Update on the evaluation of collaboration with Israeli partners

Update on the evaluation of collaboration with Israeli partners

In response to many questions about Dutch universities' collaborations with Israeli organizations, a page compiling the research and exchange collaborations of Utrecht University (UU) and UMC Utrecht (UMCU) with Israeli organizations was published in May.

Upon publication of the page, an evaluation of existing collaborations was promised, because UU does not want certain scientific ties and/or student exchange collaborations to contribute to the (continuation of the) cycle of violence. This was partly a re-evaluation, because since 2022 all new collaborations are assessed for risks regarding knowledge security by default.

Process update

The evaluation was conducted by the faculties of UU and the Knowledge Security Advisory Team, at the request of the Rector Magnificus. The main focus of the evaluation was whether there is a risk that the research or exchange contributes to a deterioration of the human rights situation.

The evaluation also examined three research collaborations that were not yet on the overview page. The fact that these projects were not previously included can be explained by the fact that UU does not (yet) have a central contract management system. Overviews come about through thorough, manual research at the faculties, which is based on multiple sources. In addition, one of the collaborations on the original overview page has recently been completed. Thus, UU now has a total of thirteen ongoing research collaborations with Israeli organizations, two of which are in collaboration with UMCU. The existing overview has been updated.

Evaluation results

For most of the ongoing research collaborations, based on the evaluation, there is no doubt about continuing them. For a number of research collaborations, more information is needed to make a proper judgment. To do this carefully, this information will be requested from the National Contact Point for Knowledge Security and/or other Dutch universities that are part of the consortium. UU is expected to receive this information at the beginning of the new academic year.

Regarding the three exchange collaborations, there is currently no outbound exchange because the institutions are located in areas with a negative travel advice. Before exchange applications open for the next academic year (2025-2026), an advice will be compiled for all exchange destinations. This will include consideration of applicable travel advices and ethical issues. In this regard, objective and reliable sources from official international organizations, such as the United Nations, the European Union or the International Criminal Court will be used. This advice will determine whether students have the opportunity to go on exchange to these destinations.

Knowledge Security Assessment Framework

Faculties always analyze potential new collaborations with organizations outside the EU on the basis of the Assessment Framework for Knowledge Security. Utrecht University applies a country-neutral policy, which means, among other things, that no countries can be excluded in advance from cooperation - with the exception of countries subject to sanctions.