Below is an open letter written by academic staff at the Irish Centre for Human Rights calling on the University of Galway to cease the ASTERISK grant relationship with Technion University.
25 June 2026 (Open letter)
Dear President and members of the University Management Team,
We call again for an end to the research collaboration with The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology through the European Commission Horizon funded ASTERISK project. We note the May 2026 University statement and specifically the statement that to unilaterally withdraw from the ASTERISK project, would result in, “significant consequences to the University beyond an individual research project.” President, and UMT members, the consequences of Israel’s continuing actions, if not actively opposed by third States and collaborating institutions, will be most keenly felt by the children of Gaza.
We recall that the ASTERISK project aims to further “green hydrogen production on a scale compatible with the needs of today’s industry” through seawater electrolysis.[1] The Israeli Defence Forces are reportedly investing in hydrogen fuel cell-powered drones and drone development.[3] The Israeli Government recently announced major investment in research into hydrogen production, supply and use.[4] Hydrogen fuel has limitless potential uses in warfare.
We urge you to read the most recent Report of The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, published on 18 June 2026 and presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva this week: “The essence of childhood has been destroyed”: Israel’s deliberate targeting of Palestinian children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 7 October 2023, published at https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session62/a-hrc-62-crp-2.pdf
The Commission has found that:
“[…] through the nature, scale and extent of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the Israeli government and security forces have deliberately carried out acts inflicting death and severe bodily and mental harm on hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children, irreparably destroying the sanctity of childhood, including family ties, identity, innocence, safety and future. The Commission found that much of the harm suffered by Palestinian children was not incidental but intended to destroy the existence of the Palestinians in Gaza as a group. Since children embody the biological and social continuity of the group, the Commission has reasonable grounds to conclude that these acts form part of a deliberate strategy to destroy the future of the Palestinians in Gaza by targeting their children.” (A/HRC/62/CRP.2, para.352)
The Report describes the deliberate targeting and killing of Palestinian children, including post-ceasefire since the October 2025 Gaza peace plan. The Commission also examines a sharp increase in violence perpetrated by members of Israeli settlers against Palestinian children in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and examines the use of torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence, against Palestinian children, particularly during mass arrests and in detention. It analyses pattern of Israel’s targeting of critical infrastructure essential to children, such as healthcare facilities and its short- to long-term consequences, as well as the impact of reproductive violence on newborns, resulting in poor neonatal health and birthing outcomes; attacks on orphanages and schools.
In the United Nations Report, From economy of occupation to economy of genocide (UN Doc. A/HRC/59/23) Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, published in July 2025, reference is made in an accompanying footnote to the role of Technion – Israel Institute of Technology University, in an analysis of the role of Universities, and specifically science and technology departments:
“… science and technology departments serve as research and development hubs for collaborations between the Israeli military and arms contractors, including Elbit Systems, IAI, IBM and Lockheed Martin, and so contribute to producing the tools for surveillance, crowd control, urban warfare, facial recognition and targeted killing, tools that are effectively tested on Palestinians.” [footnote 299]
See: https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc5923-economy-occupation-economy-genocide-report-special-rapporteur
In the information submitted to the Office of the President in March 2026 (and attached here), we set out the specific links between The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the State of Israel. We reiterate our conclusion that The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology has an inseparable, foundational, and ongoing relationship with the Israeli government and its defense establishment, and is the “backbone” of Israel’s security, infrastructure, and high-tech industry.
We highlight the specific references in the 04 Grant Agreement – GAP-101192454, to human rights and EU values, to the provisions for termination of an agreement with a beneficiary, and to the process to be followed. We are concerned that the current process being following by the University management team, of engagement with the European Commission, is further delaying the termination of this agreement.
We support the statement made by UN independent experts on April 20th 2026, echoing the call of multiple human rights lawyers and civil society organisations, for immediate suspension of EU-Israel trade agreement as ‘minimum requirement’ under international law. (https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/04/un-experts-call-immediate-suspension-eu-israel-trade-agreement-minimum)
We call again on the University Management team to take all necessary measures to end the partnership with The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology without further delay, and to demonstrate, in practice, its leadership and commitment to the values of human rights.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Siobhán Mullally, Dr Illan rua Wall, Dr Edel Hughes, Professor Ray Murphy, Dr Maeve O’Rourke. Dr Paul Bradfield, Professor Shane Darcy, Dr Mais Qandeel, Professor Roja Fazaeli, Dr Joel Hanisek, Dr Anita Ferrara, Dr Róisín Mulgrew
Irish Centre for Human Rights, School of Law, University of Galway
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19 March 2026
Dear President,
In response to your request for further information on direct links between Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and the State of Israel, in particular in relation to Gaza, please find below a brief note.
The relationship between Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the State of Israel
- The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology has an inseparable, foundational, and ongoing relationship with the Israeli government and its defense establishment, and is the “backbone” of Israel’s security, infrastructure, and high-tech industry.
