Student Pugwash USA is an organization that is devoted to increasing awareness among graduate and undergraduate students on ethical issues posed by science and advancing technology. Programs are international, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary, and include the organization of biennial conferences and the development and integration of a campus-based chapter network, to build a growing community of individuals who bring to their work a lasting commitment to responsible decision making. This award will provide support for student participants to attend the Seventh Biennial Conference and for chapter and regional development activities. The conference allows approximately 90 U.S. and foreign students to spend a week with about 40 experts and leaders in science, government, academia and business in small group and plenary sessions exploring the social and ethical implications of environmental, scientific and technological change. Conference research papers and plenary speeches are often published in professional journals. This year's conference theme is "New Ways of Thinking: Ethical Issues in Science and World Affairs." Chapter development activities include local and regional conferences, a national Chapter Organizing Workshop and Chapter Meeting and Conference, the revision of chapter relevant publications, and the development of an electronic campus-based student network. NSF support provides approximately 15% of the costs of these activities. This support assists Student Pugwash USA to raise additional funds from private sector donors. This proposal comes from an organization with a track record of successful and innovative activities to increase students' awareness of the links between science, technology and society. The project director is very competent; the project plan, appropriate. NSF support will allow the conference and chapter programs to continue as the organization develops its plans for long term financial stability. An award is highly recommended.
