Defence-related research
Defence-related research is research with a military finality. It therefore refers to research in which the research findings are intended to have a military application.
Ghent University focuses mainly on fundamental research and research with a civil purpose. The results of defence-related research usually do not differ from civilian research: only the context in which the results are applied differs. Consider, for example, research on carbon, which is used for wind turbine blades and bicycles, but also for military drones. Encryption software is useful to prevent data theft but can also be used in a military context.
Funding for defence-related research is increasing significantly at regional, federal, European and international levels.
Defence-related research is possible at Ghent University, under the following conditions:
- The research results must always be useful for civil applications. Ghent University therefore does not develop goods, software, technology or research results that are exclusively of military use.
- The defence-related research is carried out in line with Ghent University's human rights policy. The research results may not be misused later for violations of human rights or international humanitarian law, and there is no cooperation with organisations that clearly contribute to serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
- Security measures are taken. Sharing defence-related research data and results can lead to security and ethical risks, such as strengthening the military capabilities of countries subject to an arms embargo or the misuse of the results for internal repression. That is why Ghent University does not cooperate with organisations in countries that are subject to an arms embargo or a restrictive Flemish export policy. Nor will employees be recruited with a temporary contract if they have had a permanent residence in a country that falls under an arms embargo or a restrictive Flemish export policy in the past 5 years. In addition, researchers must sufficiently protect sensitive research data and results. Controlled dual-use goods, software or technology are not exported to certain countries, entities or individuals, in accordance with the obligations imposed by the Flemish government.
Defence-related research projects must be reported. The university checks whether the defence-related research projects are in line with Ghent University's policy and whether legal obligations are complied with. Complex cases are submitted to the Committee for Human Rights and Defence Research. The Committee operates confidentially and does not make public the information it receives.
Contact: mensenrechtenbeleid@ugent.be
Practical guidelines for Ghent University researchers are available on the intranet