Scientists as Advocates, Activists, and News Media Briefers

Hans M. Kristensen Federation of American Scientists

hkristensen@fas.org 202-454-4695

Presentation to Virtual Intern and Fellows Program,

Scientists and Engineers for America October 13, 2009

Slide 2

Background

•  From Activist to “Expert” –  Greenpeace (1981-1995) –  Nautilus Institute (1996-2002) –  Natural Resources Defense Council (2003-2005)

•  Federation of American Scientists (2005-) –  Director, Nuclear Information Project: public

education project on status of nuclear forces and operations

–  Author: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, SIPRI Yearbook, reports, articles

–  Researcher: Freedom of Information Act

Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009

Slide 3

Background

•  Examples of Work: Expansion of US nuclear doctrine –  From “nuclear” to “WMD” (1995-2000) –  Doctrine for Joint Nuclear Operations (2001-2005) –  Regional strike plans (2006-2009)

Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009

Slide 4

Background

•  Examples of Work: Chinese nuclear forces –  Nuclear Notebook (2001-) –  FAS/NRDC report (2006) –  New submarine (2007) –  Submarine patrols

Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009

Slide 5

Advice For Scientists

…on working as advocates and activists:

Key functions: –  Add substance and authority to debate versus just opinions –  Verify/check/challenge validity of information used in debate

–  If you don’t believe in it, don’t do it –  Pursue your issue; find you niche –  Always challenge assumptions, most importantly your own –  Be passionate but don’t preach –  Don’t demonize; respect and learn from “the other side” –  Remember: Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence

Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009

Slide 6

Advice For Scientists

…on speaking efficiently to the press:

Scientists advising news media more important than ever –  Media pressure on journalists to produce more stories; fewer “deep”

journalists with institutional and factual knowledge –  Fast flux of Internet means less time on research and more time chasing

stories; unsubstantiated rumors and errors proliferate with light-speed

–  Simplify but don’t simplify –  Build up service-relationship with issue reporters; they’ll call back –  Don’t overload; make sure you’ve got the news –  Let the material speak for itself; don’t overdo/oversell –  Say “I don’t know” if you don’t know; honesty builds trust

Hans M. Kristensen, Federation of American Scientists, October 13, 2009