclear weapons, government transparency, biosecurity, technology, and other critical science-policy intersections.