International Quantum Year 2025: Opportunities for Science Diplomacy
The growing global interest in quantum science and technology has recently culminated in the UN General Assembly designating 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). This marks an important step towards building public awareness on the risks and benefits of quantum tech. The IQY lays the groundwork for creating a discourse that
supports the responsible development and use of quantum applications, while ensuring that the governance mechanisms focus on equitable distribution of benefits. Anupama Vijayakumar writes
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service has reportedly ordered its employees to restrict contact with foreign nationals. The restrictions are expected to damp- en international cooperation on issues including tsunami tracking and interna- tional agreement on seafood catch limits.
The meetings held between Yoo Sang-im, South Korea’s Science and ICT Minister and EC representatives sought to expand the former’s engagement as associate member of the Horizon Europe and EU’s Basic Research Support Programme.
Speaking at the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, Lancashire PM Sir Keir Starmer revealed plans to deploy nu- clear power plants in England and Wales. He further noted that the planning rules would be revised to facilitate this.
The plan shall guide Vietnam’s efforts to deploy a nuclear power plant by the next decade. The Ninh Thuan I nuclear power plant with two reactors at 1,200 megawatts each is expected to be deployed between 2030 and 2035.
The facility is expected to “bolster ESA's mission to deliver precise satellite data over high latitudes”, with Finnish companies contributing cutting-edge technologies. The groundwork for the facility has begun at Sodankyla, Lap- land.
Google has reportedly revised the principles guiding its development of AI. The new principles put out by the company makes no reference to its previous position on not developing AI systems that hurt people or violate international norms.
The preliminary results and recommendations of the “UNESCO’s Ethics of AI Readiness Assessment in Cambodia” was discussed at a multistakeholder consulta- tion. The exercise is expected to help Cambodia adopt AI and boost its digital economy.
The report seeks to guide policymakers on various applications on geospatial tech for farming, forestry, land-use and climate change management. It recommends actions including improved international coordination for space missions focused on agriculture and the setting up of a centralized UN imagery procurement hub.
The adoption of the document concluded the AI Action Summit, a multistakeholder forum co-chaired by India and France in Paris during 10-11 February 2025. It outlines main priorities including sustainability, accessibility, safety and security.
The Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endan gered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora met Geneva, Switzerland during 3-8 February 2025. The meeting took stock of aspects including the reports of the Pants and Animals Committees July 2024 meetings, trade in medicinal and aro matic plants and the engagement of Indigenous peoples.
Established in 1865, the ITU has played a pivotal role in building governance mechanisms starting with telegraph, radio and television, satellites and internet, mobile and AI. The ITU plans on commemorating the occasion through various initiatives during 1 January 2025-31 December 2025.
The International Quantum Year was kicked off officially at an event held in UNESCO, Paris, during 4-5 February 2025. UNESCO and various partners including CERN plan on organising more than 100 events around the world to build awareness on the implications of quantum science and technology.
Held on the sidelines of the Paris AI summit, the roundtable brought together, industry leaders, policymakers and academics. Responsible AI development, data interoperability, and international collaboration were among the key issues which were discussed.
Celebrated annually on 2 February since 1971, the World Wetlands Day aims to raise awareness on the wetlands as critical ecosystems. The theme for 2025 is “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”.
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully conducted the ignition trial of the indigenous CE20 cryo- genic engine that will power the upper stage of its Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-III). The CE20 engine is a criti- cal component of future ISRO missions, including the human spaceflight programme. The test focused on evalu- ating the ignition process under vacuum conditions, ensuring operational reliability in space.
Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, have developed a novel high- entropy alloy (HEA) catalyst called PtPdCoNiMn (consisting of Platinum, Palladium, Cobalt, Nickel and Manga- nese). This advancement could pave the way for cleaner, more affordable hydrogen production, benefiting indus- tries and renewable energy technologies.
The ‘IRIS’ (Indigenous RISCV Controller for Space Applications) Chip was developed from the ‘SHAKTI’ proces- sor baseline. This development was part of the effort to indigenize semiconductors used by ISRO for its applica- tions, Command and Control Systems and other critical functions aligning with its march towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in Space Technologies.
India and France have agreed to jointly develop advanced modular reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) for civil use. The other two MoUs inked include renewal of an MoU between department of atomic energy (DAE), India, and CAE, France, concerning cooperation with the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP); and an agreement between DAE and CEA on cooperation between GCNEP, India, and the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology, France.
AISRF Round 16 funds up to AU$1 million per project, prioritizing quantum computing and communications among six focus areas to strengthen Australia-India research collaboration. The AU$4 million program supports joint research, personnel exchanges, and commercialization efforts, fostering innovation in quantum algorithms, error correction, and secure communication. Beyond funding, AISRF intends to support global recognition of Australian and Indian quantum research, strengthen industry ties, and increase women’s participation in STEM.
Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have made a significant advancement in understanding the transport properties of ultra-cold atoms within a quantum system. It could lead to the development of smart, high-conductivity materials and enhance the design of next-generation batteries.