On the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology website, the role of Technion is stated: https://humanities.Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.ac.il/en/about-the-Technion – Israel Institute of Technology/
“In 1952, the Israeli government asked the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology to establish testing centers in different fields to support the development of Israel’s infrastructure – a framework for research and development that has lasted 70 years and is known as the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology Research and Development Foundation (TRDF). TRDF and its technology transfer arm, T3, invest in entrepreneurship, patents, and startups coming out of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. The Department of Aeronautical Engineering (now known as the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering) was founded in 1953, followed by additional faculties and divisions.”
- In August 2024, Jacob Nagel, Head of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology’s Advanced Defense Research Institute, was asked by the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to make recommendations for Israel’s security strategy and budget for the next decade. The “Nagel Committee Report”: Evolving Israel’s Defence Strategy, was presented to the Israeli prime minister, defence minister, and treasury minister on January 6, 2025.
In a published interview with Jacob Nagel following the publication of the Report, he outlines the role of Technion in supporting Israel’s military operations, addressing the topic: ‘Technological Innovation and the Role of the Technion’.
“You mentioned a need for underground infrastructure. What does that entail?
J.N.: This involves both civilian and military infrastructure. […]
The Technion plays an essential role in this by developing the necessary engineering solutions, structural reinforcements, and underground defence technologies.
Researchers at the Technion are working on innovative methods to detect, neutralize, and even counter enemy tunnels utilizing advanced robotics, AI-driven mapping, and detection technologies. These efforts ensure that Israel remains ahead in underground warfare capabilities and military resilience.
How else will the Technion contribute to defence strategies?
J.N.: The Technion plays a vital role in technological education and research. […] The research conducted here lays the foundation for future aerial combat and surveillance capabilities. Additionally, the Technion is working on AI-driven decision-making, quantum computing, and space technologies — all of which will define the future of warfare.
The Technion is launching a high-performance computing centre. Will it also play a role in Israel’s security?
J.N.: High-performance computing is crucial for simulations, data analysis, and AI applications. The Technion’s work in this field supports various defence and civilian projects by enabling more sophisticated computational capabilities. Our advancements in quantum computing, AI, and deep learning are vital for the next generation of defence systems.
Additionally, one of my roles at the Technion is to bridge the gap between academia and the defence industry and defence forces. […]
During the war, we rapidly turned academic concepts into operational solutions for the battlefield, demonstrating the power of collaboration between academia and the military. This includes advancements in swarm drone technology, cyber defence, and battlefield robotics.” (emphasis added)
See: https://technionuk.org/news-post/the-nagel-committee-report-evolving-israels-defence-strategy/ (published March 13 2025, accessed on March 13 2026)
- In the United Nations Report, From economy of occupation to economy of genocide (UN Doc. A/HRC/59/23) Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, published in July 2025, reference is made in an accompanying footnote to the role of Technion – Israel Institute of Technology University, in an analysis of the role of Universities, and specifically science and technology departments:
“… science and technology departments serve as research and development hubs for collaborations between the Israeli military and arms contractors, including Elbit Systems, IAI, IBM and Lockheed Martin, and so contribute to producing the tools for surveillance, crowd control, urban warfare, facial recognition and targeted killing, tools that are effectively tested on Palestinians.” [footnote 299]
- The published Technion document, ‘Supporting Technion Reservists: A Call to Action’, sets out the University’s specific commitments to supporting Technion – Israel Institute of Technology students who served in the reserves of the Israeli Defence Forces since October 7 2023, and specifically highlights their roles in Gaza:
“Some of them drove tanks in the harshest conditions in Gaza and the North, others operated the Iron Dome and other sophisticated air defense systems, while others assisted in logistics and classified operations.”
The support provided to returning reservists includes financial support:
“Financial support: The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology has waived tuition and dorm fees for one semester for all students mobilized for military service. In addition, the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology will finance extensions on fellowships to all graduate students who served in the reserves, to ensure they are able to complete their degrees at their own pace without financial burden.”
In December 2025, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology was awarded the Defense Minister’s Shield for its support of reserve-duty students.
- In its 2025 Annual Report, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology stated that since October 7 ” We sent equipment, medical supplies and food
parcels to a variety of IDF units” p10
The report also refers to Technion – Israel Institute of Technology’s Alumn, Boaz Levy, the current president and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (state-owned company) as “the Best of the Best” as well as referring to the Elbit company as one of Technion’s “guardians”.
See full report: https://www.Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Technion – Israel Institute of Technology_PR2025_2S.pdf
- On the 25 March 2026, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology will host an event for Rafael, an Israeli state-owned defence tech company.
