Its goal is to be involved internationally in all aspects of the role of science, the rights and duties of scientists and their social responsibility.

[3] The WFSW was founded at a conference in London held on 20–21 July 1946 at the initiative of the British Association of Scientific Workers.

The Federation protested against restrictions on the free exchange of scientific information or the movement of scientists by the withholding of visas or passports by Western countries, but never by Communist ones.

After a series of Soviet nuclear tests in the early 1960s, the president of the Federation wished to protest, and threatened to resign from the organisation, but was over-ruled.

[4] During the Vietnam War the Federation condemned American aggression and accused the US of breaking international agreements and using biological and chemical weapons.

In September 1966 the Executive Council at Varna established a rival committee for scientific organisations in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

[7] The Executive Council consisted of 27 members of whom 17 were elected on an individual basis at the general assembly, and ten by regional organisations.

[14] The WFSW also published an irregular Bulletin in English, French, German and Russian covering organizational news and was only available to members.