A collective of quantum researchers has launched a formal protest against the growing role of the military in their field. The group, known as Quantum Scientists for Disarmament, warns that the transition of quantum physics from a basic science to a tool for warfare creates ethical risks for researchers. This movement centers on a "Quantum Manifesto" that asks scientists to stop working on projects meant for war, surveillance, or population control. As major world powers increase spending on quantum technology for defense, these researchers claim the independence of science is at risk.
The Shift from Lab to Battlefield
The movement began during a physics workshop held in Benasque, Spain, between June and July 2025. Following these discussions, the group published a manifesto to address what they call the "militarization" of quantum research.
"We are a group of quantum scientists who oppose the ongoing militarization of our societies and the use of quantum research for military purposes." — Quantum Manifesto
January 13, 2026: The International Peace Bureau (IPB) published the manifesto’s goals.
January 2026: The Chief of Defence Staff in India released the "Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework" to integrate these tools into the armed forces.
February 3, 2026: Formal calls for signatures were sent to the broader physics community.
The core issue is a shift in funding: as government defense budgets for quantum tech grow, scientists find it harder to get money for purely civilian or peaceful research.
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Technical Applications and Funding Sources
The manifesto lists specific technologies that were once purely academic but are now being adapted for combat and surveillance. The table below shows the dual nature of these tools.
| Technology | Civilian Use | Potential Military Use |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum Sensors | Medical imaging, mineral discovery | Detecting drones and hidden submarines |
| Quantum Cryptography | Secure banking and privacy | Secret military communications |
| Quantum Clocks | Scientific synchronization | Navigation and positioning without GPS |
| Quantum Radar | Weather monitoring | Satellite and stealth aircraft surveillance |
Research indicates that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the United States has funded quantum science for many years. Similarly, the European Commission has labeled quantum sensors as a way to improve the performance of military operations.
The Objectives of the Movement
The manifesto outlines four primary goals for the scientific community:
Public Rejection: Signatories publicly state they will not use their research for military ends.
Ethical Debate: The group wants to force a discussion about the ethics of military-funded research, which they believe is long overdue.
Network Building: They are creating a space for researchers to work together on "demilitarized" science.
Collective Action: Encouraging scientists to refuse military money as a group rather than as individuals.
The manifesto also allows for anonymous signatures. This suggests that some researchers may fear that speaking out could result in a loss of funding or damage to their professional careers.
The Funding Trap
A major point of tension is the structure of modern research grants. Evidence shows that public funding is increasingly tied to "dual-use" projects. These are projects that have both a civilian and a military application.
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Dependency: Scientists note that as public research relies more on military budgets, the goals of the research change.
Service vs. Inquiry: Documentation suggests that when the military pays for science, the research becomes a "service" to the state rather than a search for basic knowledge.
Institutional Pressure: Without new ways to fund science, researchers find it difficult to maintain their independence.
"Funding structures shape not only what research is possible but what research becomes imaginable." — Quantum Formalism Analysis
Expert Perspective on Scientific Sovereignty
Experts in science policy suggest that the manifesto highlights a "modern scientist’s dilemma." On one side, the military provides the large-scale funding needed for complex quantum experiments. On the other side, this funding often comes with strings attached, such as secrecy or specific goals that may not benefit the public.
Does the current funding model allow a scientist to truly choose a peaceful path? If the majority of available money for high-level physics comes from defense agencies, a refusal to participate might end a researcher's ability to work. The manifesto argues that this is not just a personal choice but a structural problem that needs a collective solution.
Conclusion
The publication of the Quantum Manifesto marks a formal divide within the physics community. The investigators find that:
Military integration is active: Countries like India and the US, as well as the EU, have clear policies to use quantum tech for defense.
Funding is the main lever: The researchers' primary concern is not just the weapons themselves, but how military money changes what scientists study.
The movement is growing: By providing a platform for both public and anonymous signatures, the group is attempting to build a global network.
The next steps for this movement involve seeing if university departments will adopt these "civilian-only" rules and if governments will provide alternative funding that does not require military applications.
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Primary Sources
Quantum Scientists for Disarmament (Official Site): https://disarmquantum.com/
International Peace Bureau (IPB) Report: https://ipb.org/quantum-scientists-publish-manifesto-against-the-militarization-of-research/
The Hindu (Science/Tech Report): https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/in-manifesto-scientists-oppose-militarisation-of-quantum-research/article70662991.ece
Quantum Formalism (Ethical Analysis): https://quantumformalism.substack.com/p/the-modern-scientists-dilemma-ethics
IU Scientists (Sector Report): https://www.iuscientists.org/quantum-scientists-publish-a-manifesto-against-the-militarization-of-research/
