About

About

The International Union of Scientists (IUS), Scientists Against Militarism and the Destructive Use of Science and Technology.

IUS brings together scientists from around the world who refuse to stay silent in the face of atrocities like the genocide in Palestine. We stand united against the weaponization of science and technology for war, authoritarianism, and the dehumanization of life. As scientists, we recognize that our scientific and technological research holds power and influence. We believe science is not morally neutral. It is inseparable from the social and political contexts in which it operates. Our work can either serve humanity or contribute to its downfall—and we choose to stand for humanity.

"To oppose militarism in all its manifestations will hopefully become a dominant preoccupation of scientists and others, indeed for everyone with a global conscience, to motivate them to feel that they must act responsibly in light of such developments that cloud the present and pose dire threats for the future."
Richard A Falk

Objectives

In an era where scientific advancements, funded by ever-expanding military budgets, are increasingly used for militaristic ends by industrial-military complexes and imperialist powers—creating lethal technologies, waging wars, expanding surveillance, violating basic human rights, and contributing to climate change and environmental destruction—we must take a stand. We reject the misuse of our research for destructive purposes and commit to creating a world that values life, mutual respect, and the stewardship of our planet and humanity.

IUS regularly organizes awareness campaigns and helps develop movements to:

  • Oppose the militarization of science---stand against the use of research to create weapons, surveillance tools, and technologies that oppress and kill.
  • Promote the solidarity of scientists with those in conflict zones and under authoritarian regimes, ensuring that science uplifts and protects people, rather than dehumanizing them.
  • Advocate for equitable access to scientific knowledge, ensuring that scientific and technological advancements benefit all of humanity, rather than a select few.
  • Combat all forms of discrimination---whether based on race, gender, religion, caste, or nationality---and stand united against fascism and authoritarianism in any form.
  • Take action to prevent climate change and environmental degradation—commit to using science and technology to avert the climate crisis and ecological disaster and work toward sustainable, life-affirming solutions.

The destructive use of science fuels conflict, empowers oppressive regimes, and devastates our planet. As scientists, we have the power to change this. By standing together in IUS, we can ensure that our knowledge and innovation serve the greater good and help build a world where life, equality, and justice are prioritized. Together, let’s reclaim science for peace, justice, and the preservation of life.

Scientists of the World, Unite!

Activities

IUS regularly publishes articles, organizes international webinars, and produces interviews and podcasts aligned with its objectives.

Subscribe to IUS newsletter

IUS invites scientists to subscribe to our newsletter: subscribers will receive regular email updates on the latest events, articles, and initiatives organized by IUS, delivered directly to their inboxes. 

Stay up to date with important news and opportunities to actively engage in efforts to combat militarism, climate breakdown, and other pressing global crises. Be part of a growing community of scientists united in the mission for a more just and sustainable world.

Contact us

Contact the IUS committee at info [at] iuscientists [dot] org
Our Twitter/X account is @iuscientist
Our Bluesky account is @iuscientist.bsky.social
Our Youtube channel is https://youtube.com/@iuscientists

The organizing committee

The following scientists serve on the International Union of Scientists' Organizing Committee.

Adam Claridge-Chang, Singapore
Ahmed C. Bawa, South Africa
Assaf Kfoury, USA
Biplab Chandra, India
Carlo Rovelli, France
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, USA
Cyril Closset, UK
Dhrubajyoti Mukhopadhyay, India
Flavio Del Santo, Switzerland
Francesca Vidotto, Canada
Jason E. Ybarra, USA
Josh Dubnau, USA
Joydip Bhattacharya, Bangladesh
Manabendra Nath Bera, India
Marco Baity Jesi, Switzerland
Michael Gasser, USA
Mukesh K. Chalise, Nepal
Natalya Dinat, South Africa
Sharad Onta, Nepal
Soumitro Banerjee, India
Subramani Mani, USA
Suchitra Sebastian, UK
Vincenzo Riso, Portugal

Origin

The group of scientists coordinating IUS activities coalesced in late 2023 when Breakthrough Science Society (a peoples' science organization in India) initiated a convention entitled Scientists Against Israeli Apartheid, Occupation and Genocide in Gaza. To organize the convention, an international committee was formed. After the convention, the committee resolved to continue their work to organize an international group of scientists concerned about the science-related crises facing our world, with a specific focus on combating science's destructive applications.