In manifesto, scientists oppose ‘militarisation’ of quantum research

Scientists advocate against the militarization of quantum research, urging transparency and ethics in defense funding for academic projects.

A group of quantum researchers has issued a manifesto urging colleagues to resist what it calls the “militarisation” of quantum science. The authors, who describe themselves as “Quantum Scientists for Disarmament”, say they oppose military uses of quantum research, reject military funding for academic work, and want universities to disclose which quantum projects take defence money.

The manifesto, uploaded to the arXiv repository on the web on January 13, frames its call as a response to wider trends in rearmament and the spread of dual-use technologies, i.e. those that claim civilian value while also serving defence goals. The group proposes four immediate steps: to speak as a collective against military use, to force an ethics debate inside the field, to create a forum for concerned researchers, and to establish a public database listing defence-funded projects at public universities.

“We still believe that war must be utterly rejected as a means of settling international disputes, and that peace can only be guaranteed by diplomacy, international treaties, and cooperation, rather than by mutual assured destruction,” the manifesto says. “As scientists working in a non-neutral research field, we can raise our voices toward that aim.”

The researchers argue that quantum physics is no longer just basic science and that its military applications have become evident. These include quantum communications, space and drone sensing, high-precision timing for navigation, and surveillance.

The manifesto says that NATO, for example, has located its quantum physics work inside its broader “emerging and disruptive technologies” agenda and released a public quantum strategy summary in 2024 that described research in this field as an element of strategic competition. European institutions have also described quantum physics as relevant to defence projects, with the European Commission describing quantum sensors as offering performance improvements for military operations.

The manifesto also says India’s National Quantum Mission works in “strong collaboration” with the public and private defence sectors. Late last month, India’s Chief of Defence Staff released a ‘Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework’ to guide how the armed forces plan to integrate quantum technologies.