I’m always struck by how graduates refer to their college as their “alma mater.” It’s a term that implies respect and love, but lately, my feelings about University College Dublin (UCD) have soured.
UCD is joining a new project funded by the European Union alongside Israel’s Technion, a prominent scientific institute. This initiative, focusing on “innovative nucleic acids,” is set to begin in January next year. While these nucleic acids could lead to breakthroughs in diagnosing serious illnesses like cancer, the EU’s choice to partner with Technion raises serious ethical questions.
Israel’s actions in Gaza during ongoing conflicts have been devastating. The blockade has led to severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential services. Reports indicate that healthcare facilities have been destroyed, and many patients, including doctors like Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, face dire situations.
Collaborating on medical research with Israel cannot overshadow the atrocities it has committed against healthcare and humanity. The Technion has ties to Israel’s military and even hosts significant conferences for the aerospace industry, which often relates to weapons development.
UCD has received considerable pushback regarding its collaboration with Technion. Many students and professors in Dublin have voiced their disapproval, arguing that this partnership contradicts the values of human rights that the university claims to prioritize.
The Irish government has recognized the gravity of the situation, acknowledging acts of genocide. This acknowledgment places a responsibility on institutions to reconsider their collaborations. UCD insists it is committed to human rights, yet its actions suggest otherwise.
Other colleges in Ireland have also faced backlash for working with Technion. The University of Galway, for example, has refused to withdraw from a similar project, citing legal reasons that have not been shared openly with the student body.
A glance at recent data shows that many institutions face pressure from students advocating for ethical partnerships. A survey indicated that a significant percent of students believe universities should avoid collaborations with institutions that have military ties.
The European Union’s actions have been inconsistent. Although a recent proposal aimed to partially suspend some research activities with Israel, it faced opposition from member states, particularly Germany. This means projects with Technion, like those on nucleic acids, will proceed despite evidence of the humanitarian crisis.
It’s clear these issues are complex and challenging, but as more people become aware of these partnerships, the conversation about ethics in academia and research continues to grow. How universities navigate this landscape will affect not just their reputations but also their students’ trust and values moving forward.
For further reading on human rights and academic integrity, check out reports from reputable sources like the Irish Times and The Guardian.
