Engaged Science

When a group of students and scientists gathered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on March 4, 1969, they met to discuss the abuses of science by the government in the development of weapons programs and to promote a civic interest in science. This teach-in launched the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), an organization now celebrating 40 years of engaged science research and outreach.

UCS has since added climate change, energy, transportation, agriculture and the cultivation of scientific integrity to its agenda. “Our calling card has always been rigorous independent analysis,” says UCS Media Director Elliott Negin. “By mobilizing scientists and combining their voices with those of advocates, educators, business people and other committed citizens, UCS has been able to achieve more victories than public interest groups twice its size.”

Victories include UCS’s involvement in climate change research and mitigation efforts. During the 1990s, it led a group of nonprofit organizations in climate negotiations. UCS is also a leader in vehicle technology research on tailpipe emissions.

CONTACT: Union of Concerned Scientists.