The Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction

The purpose of this note is to introduce a new organization that would be of interest to astronomers concerned about the danger of nuclear weapons. It is also to offer a colloquium for your department on issues relating to nuclear weapons.

The Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction was launched by the American Physical Society; we are now partnered with the Arms Control Association and the Princeton University Program on Science and Global Security. The Coalition provides opportunities to, and welcomes, all physical scientists, including astronomers.

We aim to inform and engage the physical science community on the rising danger of nuclear weapons. Beginning with Neils Bohr, Albert Einstein, Hans Bethe, and others, scientists have long spoken out on this issue. However, engagement has waned since the end of the Cold War. To change this, the Coalition offers scientists opportunities for informed advocacy to reduce the nuclear threat.

In just two years, this coalition has grown to over 1,000 volunteer members. This was done mainly through visits to nearly 140 physics and engineering departments and laboratories around the country. We are now extending our invitations to astronomy departments as well.

This fall or next spring, we invite your department to host one of these visits, either in person or virtual. Each visit includes a colloquium on the modern nuclear threat and a discussion of opportunities to get involved in nuclear weapons education or advocacy.

We have found that these colloquia are of compelling interest to any physical science audience, including undergraduates. We have a team of experts available for colloquia.

You can join the Coalition here. To arrange a colloquium, or for more information please contact:

Chris Rostampour
Policy and Communications Coordinator
Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction
[email protected]