Experts Reject Honorary Doctorates from University of Galway

Three prominent figures have declined honorary doctorates from the University of Galway, citing ethical concerns regarding the institution’s research partnership with Israel’s Technion Institute of Technology. This decision comes just a day before a scheduled ceremony intended to honour nine high-profile recipients in various fields, including arts, culture, and law.

Professor Kerby Miller, an expert on Irish emigration, made his announcement during an event at the university’s campus on March 15, 2024. He expressed his refusal to accept the accolade due to the university’s ongoing involvement in a research initiative with Technion, which is linked to Israel’s military operations. Miller was slated to be recognised for his contributions to the Imirce digital archive, a project aimed at preserving emigrant letters over the past three centuries.

In support of Miller’s decision, Brendán MacSuibhne, an established Professor of Modern Irish History who collaborated with him on the archive, highlighted the significance of a scholar of Miller’s stature opting not to accept an honorary degree. “This speaks volumes about the moral compass guiding our community,” he stated.

Earlier in the week, actress Olwen Fouéré and filmmaker Margo Harkin also withdrew from the ceremony, voicing their opposition to the university’s ties with Technion. Fouéré, who was to receive a Doctor of Arts, noted the university’s association with the Irish Centre for Human Rights, which has actively promoted justice in Palestine. She shared her initial enthusiasm over the honorary award but ultimately decided that refusing it was a more impactful statement at this time.

In her statement, Fouéré remarked, “The research partnership with the Technion Institute of Technology is extremely problematic,” referring to its involvement in developing military technologies. She pointed out that Technion is known for producing equipment used in the destruction of Palestinian homes and that students can earn academic credits for military service.

The university’s €3.9 million ASTERISK project, co-funded by the European Union, focuses on hydrogen extraction from seawater and includes Technion among its partners. Despite calls from university staff and the broader community to reassess this contract, interim president Peter McHugh indicated that legal obligations necessitated the continuation of the partnership.

Fouéré emphasized the need for action, urging the university leadership to sever ties with Technion in alignment with its responsibilities under Irish and international law. Last year, the university announced a review of its connections with Israeli institutions, which included a human rights impact assessment. However, McHugh clarified that the ASTERISK project was already approved before this assessment began, leading to ongoing controversy.

The university stated that its human rights impact assessment has not been published due to recent legal advice suggesting that it should not be relied upon without an established policy on such partnerships. The university remains committed to exploring collaborative avenues while acknowledging the complexities involved.

In addition to Miller, Fouéré, and Harkin, activist Margaretta D’Arcy and filmmaker Lelia Doolan have also returned their honorary doctorates in protest against the university’s research links. Other recipients of honorary doctorates this week include artist Brian Bourke, novelist Anna Heussaff, harpist Kathleen Loughnane, and poet Micheál Ó Cuaig.

As these developments unfold, the University of Galway faces increased scrutiny regarding its research partnerships. The growing dissent among award recipients reflects a broader conversation about academic institutions’ ethical responsibilities in international collaborations.