Academic Centers

• Center for Neurotechnology Studies
• International Center for Terrorism Studies
• National Security Health Policy Center
• National Center for Unconventional Thought

Risk Analysis Center (RAC)

The Institute recently formed a strategic alliance with the Institute for Regulatory Science (RSI), based in Maryland, to create the Risk Analysis Center (RAC).

RSI was formed in 1985 as a not-for-profit organization in response to the need of the scientific community to ensure that societal decisions are based on the best available scientific information. RSI conducts studies in the areas of engineering, health and physical, chemical, and biological sciences. While the Potomac Institute specializes in policy issues related to science and technology, the Institute for Regulatory Science ensures that scientific foundations of policy decisions are sound. The missions and work of our two organizations will coalesce into the Risk Analysis Center.

The arrangement effectively provides a unique scientific capability for Potomac, and in turn, it provides RSI with a policy analysis arm. The Risk Analysis Center promotes expertise on the many applications of risk science in policy, ranging from environmental to space to homeland security. The “Best Available Science” will be applied to risk assessment, risk management, risk communication, and other aspects of risk analysis.

The RAC will rely upon the notion that societal decisions, having a scientific component, must be based on best available science. Furthermore, RAC considers risk assessment an important component of the decision process. The RAC strongly regards decision analysis and risk management to be significant elements of a rational societal process. Consequently, RAC is dedicated to participation in activities that promote the application of best available science in the societal decision making process.

In addition to the Center, the two Institutes will collaborate on the journal Technology, which has a rich and venerable legacy—it was born at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Dr. Alan Mogissi of RSI and Potomac Institute President, Dr. Dennis McBride, will be the Co-Editors-in-Chief.

RAC Staff

• Dr. A. Alan Moghissi, Chair (Institute for Regulatory Science)
• Dr. Dennis McBride, Co-Chair
• Dr. Lawrence Barnthouse
• Ms. Betty Love
• Dr. Paolo Ricci
• Dr. Fritz Seiler
• Dr. Sorin Straja