Organizations
Major Skeptic Organizations in the U.S.
- Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) formerly "Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal". The progenitor of organized skepticism in the U.S., CSICOP publishes a journal/magazine, Skepical Inquirer, conducts national and international conferences, and maintains a large web site. (See also Center for Inquiry)
- CSICOP Young Skeptics
- Center for Inquiry Transnational - CFI is a joint venture between CSICOP and the Council for Secular Humanism (CSH). CFI maintains a library at its headquarters in Amherst, NY. CFI works with CSICOP in publishing Skeptical Inquirer and with CSH in publishing Free Inquiry. The Center also publishes three academic journals, in the areas of alternative medicine, mental health, and philosophy, and a podcast called "Point of Inquiry".
- Center for Inquiry Office of Public Policy is the Washington, D.C. branch of the Center for Inquiry-Transnational. The particular focus of the Office of Public Policy is on defending the values of scientific naturalism and secular humanism in the context of U.S. law and public policy.
- James Randi Educational Foundation - JREF is headed by magician James Randi, who specializes in putting paranormal claims to the test. He has a million-dollar reward just waiting for the very first claimant to successfully demonstrate a paranormal claim (under scientifcally controlled conditions agreed to in advance both by JREF and the claimant).
- The Skeptics Society - Lead by Michael Shermer, PhD, the society operates a publishing business, conducts conferences and public lectures, and publishes SKEPTIC magazine. The Skeptics Society web site also offers an e-mail newsletter and a moderated discussion forum.
Skeptic Groups in the U.S.
- Montana Rationalists and Skeptics Network
- National Capital Area Skeptics
- New England Skeptical Society
- New York Area Skeptics
- North Texas Skeptics
- Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PHACT)
- Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land - Illinois skeptics
- Science and Reason in Hampton Roads, Virginia
- Tampa Bay Skeptics
- Other U.S. Groups in the International Network of Skeptical Organizations
Other Skeptic Groups Worldwide
- Annapolis Valley Skeptic
- Australian Skeptics, South branch
- Belgium Skeptics - SKEPP
- British Columbia Skeptics
- Ontario
Skeptics Society for Critical Inquiry (OSSCI)
- International Network of Skeptical Organizations
Other Organizations
- Alliance for Science - The mission of the Alliance for Science is to heighten public understanding and support for science and to preserve the distinctions between science and religion in the public sphere, centered in metro-D.C. area of northern Virginia.
- American Council on Science and Health - Founded in 1978 by scientists concerned that much public policy on health and the environment lacks a sound scientific basis, ACSH frequently takes issue with the positions of activist groups.
- Answers in Genesis - A major proponent of creationism
- Astronomical Society of the Pacific - Addresses topics on the fringes of astronomy including UFOs, "Face on Mars", ancient astronauts, disasters from planetary alignments, etc.
- Baltimore Science Fiction Society - Space, Science and Technology Education
- Café Scientifique - a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a
glass of wine, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science
and technology, meeting in cafes, bars, restaurants and even theatres, but always outside a traditional academic context. - Café Scientifique (Arlington & DC ) - Sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
- Center for Critical Thinking - Resources for educators
- National Academies Press - The National Academies Press (NAP) was created by the National Academies to publish reports issued by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council
- National Academies of Sciences - Brings together committees of experts in all areas of scientific and technological endeavor to address critical national issues and give advice to the federal government and the public.
- National Center for Science Education - Combatting creationism, intelligent design and other anti-science policies.
- National Institutes of Health - Office of Science Education
- Statistical Assessment Service - STATS is a highly-valued resource on the use and abuse of science and statistics in the media. STATS corrects scientific misinformation in the media and acts as a resource for journalists and policy makers on major scientific issues and controversies.