7am Why would a university have a deal with Lockheed Martin?
Jun 27, 2024
Anna Krien explores universities' ties to weapons manufacturers, unveiling their influence on curricula. Student protests spark transparency demands. Australia's defence industry collaboration with academia raises concerns. Discussion on military partnerships and controversial presence of weapons companies in education.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Student Protests
- Students across Australia protested university partnerships with weapons manufacturers.
- The University of Melbourne agreed to disclose these relationships after students occupied a building.
University-Military Complex
- Australian universities have deep ties with major weapons manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Thales.
- These partnerships raise concerns about academic freedom versus private sector values and national security.
AUKUS and Universities
- Australia aims to become a top weapons exporter, necessitating collaboration between military, industry, and academia.
- The AUKUS pact will deepen university involvement in military research, potentially impacting every aspect of national policy.