SCFS is about change.

 

The Southern California Federation of Scientists (SCFS) was created to meet the responsibility of scientists and engineers to support the progression of world peace and the welfare of humanity. The SCFS was composed of scientists, engineers, scholars, and citizens who aimed to provide scientific analysis on issues involving science, society, and public policy for the public.

MISSION STATEMENT

SCFS-LA is committed to examining matters of public policy to make available the facts necessary for policymakers to decide in the best interest of the public.

The Need We Address

Historically SCFS-LA has focused on issues related to nuclear power and weapons: safety, waste, contamination, and proliferation. Although the threat of nuclear war has receded in the public consciousness, the potential for harm is greater than ever. In addition, anthropogenic climate change presents an existential threat that cannot be ignored.

These and other problems confronting humanity involve complex aspects of science, mathematics, and technology, requiring the analytical skills of those versed in these disciplines. Without discourse from those in possession of such skills, policymakers and the public may lack the ability to understand the consequences of proposed solutions.

Today SCFS-LA is an interdisciplinary group of scientists, engineers, technicians, scholars, and concerned citizens dedicated to providing independent scientific-technical analyses on an array of issues affecting society and public policy.

Together we seek to Make America Smart Again.

History

The Southern California Federation of Scientists, SCFS, is an interdisciplinary organization of mathematicians, scientists, engineers, and scholars dedicated to providing independent analyses on issues of science affecting society and public policy. Founded shortly after the Second World War by former Manhattan Project scientists, the organization has applied science in the public interest to many issues, in particular to the reduction of risks associated with the production and use of nuclear power and nuclear weapons. For over three decades SCFS has provided comments and analysis regarding the cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) in Simi Valley, which suffered nuclear accidents at four of its ten operating nuclear reactors in the course of its history (including a partial meltdown), as well as toxic material associated with rocket engine production that took place at the facility. Given the impact on the surrounding population, the pressing need for cleanup is ongoing and hence our participation in cleanup lawsuit.