Scientific Contact with Countries Accused of Abrogating Human Rights

(Adopted by Council on January 21, 1990)

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.