The Working Group on the Welfare of Scientists works to protect and defend the human rights of scientists under threat. In recognition of the scientific community’s strong support for the human rights of individual scientists, the Working Group works to expand participation and work in this area, and to improve its effectiveness. More specifically, the Working Group aims to help the scientific community to better respond to cases of alleged human rights violations by increasing the number of scientific associations involved and coordinating their efforts.
The Working Group’s primary activities include: the creation of a central repository of cases; drafting and circulating calls for action on behalf of scientists; identifying a set of best practices with input from member organizations; addressing problems related to scientists’ right to travel, free circulation and free inquiry. Above all, the Working Group seeks to increase awareness and appreciation within the scientific community of the importance of acting on behalf of colleagues both at home and abroad.
- Identifying the ways that scientists under threat come to the attention of scientific associations;
- Creating an inventory of current actions that scientific associations and professional societies undertake on behalf of scientists under threat.
Organizations that are currently involved in the defense of scientists.
For further information about the working group’s objectives and activities, please click here.
If you wish to find out more about this working group and how your association can participate, please contact the working group co-chairs, John Gillespie (American Physical Society), or Brad Miller (American Chemical Society).
(page updated
11/17/2009)
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