The correlation between science and peace has often been observed as inversely proportional, particularly in the context of technological advancements that have been repurposed for destructive purposes. Since the United Nations declared November 9–15 as the International Week of Science and Peace (S&P) in 1986, scientists, researchers, and policymakers have largely failed to collaborate effectively in harnessing science as a tool for promoting peace and advancing human well-being.

Historically, scientific progress has frequently fuelled conflict rather than fostering harmony. For instance, the development of nuclear weapons, chemical warfare, and other military technologies has significantly increased the capacity for violence and global instability, overshadowing the potential for peaceful applications of science. While scientific discoveries have undeniably contributed to global well-being, through advancements in medicine, communication, and environmental management, their dual-use nature has also led to their exploitation in warfare. The paradox lies in the fact that innovations intended to improve human life have often been repurposed for aggression, revealing a complex and troubling, disharmonious and de-synchronized relationship between science and peace, where technological advancement does not necessarily equate to societal tranquillity.

In light of this stark reality, the Asia & Oceania Post-Doctoral Academia (AOPDA) presented the first-ever manifesto for Science and Peace Week during last month’s observance. This initiative, part of the collaborative postdoctoral appreciation efforts of the National Postdoctoral Academia (NPA) and AOPDA, marks a significant step forward in addressing the inverse correlation between science and peace. A release issued by the body stated that the manifesto is the first of its kind in the four-decade history of the S&P observance, clearly outlining the factors, co-factors, actors, and co-actors involved in the progressive dehumanisation of society.

Led by Pakistani researcher and principal investigator at the AOPDA, Prof. Dr. Aurangzeb Hafi, the manifesto integrates all three realms and epistemic frames of ‘humanised science’. The week was marked by the documentation and global presentation of the manifesto to the scientific and socio-cultural communities for further deliberation.

In his address, Prof. Hafi introduced the term “Progressive Linear Decline” (PLD) for the first time, urging scientists and peace advocates worldwide to address the widening gap between scientific advancement and peace. He emphasised the need for actionable measures to make the observance of this week truly meaningful, noting that while science continues to advance unilaterally and blindly, the pursuit of peace has been left in a state of neglect.

The release further pointed out that when the UN established the International Week of Science and Peace in 1986, it was seen as a promising initiative. The week was intended to highlight the critical role of scientific research and international collaboration in addressing global challenges, including conflict resolution, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. However, it is deeply concerning that, over the decades, this initiative has failed to evolve into a practical, impactful reality. Prof. Hafi attributes this failure to the lack of a clear propositional framework, a guiding manifesto, and a concrete roadmap to achieve its goals—something as fundamental as a definitional framework for the initiative was never developed, he laments.

Over the past 40 years, the gap between the concepts of ‘science’ and ‘peace’ has only widened, with no meaningful intersection developed between the two. Prof. Hafi explains that while science is an integrated process within the world of knowledge, the individuals involved in scientific inquiry and its dissemination have become increasingly disconnected from one another. This fragmentation has resulted in ‘compartmentalization’ of various scientific disciplines. According to Prof. Hafi, what is often referred to as ‘specialisation’ is, in reality, ‘compartmentalization’ — a path toward further division and ‘perpetual disintegration’.

In the hardcore contrast realm, peace cannot be compartmentalised. Prof. Hafi argues that peace is a holistic, composite phenomenon. “In the human body,” he explains, “how can one part be in pain while another is at peace?” This analogy highlights the interconnectedness of peace in society: it cannot be fragmented or isolated.

Prof. Hafi expresses regret that many scientists, including physicists and chemists, have failed to recognise themselves as stakeholders in broader societal issues such as peace in letter and spirit. Even at prestigious academic institutions like Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard, there is a glaring lack of integration between science and peace. Scientific communities, he argues, have rarely reflected on the potential consequences of their discoveries for global peace. Often, scientists do not consider whether their innovations might contribute to destruction and conflict or undermine societal stability.

For example, the ongoing depletion of the ozone layer remains a global concern, yet chemical manufacturing industries continue their operations with little regard for the environmental damage they cause. Similarly, Prof. Hafi points to the issue of teratogens—substances that cause birth defects. Despite growing awareness of their harmful effects, concrete actions remain scarce. On Prof. Hafi’s initiative, in December 2022, ceremonies were held in the US, UK, and Pakistan to declare a ‘war on teratogens’, including an event organised at Punjab University by the AOPDA, NPA, UN-KAKHTAH, and the country’s postdoctoral community. A study presented by Prof. Hafi during the ceremony revealed that hydro-toxicity—the gradual toxification and poisoning of underground water reservoirs—is contributing to widespread outbreaks of diarrhoea, cholera, and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) in urban centres across Pakistan.

Despite these urgent issues, science has largely failed to promote peace or resolve such challenges. When scientific minds have focused on peace, they have often invented weapons of destruction—dynamite, bombs, and other lethal technologies. Prof. Hafi expresses concern that this moral decline has even led to the creation of toy bombs designed specifically for children.

The presenter of the Science & Peace Manifesto argues that the initiative will never achieve its desired outcomes unless all stakeholders adopt a comprehensive approach. This approach must include a real-time manifesto, a well-thought-out roadmap, a thoroughly synthesized framework and a clearly defined policy for meaningfully integrating science and peace in practical, impactful and well-synchronized ways.