Quantum Meta-Ethics (QM-E) is the latest initiative of Project Q, a six-year investigation by the Centre for International Security Studies (CISS) into the societal and geopolitical implications of quantum innovation. Now, with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA), and in partnership with the New Delhi Observer Research Foundation (ORF), QM-E seeks to put these findings into practice by developing ethical frameworks for emerging quantum technologies.

QM-E is A Project to Develop Normative Frameworks, Best Practices and Effective Accords for Emerging Quantum Technologies, led by CISS Director Professor James Der Derian, in partnership with Dr Rajeshwari Rajagopalan of the Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation (ORF), supported by Trisha Ray, Vikas Kathuria, and members of the CISS team Gabriella Skoff, Stuart Rollo and Jayson Waters. The team also features leading scholars from the Indo-Pacific region, including quantum physicist Shohini Ghose, global strategy advisor Parag Khanna, and political scientist Nisha Shah. The project unites academics, business, government, legal and policy experts, to develop world-first quantum accords to inform international governance of quantum technologies.

QM-E builds guiding principles on ethics, best practices and progressive applications of quantum technologies. Rather than proposing a formal set of universal rules, the project seeks consensus among key stakeholders on what constitutes ethical or unethical behaviour, good or bad practices, productive or destructive applications for emerging quantum technologies, and promotes Australia’s and India’s shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Groundbreaking research, regulatory frameworks and a transnational effort are needed to keep apace of accelerating quantum innovations. The CISS-ORF team is ready and now able – through the support of the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership – to take up the challenge.

To watch the QM-E Workshops and Q6 Ethics Sessions video highlights please click HERE