SRSE is the Purdue chapter of Student Pugwash USA (SPUSA) and was formerly named Purdue Student Pugwash.

In 1955, Bertrand Russell, Albert Einstein, and several other eminent scientists wrote a manifesto urging scientists to think in a new way about the implications of their work. Russell wrote this manifesto in response to the threat of the newly developed hydrogen bomb which he feared would have catastrophic effects. Two years later, the first World Conference was held in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, where many concerned scientists and politicians could meet to discuss such critical issues. The Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995 for their profound impact on nuclear non-proliferation and their peaceful influence during the Cold War. The conference's message of looking at the intersections of science and societal factors, such as ethics and policy, inspired the formation of the national organization Student Pugwash USA.

SRSE seeks to fulfill the Student Pugwash USA mission statement by empowering and equipping residents of Purdue University and the surrounding community to identify, critically analyze, and shape the societal dimensions surrounding STEM topics in their daily life. SRSE seeks to provide a forum for the open exchange of information, ideas, and opinions about the role of science, technology, engineering, education, and sound ethical practices in society. It also seeks to extend this exchange of information beyond the realm of scientists, engineers, and social scientists to include professions and students from all fields as well as the public. To do this, we hold many events throughout the school year, many of which are free and open to the public:

"Pugwash Presents" lectures: Join us to hear a Purdue professor talk about new scientific research and the social implications.
Small group discussions: Discuss hot-topic issues in a more intimate setting than the lecture series.
Annual conference: Our annual conference is held in the early spring. Previous topics include scientific integrity, the challenges and opportunities of space exploration, energy and the environment, and the health care system.
Movie events: In the past, this has included free showings of controversial films such as: "Last Best Chance", "An Inconvenient Truth", "Sicko", and "The Future of Food". Each film is followed by a panel discussion with local experts who will address any biases in the film and answer questions.
Socials: Open to members only, socials range from bowling, to cookouts, to dinner and a movie events.