In 1955, Bertrand Russell, Albert Einstein, and several other eminent scientists wrote a manifesto urging scientists to think in a new way about the implications of their work. Russell wrote this manifesto in response to the threat of the newly developed hydrogen bomb which he feared would have catastrophic effects. Two years later, the first World Conference was held in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, where many concerned scientists and politicians could meet to discuss such critical issues. The Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995 for their profound impact on nuclear non-proliferation and their peaceful influence during the Cold War.

• "Pugwash Presents" weekly lectures series. Join us every week to hear a Purdue professor talk about new scientific research and the social implications.
• Small group discussions. Held once a month to discuss hot-topic issues in a more intimate setting than the lecture series.
• Midwest regional conferences. Our annual conference is held in the early spring. Previous topics include "Scientific Integrity in the 21st Century" and "Space and Society: Challenges and Opportunities"
• Special events. Usually we host one "special event" per academic year. In the past, this has included free showings of "Last Best Chance" and "An Inconvenient Truth" followed by a panel discussion of local experts.
• Socials. Open to members only. Socials are held 2-3 times per semester, and range from bowling, to cookouts, to dinner and a movie events.