Think tank · Policy · Suite, Washington · Est. 1945
Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is an independent, nonpartisan science and technology policy organization founded in November 1945 by scientists and engineers emerging from Manhattan Project work. Across its history, FAS has focused on applying technical expertise to public decision-making—initially centered on atomic energy governance and the risks of nuclear weapons—and later broadened to address a wider set of “global risk” challenges and science-and-innovation policy problems.
Today, FAS frames its mission around minimizing risks from nuclear weapons, biological and chemical threats, climate change, and other global catastrophes, while also working to ensure scientific and technical expertise has a seat at the policymaking table. FAS’s current operating model emphasizes policy entrepreneurship and practical “implementation” pathways, combining analysis, convenings, and policy products with programs designed to connect scientific talent to government decision-making (including fellowships and a talent-placement model). In 2025, FAS also highlighted an expansion intended to better serve state and local governments via partnerships with cities, universities, and communities. Operationally, FAS runs named initiatives that map to distinct parts of the science-policy pipeline. Examples include the Nuclear Information Project (linked to nuclear information and related public resources), the Center for Regulatory Ingenuity (a governance/implementation-oriented hub), and the Data Policy Institute (focused on federal data access and dataset change monitoring). On the talent side, programs such as the Day One Project and Talent Hub are positioned to translate policy ideas and emerging technical expertise into real-world government action. FAS’s recent strategic posture also shows emphasis on labor/organizational capacity and institutional change (including the announcement of its first collective bargaining agreement), alongside expansion of new policy domains (such as data policy) and institution-building through partnerships with organizations like Future of Life Institute and ICLEI USA.
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FAS announced the launch of the CRI Local Advisory Council with ICLEI USA to strengthen federal-local connectivity on energy, housing, and transportation policy implementation.
Federation of American Scientists, Collaborators Debut ‘Future Systems’ Policy Proposals to Build Upon Colorado’s SuccessFAS announced policy proposals produced through the Colorado Future Systems Policy Sprint in partnership with ASTC and the Institute for Science & Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Federation of American Scientists Ratifies First Collective Bargaining Agreement with International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers UnionFAS announced ratification of its first collective bargaining agreement with IAM District 4 and described it as a step toward workplace transparency and an expanded employee voice.
Endorsement of the National Coordination on Adaptation and Resilience for Security (NCARS) Act of 2026FAS endorsed the NCARS Act of 2026, describing it as a science-grounded approach to resilience planning and coordination by amending the National Security Act of 1947.
Amid Sweltering Weather, FAS Releases Expert-Sourced “State and Local Heat Policy Agenda”FAS released the State and Local Heat Policy Agenda (HeatAgenda.US) and reported endorsement from nearly 150 organizations and government officials across more than 40 states.
Dr. Jedidah Isler, Chief Science Officer of FAS, Testifying on “American Global Competitiveness” in Congressional CommitteeFAS announced that Dr. Jedidah Isler would provide nonpartisan feedback in the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on American global competitiveness, including recommendations related to upstream research and the STEM talent pipeline.