NIS (Nuclear Information Service) is a not-for-profit, independent information service based in the UK, which works to promote public awareness and foster debate on nuclear disarmament and related safety and environmental issues. [1]
NIS collects and provides information on the public interest issues surrounding nuclear weapons in the form of reports, articles, press releases, legal action and consultation services to other organizations, parliament and government agencies.
NIS has a unique role in the UK nuclear disarmament field. Over the years they have focused in from general peace and disarmament work to concentrate on serving the disarmament community, media and decision-makers with up to the minute data on all aspects of the nuclear weapons production transport and new developments at the Atomic Weapons Establishments at Aldermaston and Burghfield. This is done by original research, circulating information and linking individuals working on similar issues.
The NIS archives go back to 1991 and are used quite often by researchers writing on current policy and technical issues.
NIS makes full use of the Freedom of Information Act in order to show the real risks and costs of the UK nuclear programme. They also have a significant Legal portfolio, with a judicial review on the Consultation and Replacement of Trident due to be heard in mid 2008 and another, led by Aldermaston Women’s Peace Camp and supported by NIS, on the Aldermaston Bylaws, to be heard on 1st Feb. 2008.
Established in 2000 as an incorporated company limited by guarantee, NIS is the successor of NIP (Network Information Project). It is funded by charitable foundations and public donations.