UCL Vice-Provost leads on proposal for framework for European universities'defence research

The paper, Defence Research in European Universities: A Conceptual Framework, identifies six structural tensions where legitimate institutional values genuinely conflict, and explains why existing governance frameworks, designed for an older era, are increasingly inadequate.

"The boundary between civil and defence research has eroded significantly," said Professor Geraint Rees, Vice-Provost for Research, Innovation and Global Engagement at UCL, who led the development of the framework. 

"That creates genuine choices for universities, because the same work can have both civilian and security implications. This framework does not prescribe a single answer. It aims to help institutions navigate these questions transparently, articulate their principles clearly, and make decisions that are consistent with their values and academic governance."

The paper maps five distinctive European traditions — French, German, British and Dutch, Nordic, and neutral state — showing why institutions with different historical and legal contexts will legitimately reach different conclusions about defence engagement. Rather than seeking consensus on outcomes, the framework offers shared vocabulary and analytical tools that enable each institution to articulate its own position coherently.

The paper also addresses the European Union dimension, examining how strategic autonomy frameworks, the European Defence Fund, and the blurring of civilian and security research objectives create new pressures across member, associated, and non-member universities.

Professor Kurt Deketelaere, Secretary-General of LERU, said: "This is exactly the kind of question where LERU can add value. Not by telling our members what to do, but by providing the conceptual tools to make better decisions. The diversity of approaches across our network is a strength, and this framework helps us understand and work with that diversity."

The framework was developed in consultation with LERU member institutions and discussed at the 49th LERU Rectors' Assembly. Future work will develop practical governance guidance and extend the analysis to teaching and education.

Read the paper

Media contacts: 
Prof. Kurt Deketelaere, LERU Secretary-General, kurt.deketelaere@leru.org or +32 499 80 89 99.

Prof. Geraint Rees, Vice-Provost, University College London, g.rees@ucl.ac.ukor +442076798582.

Mr. Bart Valkenaers, LERU Senior Policy Officer, bart.valkenaers@leru.org or +32 498 08 43 49.