UCL is one of 35 UK universities joining forces with the Ministry of Defence to “bring together academia and the armed forces” as part of the Alliance.
The partnership, which was announced on 13 July is part of a £182 million defence skills package and aims to “support vital research into new defence technologies”.
An MoD press release states that founding members will help “to support a pipeline of skilled graduates into exciting careers, including cyber security, robotics, AI, aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing”.
This move follows considerable concern after UCL initially expressed interest in joining the new DUA, alongside over 100 other universities who put themselves forwards for selection.
The DUA’s charter obliges members to “commit to actively growing research and development activity and capacity in defence and national security” as well as promoting defence careers in career guidance and supporting “the attendance of defence sector firms and the Armed Forces at careers events”.
A Cheese Grater source shared a letter to Provost Michael Spence signed by Union President at the time Choudhary, outgoing Welfare and Community Officer Mougharbel, and five student officers which called for the expression of interest to be revoked.
The letter argued that the alliance prioritises “military conceptions of security over civilian, humanitarian, and cooperative alternatives” and that this does not align with UCL’s values.
It further claimed that students and staff should be properly consulted before the application was taken any further.
NGOs have raised concerns that “the alliance threatens academic freedom and institutional independence by encouraging universities to align research priorities with military objectives rather than urgent social, environmental, and humanitarian needs”.
UCL UCU has further denounced joining the DUA under concerns of positioning the university under ‘greater state control’ and furthering research that generates ‘global instability.
The Cheese Grater obtained an email from the Vice Provost’s office announcing the decision to concerned parties from the Students’ Union.
The email argues that UCL’s application “described our current activities and capabilities” and therefore did not commit the University to anything it was not already doing.
It further states that membership will not “override the ethical review and security assessment procedures that apply to individual research proposals” and reminds opponents that universities retain the right to leave the partnership at any time.
There is not yet any funding attached to membership to the DUA but it is expected to be introduced as the alliance matures.
In a statement, Provost Dr Michael Spence said:
“UCL has long contributed its academic expertise to challenges affecting society, including public health, climate resilience, humanitarian responses, cyber security, and national security.
In line with our commitment to academic freedom, we believe that researchers who wish to contribute to questions of security and resilience should have access to the same opportunities, networks and funding pathways as researchers working in other fields, subject to appropriate ethical and governance safeguards.
[...] At the same time, I am fully aware that our membership of the DUA may divide opinions within our community, and I welcome that debate. Membership is voluntary and we will keep our involvement in the Alliance under review.”
Students’ Union UCL was also approached for comment but did not reply in time.