Collaboration
SDU sets principles for collaboration with the Danish Armed Forces and the defence industry
The university has adopted a set of principles to ensure a balance between academic freedom, ethical responsibility and society's need for security.
The University of Southern Denmark has adopted a set of principles for cooperation with the Danish Defence and the defence industry. The principles have been drawn up following discussions in the Executive Board, the Central Liaison Committee and the University Council and are intended to provide guidance in the light of a changed security policy situation. The principles only apply to academic staff.
- As a university, we are here to contribute to solving society's major challenges - including those related to security policy. With the new principles, we balance our academic freedom and ethical responsibility with society's need for security. It is crucial to me that any collaboration with the Danish Armed Forces and the defence industry is based on voluntariness, respect for diversity and openness, says Rector Jens Ringsmose.
Background: A changed security policy context
The current security situation - with increased cyber threats, global tensions and conflicts in Europe - has meant that knowledge and technological solutions from universities are increasingly in demand to strengthen societal security.
At the same time, it is a core task for SDU to safeguard freedom of research, academic integrity and the individual researcher's right to choose whether to engage in defence-related collaborations.
The four principles of collaboration:
- Voluntariness
It is voluntary for academic staff to enter into collaborations with the Danish Defence and the defence industry, and no academic staff should be obliged to participate in such collaborations. - Respect for diversity
Academic staff who do not wish to collaborate with the Armed Forces or the defence industry must respect other academic staff who wish to collaborate - and vice versa. - Transparency
To the extent compatible with security considerations, there must be openness and transparency about the university's collaborations with the Armed Forces and the defence industry - including in relation to both current and future academic staff. - Ethical and societal responsibility
Collaborations must be anchored in academic and ethical standards - including the university's independence and integrity in all research activities - and collaborations must aim to contribute positively to the development, security and stability of society.
Read the full principles document here: https://sdunet.dk/-/media/files/secure/sdunet/administration/rammer/principper_for_samarbejdet_med_forsvaret_og_forsvarsindustrien_engelsk.pdf