The international foundation that operates in over 130 countries said that it is reviewing the use of Nelson Mandela’s name by the University of Galway “as part of its responsibility to safeguard the integrity and legacy of Nelson Mandela, including its role in managing the use of his name, image, and related intellectual property". The Nelson Mandela Foundation told 7LÁ, TG4’s current affairs programme, to be broadcast at 8 tonight, that the review related to “concerns” regarding the university awarding the “Nelson Mandela Leadership Award” and the “Nelson Mandela Fund” in his name, awards given to students for their work in advocacy and human rights.
Last month, the inaugural recipients of the University’s Nelson Mandela Leadership Award, Dylan and Shane O’Halloran, relinquished their titles in protest at the University’s continued partnership with the Israel Institute of Technology, Technion.
Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa and an advocate for peace, democracy and social justice, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by the University of Galway during his visit in 2003, an event which was broadcast live by Galway Bay fm.
The University of Galway is the lead coordinator in the ‘ASTERISK’ project which received €4 million in EU Horizon funding. The project aims to develop methods of producing green hydrogen from seawater and involves 12 international partners, including Technion.
The University of Galway has said it is contractually bound to continue its collaboration with Technion and cannot exit the agreement, citing legal advice. The University of Galway has confirmed it will not enter into any new contracts with Israeli Institutions.
The ASTERISK contract was signed in December 2024 and runs until December 2027.
The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), which supports legal challenges relating to human rights violations, has called on the University of Galway to publish the legal advice it is relying on to continue its collaboration with Technion.
GLAN Director Gearóid Ó Cuinn said to 7LÁ that public bodies continuing to collaborate with Israeli institutions or companies linked to alleged breaches of international law could face legal action.
University College Dublin and University of Limerick have two ongoing collaborations with Technion. UCD and UL both cite ‘academic freedom’ for maintaining its controversial research projects with Technion. Other Irish universities, including Trinity College Dublin, are involved in research collaborations with Israeli institutions.
