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In Brief
- UNSW is directing researchers to review collaboration with sanctioned countries.
- A spokesperson for the Group of Eight says the direction follows federal government instructions.
One of Australia’s premier academic institutions has implemented stricter controls on research partnerships with Iran, Russia, Belarus, and North Korea. The university cautioned that even informal collaborations could violate sanctions, potentially resulting in criminal charges.
This development occurs as universities nationwide reassess their global affiliations amid heightened examination by the federal authorities. The Group of Eight has indicated that institutions are scrutinizing their connections with nations under sanctions.
An internal communication obtained by SBS News reveals that Dane McCamey, the pro vice-chancellor for research at the University of New South Wales, instructed faculty members to refrain from initiating or continuing partnerships with individuals or organizations in the aforementioned countries without obtaining approval from senior management.
“In light of the swiftly changing geopolitical landscape, the Australian government has raised its expectations for universities to demonstrate increased caution and oversight concerning international collaborations,” McCamey explained in the email.
“It is imperative for UNSW to be fully informed about all interactions with individuals or entities in Iran, Russia, Belarus, or North Korea. This is to ensure that no activities occur, whether deliberate or not, that might breach current sanctions against these nations or contradict the Australian government’s expectations,” he added.
“This now means that any activity with individuals or entities in these countries is not permitted without prior approval from your Dean or the Pro Vice-Chancellor Research.”
McCamey also said researchers who fail to comply with the direction may face “serious consequences”, including committing the criminal offence of breaching sanctions, which can lead to up to 10 years in prison.
“Even providing technical assistance (such as editorial guidance) to individuals or entities in these countries may be considered a breach of sanctions,” McCamey said.
McCamey said the university’s direction is a response to the “shift in Australia’s foreign policy towards the governments of these countries”.
“[It] is not in any way meant to disadvantage members of the UNSW community who come from, or have strong ties to these countries,” McCamey said.
A UNSW Sydney spokesperson said the university had received “updated advice” from the Australian government before sending the email to remind staff to seek approval for any activity with institutions in sanctioned countries.
Under Australian law, a range of measures could be applied to sanctioned countries, including asking universities not to provide a sanctioned service and dealing with a designated person or entity.
According to the guidelines by the Australian Sanctions Office, these include enrolling a student and employing a person from a country subject to sanctions, and collaborating with another person or entity from a country subject to sanctions.
A spokesperson for the Group of Eight, which represents Australia’s eight research universities, told SBS News that the universities are undergoing checks following the government’s instruction.
“Universities have been asked to investigate institution-to-institution relationships, and the universities are doing their due diligence,” the spokesperson said.
“The Group of Eight absolutely committed to national security and protecting that which must be protected, and will continue to work closely with the government.”
The Department of Education and the Department of Home Affairs, which oversee the University Foreign Interference Taskforce, have been contacted for comment.
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