American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) is an independent policy research center that conducts multidisciplinary studies of complex and emerging problems. This award allows AAAS to develop an implementation plan for the interim multi-lateral fuel storage facility it conceptualized through the previous award. AAAS, through its Global Nuclear Future Initiative, develops a legal framework for the facility, and consults with policymakers in Asia, particularly South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, and the United States to encourage support for, and ultimate adoption of, the framework.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (the Academy) is an independent policy research center that conducts multidisciplinary studies of complex and emerging problems. This award supports a multidisciplinary study group on new ethical dilemmas arising from the intersection of contemporary political developments and changes in military technology, including the use of drones and autonomous weapons systems that operate independently of human control and make complex decisions about how to seek, identify, and attack targets. The project addresses the legal, moral and policy concerns that will help shape the debate about these weapons, which are likely to be in regular use within the next decade. The project’s widely disseminated analyses and recommendations inform policymakers, military planners, and human rights organizations, and contribute to advancing scholarship and training on both the changing nature of war and how technology can contribute to conflict prevention. If successful, the project will help to build a common understanding of autonomous weapons systems, and ensure that policy makers are well informed about the implications of these technologies. Award funds will be used primarily for staff costs, consultants, and meeting expenses.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is an independent policy research center that conducts multidisciplinary studies of complex and emerging problems. The Academy proposes a study to consider limitations in U.S. policy-making in science and technology. Currently, the process of policy development is dominated by short-term political and economic considerations. Furthermore, although many thoughtful and pragmatic recommendations are offered by leading policy research centers, all too often these ideas are not translated into action. The Academy will determine whether a mechanism is needed for advancing some of these recommendations over time and across administrations.

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is an independent, nonpartisan policy research center with fifty years’ experience in arms control and security. This grant supports Phase II of the Global Nuclear Future Initiative, which brings together key players from the global nuclear community - engineers, social scientists, industry leaders and nonproliferation experts to address security risks associated with the evolving nuclear landscape. It will develop strategies to promoting a new, regional approach to the problem of storing spent fuel in nuclear-aspirant nations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Funds will be used for conferences, meetings, publications, office expenses, travel and salaries.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is an independent policy research center that conducts multidisciplinary studies of complex and emerging problems. This project falls under the Academy’s Global Nuclear Future (GNF) Initiative, which brings together key players from the global nuclear community to address the security risks associated with the evolving civilian nuclear energy landscape. The grant supports work to address the susceptibility of nuclear facilities and industries to insider threats. The Academy will publish case studies on how diverse industries deal with insider threat problems, and engage policymakers worldwide to apply best practices to nuclear security facilities.