Scholar Rejects Honorary Doctorate Over University’s Ties to Israel

Professor Kerby Miller, an expert on Irish emigration, has declined an honorary doctorate from the University of Galway due to the institution’s partnership with Israel’s Technion Institute of Technology, which has connections to the Israeli military. This decision marks the third rejection of an honorary degree within a week, highlighting rising tensions over the university’s research affiliations.

Speaking at an event on the Galway campus, Miller expressed his concerns about the university’s ongoing project involving the Technion, which is linked to military applications. He was set to be recognized for his contributions to the university’s Imirce digital archive, which preserves emigrant letters dating back over 300 years. Brendán MacSuibhne, an established Professor of Modern Irish History, emphasized the significance of Miller’s decision, pointing out that a scholar of his caliber should not feel compelled to accept an award under the current circumstances.

The controversy intensified earlier this week when acclaimed actor Olwen Fouéré and film-maker Margo Harkin also withdrew from the award ceremony, which was scheduled to honor nine individuals across various fields including arts, culture, and public life. Fouéré, who was to receive a Doctor of Arts for her extensive career, stated that her decision stemmed from the university’s collaboration with the Technion, particularly in light of its involvement in developing military technologies.

In her statement, Fouéré highlighted the importance of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, which operates at the university and advocates for justice in Palestine. She expressed her regret over the university’s contractual obligations with the Technion, noting that research partnerships were signed “well into the ongoing massacre of Gaza.” Fouéré elaborated on the Technion’s role in producing military equipment, including technologies that have been used in demolishing Palestinian homes.

The university is currently engaged in a €3.9 million research project named ASTERISK, which focuses on extracting hydrogen from seawater. This initiative is co-funded by the EU, with the Technion as one of the key partners. Despite calls from faculty and community members to sever ties with the Technion, the university has stated it is contractually bound to continue the partnership.

Interim president Peter McHugh informed university staff in September that the ASTERISK project had received approval prior to the commencement of a human rights impact assessment of the university’s research collaborations. He indicated that legal advice required the university to honor its existing contracts.

The university’s human rights impact assessment remains unpublished, as recent legal counsel advised against relying on the preliminary assessment process due to the lack of an established university policy on such matters. The university has reiterated its commitment to explore future research partnerships while addressing concerns related to its affiliations.

Other notable figures, including activist Margaretta D’Arcy, who passed away earlier this week, and film-maker Lelia Doolan, have also returned their honorary doctorates in protest of the university’s connections with Israel. The current situation underscores a growing movement within the academic community to reassess institutional relationships that may conflict with ethical considerations and human rights.

As the University of Galway prepares for its award ceremony, it must navigate the complexities of academic freedom, ethical responsibility, and the impact of its research partnerships on its reputation and community relations.