- We note the Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the partial suspension of the Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and Israel, of the other part, on the participation of Israel in the Union programme Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. (See: Brussels, 28.7.2025 COM(2025) 620 final 2025/0250 (NLE)
Specifically it is noted at (paras. 5-7):
5. The High Representative has presented to the Foreign Affairs Council of 23 June a review of Israel’s compliance with the Article 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. The review has concluded that there are indications that Israel would be in breach of its human rights obligations under the Article 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. (para. 5) and
6. With its intervention in the Gaza Strip and the ensuing humanitarian catastrophe, including thousands of civilian deaths and rapidly rising numbers of spreading extreme malnutrition specifically of children, Israel is violating human rights and humanitarian law and thus is in breach of an essential principle of the EU-Israel cooperation under the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. (7)
7.It is appropriate, in accordance with Article 79(2) of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, read in conjunction with customary international law as codified in Article 60 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of the Treaties between States and International Organizations or between International Organizations, to partially suspend the Agreement on account of a material breach by Israel of Article 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, and as a matter of special urgency.
- We have previously highlighted that on 16 September 2025, at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, presented its Legal analysis of the conduct of Israel in Gaza pursuant to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Report’s conclusions are clear:
Para. 252. The Commission concludes on reasonable grounds that the Israeli authorities and Israeli security forces have committed and are continuing to commit the following actus reus of genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, namely (i) killing members of the group; (ii) causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (iii) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and (iv) imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.
Para. 254. On the mens rea of genocide, the Commission concludes that statements made by Israeli authorities are direct evidence of genocidal intent. In addition, the Commission concludes that the pattern of conduct is circumstantial evidence of genocidal intent and that genocidal intent was the only reasonable inference that could be drawn from the totality of the evidence. Thus, the Commission concludes that the Israeli authorities and Israeli security forces have had and continue to have the genocidal intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
In its Recommendations to UN Member States, the Commission of Inquiry calls upon States to:
(c) Ensure individuals and corporations in their territories and within their jurisdiction are not involved in the commission of genocide, aiding and assisting the commission of genocide or incitement to commit genocide and investigate and prosecute those who may be implicated in these crimes under international law.
- We note also that the International Court of Justice, in its landmark advisory opinion, Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (19 July 2024), declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, encompassing the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, as unlawful under international law and emphasised that Israel’s actions amount to annexation. The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion noted that Israel’s actions include forcible transfer, racial discrimination and segregation or apartheid, and a violation of the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people.
We hope that the information above will be used by the University of Galway to progress a process with the European Commission and project partners to terminate the participation of Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in the ASTERISK project. As we have stated previously, it is our view that the University of Galway has a legal obligation to take all necessary measures to terminate this partnership.
Professor Siobhán Mullally, Dr Mais Qandeel, Professor Shane Darcy
19 March 2026
Additional Note: (provided by Dr Maeve O’Rourke and submitted to the President on 30 March 2026)
- The nature of the ASTERISK research
The ASTERISK project aims to further ‘green hydrogen production on a scale compatible with the needs of today’s industry’ through seawater electrolysis.[1] Technion’s Principal Investigator for the ASTERISK project is a world-leading expert in the development of new fuel cell and battery technology; he is a former researcher, R&D Manager, and Director of the Energy Department at RAFAEL, the Israeli government-owned company that develops military technology for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).[2]
The IDF is reportedly investing in hydrogen fuel cell-powered drones and drone development.[3] The Israeli Government recently announced major investment in research into hydrogen production, supply and use.[4] Hydrogen fuel has limitless potential uses in warfare.
[1] ASTERISK: Seawater Electrolysis, ‘Our project’, https://asteriskproject.eu/our-project/.
[3] Sharon Wrobel, ‘Israel’s Heven Drones says its hydrogen-fueled flying robots are a military game-changer’ The Times of Israel(30 March 2025) https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-heven-drones-says-its-hydrogen-fueled-flying-robots-are-a-military-game-changer/.
[4] Gil Tanenbaum, ‘Israel to Establish “Hydrogen Valley” in Negev for Green Energy’ israel.com (18 December 2025)https://israel.com/breaking-only/israel-to-establish-hydrogen-valley-in-negev-for-green-energy/.
[1] ASTERISK: Seawater Electrolysis, ‘Our project’, https://asteriskproject.eu/our-project/.
[2] Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, ‘Prof. Dario Dekel and his research group study and develop disruptive electrochemical devices based on anion-exchange membrances for a greener and better future’ (2023) https://chemeng.technion.ac.il/en/פרופ-דריו-דקל-וקבוצת-המחקר-שלו-חוקרים/.
[3] Sharon Wrobel, ‘Israel’s Heven Drones says its hydrogen-fueled flying robots are a military game-changer’ The Times of Israel(30 March 2025) https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-heven-drones-says-its-hydrogen-fueled-flying-robots-are-a-military-game-changer/.
[4] Gil Tanenbaum, ‘Israel to Establish “Hydrogen Valley” in Negev for Green Energy’ israel.com (18 December 2025) https://israel.com/breaking-only/israel-to-establish-hydrogen-valley-in-negev-for-green-energy/.
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