Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the Doomsday Clock
Founded in the immediate aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists serves as a critical bridge between the scientific community and global policy. What began as a newsletter by former Manhattan Project scientists has evolved into a prestigious bi-monthly academic journal and a non-profit organization dedicated to warning humanity about the dangers of accelerating technological advances.
The organization focuses on global security issues, emphasizing the negative consequences that unchecked scientific progress can have on human survival. By educating both the public and policymakers, the Bulletin seeks to mitigate the risks associated with nuclear weaponry and other existential threats.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1945 by Manhattan Project scientists.
- Primary Symbol: The Doomsday Clock, introduced in 1947.
- Current Clock Setting: 85 seconds to midnight (as of January 27, 2026).
- Scope: Nuclear weapons, climate change, and disruptive technologies.
- Academic Standing: 2023 impact factor of 1.9.
- Governance: Decisions on the Clock are made by the Science and Security Board.
The History and Evolution of the Bulletin
The Bulletin was established in late 1945 by scientists from the University of Chicago who had contributed to the Manhattan Project—the secret U.S. research program that developed the first atomic bomb. Originally titled the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists of Chicago, the name was shortened in 1946 to reflect a broader geographical range of contributors and a wider scope of content.
The first editor, biophysicist Eugene Rabinowitch, along with physicist Hyman Goldsmith, aimed to create an educational program. They believed it was urgent to inform the American public and fellow scientists about the intersection of science and international politics, specifically the looming dangers of a nuclear arms race.
Over the decades, the Bulletin's influence expanded. In the 1950s, it helped form the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, which brought together scientists to discuss nuclear proliferation and the role of science in society. The organization's prestige is further highlighted by its Board of Sponsors, which included 14 Nobel Laureates as of August 2018.
The Doomsday Clock: A Metaphor for Survival
To communicate the urgency of nuclear peril, the Bulletin introduced the Doomsday Clock in June 1947. Created by artist Martyl Langsdorf, the clock was designed to convey a sense of urgency more effectively than a chemical symbol for uranium could.
The Clock is a metaphor, not a literal prediction. The proximity of the minute hand to midnight represents how close humanity is to a global catastrophe. While it began at seven minutes to midnight, the hand has moved both forward and backward based on world events. For example, it moved closer in 1949 following the first Soviet nuclear test and retreated to 17 minutes to midnight in 1991 after U.S.-Soviet nuclear arms reduction agreements.
In recent years, the scope of the Clock has expanded beyond nuclear threats to include anthropogenic climate change (human-caused global warming) and disruptive technologies. In 2015, the Bulletin launched the Doomsday Dashboard, an interactive infographic providing the data used by the Science and Security Board to determine the Clock's time.
As of January 27, 2026, the Clock stands at 85 seconds to midnight. This is the closest the hand has ever been to midnight, surpassing previous critical points in 1953, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2025.
Publication and Academic Impact
The Bulletin operates as both a non-profit organization and a scholarly journal. While it transitioned to an all-digital format in 2009, it continues to publish a subscription magazine (currently via Taylor & Francis Online) and a free e-newsletter.
The journal is highly regarded in the fields of international relations and social issues. According to the 2023 Journal Citation Reports, it holds an impact factor of 1.9, ranking 44th out of 166 journals in International Relations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Bimonthly |
| Original Setting (1947) | 7 minutes to midnight |
| Current Setting (2026) | 85 seconds to midnight |
| Impact Factor (2023) | 1.9 |
| Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
| Indexing | Journal Citation Reports, CODEN, ISSN |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Doomsday Clock actually represent?
The Doomsday Clock is a metaphor used to warn the public about manmade threats to humanity. It represents the proximity of global catastrophe caused by nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction, climate change, and disruptive technologies.
Who decides when to move the Clock's hands?
The decision is made by the Bulletin's Science and Security Board. This board meets in person twice a year, supported by various subcommittees, to analyze global data and determine the Clock's setting, which is announced every January.
Who founded the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists?
The Bulletin was founded in 1945 by scientists from the University of Chicago who had been involved in the Manhattan Project. Key founders included biophysicist Eugene Rabinowitch and physicist Hyman Goldsmith.
Is the Doomsday Clock a prediction of the exact date of the end of the world?
No. The Bulletin explicitly states that the Clock is a metaphor and not a prediction. The time is not intended to be interpreted as an actual date or time of a future event, but rather as a measure of risk.
How has the focus of the Bulletin changed over time?
While it began with a primary focus on the dangers of atomic warfare and the nuclear arms race, the Bulletin has expanded its scope to include the necessity of disarmament and, since 2007, the threats posed by anthropogenic climate change.