SIPRI researchers lead discussions on quantum technologies
On 20–21 November, SIPRI partnered with the United Nations International Computing Center and Quantum Delta NL to explore the peace and security implications of quantum technologies as part of an event in the Hague, ‘Quantum for Good: Setting the Stage for the International Year of Quantum.’ This international conference was organized with the aim of catalyzing global action on quantum technology and ensuring it is deployed in ways that directly contribute to the greater good.
The event featured high-level participants from a broad range of organizations including the UN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. SIPRI experts, Dr Sibylle Bauer and Dr Alexander Blanchard, co-chaired a session on peace, security and disarmament.
Back to back with the international conference, on 22 November SIPRI and Quantum Delta NL co-organized an expert workshop on the arms control implications of quantum technologies, hosted at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). Experts from SIPRI, Quantum Delta NL, as well as other research centres explored military applications of quantum technologies, the use of quantum sensing for arms control and verification, quantum technology supply chains, and responsible quantum research and innovation.
From SIPRI, Sibylle Bauer, Alexander Blanchard, Robert E. Kelley, Kolja Brockmann, Vitaly Fedchenko and Vivianne Manlai participated in the workshop. Dr Bauer and Dr Blanchard led discussions, along with Ulrich Mans, María Palacios Barea and Pieter Vermaas from Quantum Delta NL. During the workshop, participants also reflected on the insights of a Nature article co-authored by Dr Blanchard in October 2024, as well as his essay ‘Look Before We Leap: Peace, Security and the Second Quantum Revolution’.
A series of key recommendations for steps forward were made. These included promoting interdisciplinary approaches to quantum governance such as responsible research and innovation, increased awareness-raising efforts for policymakers, better alignment of regulatory frameworks and expanded stakeholder engagement; and exploring the application of quantum technologies for verification regarding nuclear and chemical weapons.
About SIPRI's work on emerging technologies
SIPRI’s research on emerging military and security technologies monitors key developments in science and technology. It explores how these developments could undermine or enhance peace and security, fuel and transform conflicts, and be dealt with through existing or new governance frameworks. The research aims to produce informative and evidence-based analysis and recommendations for policymakers and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues involving experts from governments, the private sector and experts from different regions and disciplines.