The problem: Radiation shielding is vital for areas using ionizing radiation to diagnose illnesses, detect structural flaws, or sterilize food. Conventional protective materials like concrete and lead can be expensive, and their production may harm the environment
Taal Ash: In 2020, Taal Volcano erupted to release ash that blanketed parts of the country. Through comprehensive testing, researchers at Ateneo de Manila University and National University- Mall of Asia Cam pus revealed a unique application for the large volumes of Taal volcanic
ash (TVA) that blanketed parts of the Philippines. The TVA-based geopolymer mortar contains iron-rich minerals that help reduce radiation penetration. High-electron and denser material, such as TVA, has stronger efficiency in blocking hazardous X-rays and gamma rays
Future Prospects: TVA can act as a barrier against ionizing radiation, potentially providing more sustainable shielding in industries and medical facilities. Volcanic ash-based construction materials could offer a lightweight, eco-friendly alternative.
Quantum Centric Supercomputing: IBM defines quantum-centric su- percomputing as an approach that combines quantum computing with traditional high-performance computing to create a computing system that will be capable of solving highly complex real-world problems”. The hybrid combination has the potential to mitigate errors and control noise, a problem that otherwise affects quantum computers.
Reimei Quantum Supercomputer: Developed at the Riken Institute, Tokyo, the hybrid platform combines the Reimei, a 20-qubit quantum computer with Fugaku, which is the world’s sixth fastest supercomputer. Reimei uses “trapped-ion qubits”. The technique allows scientists to control the quantum state of ions in an electromagnetic field, which can act as qubits which store information
Future Prospects: The method employed in Reimei has significant applications for error and noise reduction in qubits. Similar hybrid platforms can effectively serve as “a stopgap until quantum computers grow large and reli- able enough”.
The recently published paper by researchers at the Harvard University focuses on current scientific under- standing of the regional and global impacts of Arctic climate change, highlighting that Arctic research address- es the needs of Arctic peoples and communities, and the importance of sustaining Arctic cooperation in chal- lenging geopolitical times.
The Arctic faces issues like coping with the growing and socioeconomically uneven impacts of climate change; finding an appropriate balance between economic development and conservation; and coordinat- ing governance across local, regional, and international boundaries.
Increasing populism and distrust of government, renewed great-power competition, rising geopolitical tensions, and fears about the stability of the rules-based international order. These issues are complex, in- terconnected, and compounding each other.
Arctic research cooperation has created a strong foundation for people-to-people relationships and mul- tilateral governance mechanisms that can still be leveraged. The research offers observations that can in- form how research cooperation advances in the Arctic and how the Arctic might be a model for other regions.
• Arctic can serve as a model for how to sustain research cooperation on issues of common concern dur- ing difficult and uncertain times, but success will require investments in the next generation of Arctic policy-makers and researchers and a commitment to the institutions that support Arctic research cooperation and diplomacy.
India’s Union Budget saw a focus on science, technology and innovation. Some key announcements included:
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) being the nodal ministry driving a 20000 cr fund for Research, Development and Innovation Scheme witnessed a sharp increase from Rs 8,029.01 crore to Rs 28,508.90 crore. DST’s 3 Central Sector Schemes combined into one Vigyan Dhara in August 2024 to en- hance fund utilisation and synchronisation.
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (2023) saw an allocation of 2000 cr which aims to seed, grow and promote R&D and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India.
Deep Tech Fund of Funds would be explored to catalyse the next generation start-ups as part of this initi- ative.
10,000 fellowships under the Prime Minister's Research Fellowship scheme, over the next five years were proposed.
The National Geospatial Mission was introduced with an outlay of Rs 100 crore for 2025-26 to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data.and will be funded under the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti, or the National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity. The initiative is expected to modernise land records, enhance urban planning and improve the design of infrastructure projects
The Department of Biotechnology has been allocated Rs 3,446.64 crore, a hike of Rs 986.51 crore over RE of Rs 2460.13 cr. DBT's New Unified scheme, which launched in September 2024 (combining previous 2 Central Sector Schemes on R&D and industrial and entrepreneurship development), named the Biotech- nology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development was allocated 2300 cr with new compo- nents on Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry.
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has received an allocation of Rs 6,657.78 crore against RE Rs 6,350.54 crore. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has been allocated Rs 6,600 crore for 2025-26.
Rs. 20,000 Cr allocation for the Department of Atomic Energy's Nuclear Energy Mission to support the deployment of 5 Small Modular Reactors (SMR) by 2033.
In addition to a 4.87 per cent increase to the total allocation to Department of Space, the customs duty for components used in manufacturing launch vehicles and related technologies has been brought to ze- ro.
• Rs. 500 Cr allocation to Ministry of Electronics and IT for establishing a Centre of Excellence in AI for Ed- ucation in addition to a Rs. 2000 Cr. Allocation made to the India AI mission.
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