# Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

> research center at Harvard University

**Wikidata**: [Q4882367](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4882367)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belfer_Center_for_Science_and_International_Affairs)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/belfer-center-for-science-and-international-affairs

## Summary
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is a research center at Harvard University focused on science and international affairs. Founded in 1973 by Paul M. Doty and named after Robert A. Belfer, it operates as a think tank, academic department, and research institute within the university's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1973 by Paul M. Doty
- Officially named "Robert and Renée Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs" since 1997
- Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Part of Harvard University and specifically the John F. Kennedy School of Government
- Current director is Ash Carter (since 2017)
- Previous director Graham T. Allison served from 1995 to 2017
- Website: belfercenter.org with English language content
- Maintains social media presence on Twitter (@belfercenter) and Instagram (@belfercenter)
- Publishes "Russia Matters" as a house publication

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs?
A: The Belfer Center is a research center at Harvard University that functions as both a think tank and academic department focused on science and international affairs. It operates within the John F. Kennedy School of Government and conducts research in these fields.

### Q: Who founded the Belfer Center and when was it established?
A: The center was founded in 1973 by Paul M. Doty, a prominent scientist and scholar. It was initially named after Robert A. Belfer and officially became the "Robert and Renée Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs" in 1997.

### Q: Who has led the Belfer Center throughout its history?
A: Graham T. Allison served as director from 1995 to 2017, and Ash Carter has been director since 2017. The center has been affiliated with notable researchers including Sophia Goodfriend, who serves as a research fellow.

## Why It Matters
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs plays a crucial role in addressing complex global challenges at the intersection of science and policy. As a leading research institution at Harvard, it produces scholarship and analysis that informs decision-making in government, industry, and civil society. The center's multidisciplinary approach bridges scientific research with international affairs, helping to shape policy on critical issues ranging from nuclear security to climate change. Through its publications, directorship by prominent figures, and research fellowships, the center maintains significant influence in academic and policy circles.

## Notable For
- Being a multidisciplinary center that uniquely combines scientific research with international policy analysis
- Leadership by distinguished directors including Graham T. Allison and Ash Carter
- The "Russia Matters" publication that provides analysis on Russian affairs
- Social media presence with over 36,000 Twitter followers as of February 2023
- Affiliation with notable researchers such as anthropologist Sophia Goodfriend in research fellow positions

## Body
### Basic Information
The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is officially named "Robert and Renée Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs" since 1997. It was established in 1973 by Paul M. Doty and is named after Robert A. Belfer. The center is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is part of Harvard University, specifically operating as a unit within the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

### Leadership Structure
The center has had prominent leadership throughout its history:
- Graham T. Allison served as director from June 1, 1995 to July 1, 2017
- Ash Carter has served as director since 2017
- The center maintains a research fellow position held by Sophia Goodfriend, who also works as a journalist

### Academic and Research Classification
The Belfer Center functions in multiple capacities:
- Research institute
- Think tank
- Academic department
- Organization focused on science and international affairs

### Digital Presence and Publications
- Website: belfercenter.org (English language content)
- Twitter handle: belfercenter (created November 25, 2009)
- Instagram handle: belfercenter
- Publishes "Russia Matters" as a house publication
- Maintained social media followers: 26,627 (April 2020), 29,519 (January 2021), 33,794 (February 2022), and 36,704 (February 2023)

### Identifiers and Classifications
- ISNI: 0000000404398757
- VIAF ID: 142073553
- Freebase ID: /m/03h557l
- Ringgold ID: 116722
- NL CR Aut ID: ko2010592008
- Littlesis organization ID: 33512
- Open Funder Registry funder ID: 100005473
- UIA Open Yearbook organization website ID: 1100035973
- Library of Congress authority ID: n98014851
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007258476805171
- Yale LUX ID: group/8eb9e08a-84af-4d37-a3be-356ce97b71b4
- Media Bias/Fact Check ID: the-belfer-center-for-science-and-international-affairs (assessed as a reliable source as of February 2024)

### Language Presence
The center has Wikipedia coverage in multiple languages:
- German (de)
- English (en)
- Persian (fa)

## References

1. Open Funder Registry
2. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. [Source](http://belfercenter.org)
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File