90.1 Scientific Contact with Countries Accused of Abrogating Human Rights

Archived Statement

APS members bear individual responsibility for any decision concerning visits or contacts with scientists in foreign countries. The Society hopes, however, that its members abide by the basic principles espoused in the "statement on the international nature of physics and International Physics Cooperation." [89.2]

APS members are reminded that there have been instances in the past where governments have used scientific visits for political rather than for legitimate scientific purposes.

APS members are encouraged to avail themselves of legal opportunities for establishing or extending contacts with scientists who are denied normal access to scientific communication or to the free exchange of ideas.

Archived on November 12, 2020 
Adopted by the Council on January 21, 1990
Category: Human Rights

APS Statements

APS Statements are public policy statements that undergo a meticulous process of draft and review, including receiving comments from APS members, before being voted on by APS Council at one of its semiannual meetings. The review process for APS statements may be started at anytime if deemed necessary by the Panel on Public Affairs, and at least once every 5 years.