This section presents a sequence of papers documenting Rotblat’s involvement with a large number of societies and organisations, ranging over the diverse activities and interests that made up his life’s work. Although there is naturally some overlap, these can be placed in the following broad subject areas: professional, scientific and medical; peace, anti-nuclear and humanitarian; scientific responsibility; education; and the environment. There is a strong international focus to the material which reflects his standing both as a scientist of distinction (in two branches of physics) and as a proponent of world peace and ethical uses of science. While there are over 100 bodies in total listed below, the documentation for a fair proportion of these is not extensive.

The outstanding group of papers covers the 13-year existence of the Atomic Scientists’ Association of which Rotblat was the principal founder in 1946. There is a comprehensive record of the beginnings of the ASA and its various subsequent activities and business which encompassed lectures, publicity, publications, policy-making and administration. The correspondents include such prominent scientists as R.E. Peierls, N. Kurti, F.E. Simon, K. Lonsdale, O.R. Frisch and P.B. Moon. Many other organisations concerned with peace and anti-nuclear issues are represented; among them are the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, National Peace Council, Japan Council Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs, Campaign to Free Vanunu and Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation. The presence of organisations such as Union of Concerned Scientists and Society for Social Responsibility in Science reflects his particular concern with moral issues in science.

Rotblat’s scientific career (chiefly medical physics) is covered by a number of organisations including Institute of Physics, Medical Research Council, British Institute of Radiology and Hospital Physicists Association. Radiation research and biophysics were the areas in which most of his commitments lay, and he was able to contribute his expertise in the effects of radiation to relevant committees and investigations, such as Greater London Area War Risk Study (GLAWARS) and the Windscale Public Enquiry (see Town and Country Planning Association). Relating specifically to his national role in nuclear physics research is an important group of papers documenting his participation in the Cabinet Advisory Committee on Atomic Energy (1944-1951). Polish scientific bodies include The Polish Academy of Sciences and Polish Society of Physicists Abroad.

Rotblat’s interests in higher education are chiefly represented by the University of Bradford, where he helped to establish a Chair of Peace Studies, and the Polytechnic of the South Bank.