UChicago Trivia: What organization aimed to clarify the responsibilities of scientists in the wake of nuclear energy release?

Answer:

b) Atomic Scientists of Chicago

For reasons of security, the University of Chicago’s role in the Manhattan Project during World War II necessarily required a high level of secrecy and control of information. Following the war, atomic scientists at the Metallurgical Laboratory (and later Argonne National Laboratory), who were concerned about the secrets of atomic energy being solely in the hands of the military, began to object to the level of government restriction on their research. These scientists were of the view that sharing their research would reduce the possibility of hostilities with the Soviet Union and advance the benefits of atomic research for all humanity.

The organization known as the Atomic Scientists of Chicago was founded on September 26, 1945, and defined its aims as:

• To explore, clarify, and formulate the opinions and responsibilities of scientists in regard to the problems brought about by the release of nuclear energy

• To educate the public to a full understanding of the scientific, technological, and social problems arising from the release of nuclear energy

Today, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists continues to act as a bridge between science and public policy, promoting public awareness and providing fact-based assessments on scientific advancements that are of benefit and risk to humanity.