Physics societies of Japan and Germany have issued a joint declaration calling for the peaceful use of science and technology.
A signing ceremony was held on Friday at the city hall of the western German city of Munster. Among attendees were the President of the Physical Society of Japan, Miyashita Seiji, and the President of the German Physical Society, Klaus Richter.
Miyashita noted that physics has enriched people’s livelihoods while it has also led to the development of atomic bombs. He said that physicists cannot turn away from the reality that physics has made such a terror possible.
The joint declaration was then read out. It noted that, “Scientific achievements in physics have been misused for hostile purposes in the past.”
The document included a pledge by physicists to contribute to humanity’s survival and advancement by “advocating for the peaceful application of physics.”
It calls for the strengthening of current international commitments to abstain from participating in the development of weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons.
The declaration also calls on physical societies and academic organizations worldwide to join the Japanese and German bodies in this commitment.
Miyashita said the declaration is important for any country or region. He said he hopes it will provide an opportunity for younger generations to think about what the study of physics ought to be, and its responsibilities.
This year marks 100 years since a paper, which has become the basis for theoretical concepts of quantum mechanics, was published.
The United Nations has designated this year as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
