Ghent University ends collaboration with Israeli partner after approval European Commission
Ghent University has officially terminated its participation in the European research project OSTEONET, which involved collaboration with an Israeli partner that was assessed negatively. “As it is clear that the European Commission approves such a withdrawal and does not impose any sanctions, we can now take further steps to attempt to withdraw from other ongoing projects as well,” the university announced on Saturday.
On 31 May 2024, Ghent University decided to terminate its ongoing collaborations with Israeli partners that had been advised against by the Commission for Human Rights Policy and Dual-Use Research (CMDUO).
Ghent University was however still awaiting a formal ruling from the European Commission regarding its withdrawal from OSTEONET, in which the Commission must determine whether the termination was carried out in accordance with the rules or constitutes a breach of contract. OSTEONET aims to establish a multidisciplinary research network focused on the development of 3D in vitro cell models of healthy and aged bone tissue.
“The Commission recently announced that it no longer objects to Ghent University’s withdrawal from OSTEONET,” the university stated. “No sanctions were imposed on Ghent University in connection with its withdrawal from OSTEONET.”
"With the cessation of participation in OSTEONET, Ghent University’s first withdrawal from an ongoing collaboration with an Israeli partner that was assessed negatively is now a fact. Moreover, Ghent University is setting a precedent within Horizon Europe (the EU’s main funding programme for research and innovation, ed.) and the broader European research landscape. It is using this to step up the pace regarding the termination of other collaborations with problematic Israeli partners."
#FlandersNewsService | Demonstration at Ghent University condemning Israeli military actions © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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