The Science Council of Japan has released an interim report about its panel's discussions on whether it should amend or abandon its vow that scientists in Japan will not take part in military-purpose research. The discussions were spurred by the spread of dual-use technologies that can be used for both military and civilian purposes, as well as the launch of a Defense Ministry program to provide research funds to institutions for the development of dual-use technologies. On the question of whether scientists should take part in research whose results may be used for military purposes, the report only says that each university should examine the purpose, method and application of the research from technical and ethical viewpoints. The council should not only maintain its long-standing vow but also seriously consider how to uphold the autonomy and transparency of scientific research, which could be thrown in doubt by taking part in defense-related research.

The SCJ was established in 1949 for the purpose of having the fruits of scientific research reflected in the nation's administration, industries and people's lives. Despite its position as a special organization under the Cabinet Office, it carries out its mission independently. Its 210 members represent some 840,000 researchers in such fields as natural science, engineering, social science and the humanities.

In 1950, it declared a "firm determination" that scientists in Japan will never engage in research projects designed to achieve military purposes, reflecting on Japanese scientists' past cooperation with the government's war efforts. In 1967, it renewed the resolve by issuing a new statement, following the revelation that the U.S. military had provided funds to the Physical Society of Japan to help it hold an international conference the previous year.