Dialogue 3
Knowledge, Safety and Collaboration - Autonomy of the University under Geopolitical Pressure: Freedom in International Cooperation
Wednesday 20 May, 19:00-21:00 (in English)
LMeeting Space XL Social Hub, Sphinxcour 9A, Maastricht

There is a strong call from some members of the academic community to stop the collaboration with certain (international) partners. Maastricht University is committed to ensuring that the research, teaching and collaborations are conducted safely and responsibly, in line with our institutional values. To determine whether a proposed partnership or project is sufficiently secure and meets UM standards and expectations, we have established assessment frameworks for three domains: knowledge security, human rights and a fossil-free society. While some members of the university community advocate for additional measures, others have raised questions about how such approaches may interact with principles of academic freedom.
How should universities assess their moral responsibilities when considering collaboration with partners operating within or linked to regimes associated with human rights or environmental concerns? How do you deal with partners from countries where academic freedom is restricted? How do you weigh open knowledge sharing against the risks of misuse (dual-use technology)? Will geopolitical fragmentation put further pressure on academic freedom and how do we prepare for that? How do you respond when funding becomes dependent on political conditions?