Oil research cooperation with Israel creates reactions
Researchers at NTNU in Trondheim are looking at the possibility for cooperation with Israel on petroleum research. It can contribute to violation of international law, fears student organization.
Director Inga Marie Nymo Riseth Students and Academics International Assistance Fund (SAIH) responds to the researchers from NTNU will join the Petroleum and Energy Minister Tord Lien (FRP) in traveling to Israel, writes newspaper Vårt Land.
– NTNU may have academic cooperation with Israeli scientists in other areas, but if they participate in this project, they risk indirectly contributing to violation of international law through oil and gas from the Palestinian or Syrian territory, says Riseth.
She notes that NTNU’s Code of Conduct states that the university should promote human rights and democracy through research.
– I doubt that this project does either.
NTNU Rector Gunnar Bovim says he understands the problem and that the issue is not unproblematic. Meanwhile, he says that NTNU basically should have academic cooperation with other countries who want it.
– We do not consider it as a political act, but as a professional act, which may also be involved in developing international understanding. But we do not indiscriminately into a collaboration, and it will be reassessed after the trip in September.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today
