University of Galway Halts New Research Ties with Israel

The University of Galway (UG) has announced that it will no longer enter into new research agreements with direct Israeli partners. This decision, communicated to staff and students on September 1, 2024, reflects the university’s response to ongoing humanitarian concerns related to the situation in Gaza. However, UG will continue its involvement in the existing €3.9 million Asterisk project, which focuses on sustainable green hydrogen production from seawater and includes collaboration with the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology.

Interim president Peter McHugh explained that the university’s management team made this decision earlier in the week based on contractual obligations tied to the Asterisk project. This project is primarily funded through Horizon Europe, the European Union’s main funding initiative for research and innovation. Prof. McHugh emphasized that UG is the coordinating partner and that the project was initiated before the implementation of a new interim human rights impact assessment (HRIA) process for research collaborations.

The HRIA process was established following a June 2024 report from the university’s working group, which reviewed ties with Israeli and Palestinian institutions. Prof. McHugh indicated that although the management team initially intended for the HRIA to apply retroactively to the Asterisk project, legal advice suggested that moving forward without an approved university policy would contradict governance processes.

As part of its commitment to human rights, UG has also been facilitating educational opportunities for Palestinian students in Gaza. Currently, the university supports 14 students through scholarships, fee waivers, and assistance with visa and arrival logistics.

Prof. McHugh addressed the broader humanitarian crisis, stating, “We are conscious of statements from both the EU and the Irish Government regarding Gaza.” He called for the EU Foreign Affairs Council to expedite the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which impacts Israel’s participation in European research funding programs, including Horizon Europe.

In his comments, Prof. McHugh reiterated the university’s stance on peace, condemning all acts of violence and terrorism. He called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need for unhindered access to humanitarian aid, clean water, and medical supplies for those affected by the crisis.

The university’s decision reflects a growing trend among academic institutions to reassess partnerships in light of human rights considerations. As discussions continue around the implications of these partnerships, UG’s approach may influence similar institutions grappling with the complexities of international collaborations.