Table of Contents
We’ve spent fifty proud years tackling the world’s most pressing issues.
The Union of Concerned Scientists was founded in 1969 by scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. That year, the Vietnam War was at its height and Cleveland’s heavily polluted Cuyahoga River had caught fire. Appalled at how the United States government was misusing science, the UCS founders, including Henry Kendall and Kurt Gottfried, drafted a statement calling for scientific research to be directed away from military technologies and toward solving pressing environmental and social problems.
We remain true to that founding vision. Throughout our history, UCS has followed the example set by the scientific community: we share information, seek the truth, and let our findings guide our conclusions.
It’s a powerful formula.
By mobilizing scientists and combining their voices with those of advocates, educators, business people, and other concerned citizens, UCS has built a reputation for fairness and accuracy and amassed an impressive history of accomplishments.
Major accomplishments
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/csd-attacks-capitol-dusk.jpg?itok=-OaqneQm)
UCS creates a dedicated team to work on scientific integrity in government, now called the Center For Science And Democracy.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/1200-sciencenotsilence.jpg?itok=1bJRrBwg)
Organized 17,000 Scientists to Oppose Bush Administration's Abuse of Science
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/attach/Timeline/Martin-Abbeglen-flickr.jpg?itok=nlVQ45KD)
Sounded an Alarm on the Reckless Overuse of Antibiotics on Farms
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2018/09/social-teaser-still.jpg?itok=GlwLIOwJ)
Demonstrated the Vulnerability of US Missile Defense Plans
![COP 3 members seated at table in Kyoto](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-03/COP-3-in-Kyoto-2-1500x900.jpg?itok=FZKLJXPk)
Led the Way on International Climate Agreements
![Person typing on laptop with microscope in background](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2019-08/csd-si-scientist-typing-on-laptop.jpg?itok=FcoIdyez)
Leveraging “new” email technology, UCS launches the UCS Science Network, a group of engaged scientists now 25,000 strong.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/food-industrial-corn-monoculture.jpg?itok=4UYEK6V5)
UCS begins work on food and agriculture issues.
![Wind turbine blades installed by a crane](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-03/energy-renewable-wind-turbine-blades-being-installed-by-crane-1500x900.jpg?itok=R4IkCsuN)
Pioneered Breakthrough Approach to Renewable Energy
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/attach/Timeline/ucsusa_58791362_Large.jpg?itok=waJt5Zar)
Issued “World Scientists' Warning To Humanity”
![](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/promos/2014/06/green-offices-placeholder.jpg?itok=YYinaDUK)