The Union of Concerned Scientists is a national organization putting science into action to build a healthier planet, a safer world, and a more equitable society. Our half-million members and supporters include everyday people as well as some of the nation’s top scientists, and our distinctive UCS Science Network draws upon nearly 23,000 scientists and technical experts across the country to assist our local, state, and national efforts. Working together, we advance science-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems, conducting rigorous technical analyses and mobilizing our supporters to build powerful coalitions, educate decisionmakers, and advocate for change. We speak out in the media and directly to government officials about our research and solutions. We mobilize our 500,000 supporters and 1,500 local partners to advocate for change at the state and federal levels.
UCS’s Global Security Program, where Scoville Fellows would work, seeks to transform our security framework into one that reduces the risk of nuclear war, repairs the injustice and harms done by nuclear weapons, and moves us toward a world free from nuclear weapons. UCS is working to ensure that nuclear weapons policy and decision-making reflects a more diverse/inclusive set of voices and perspectives. To accomplish these aims, UCS seeks policy changes like strengthening the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, canceling or retiring superfluous nuclear weapons programs, slowing down plans to produce 80 plutonium pits annually, preparing for what comes after New START expires in 2026, exploring changes to the President’s Sole Authority to launch nuclear weapons, increasing arms control expertise in China, and stopping or slowing down an emerging arms race with China.
We bring transparency to issues too often clouded by special interests. We produce independent scientific research and policy analysis to help illuminate the deeper costs of US nuclear weapons to include health, environmental, economic, and social costs, and we develop innovative policy solutions. We advocate with Members of Congress and the Administration for policy change, and we organize constituents and mobilize supporters around these policy solutions.
Scoville Fellows do not need a technical background to work at UCS. Of the fellowship’s participating organizations, UCS is one of the few that is active in every part of advocacy work. Fellows can get involved in all aspects, including research and analysis, writing, media work, work with Congress, organizing and outreach. Ample opportunities are provided for Scoville Fellows to attend educational seminars and briefings and otherwise benefit from their Washington experiences.