Ghent University (UGent) is advising its staff that are working on so-called “America-sensitive” subjects to only store data on its servers. Subjects considered to be “America-sensitive” include research into climate change and gender. The university says that it has issued the advice to prevent data being stored on American servers from being deleted.
Ghent University advises staff worldwide to save “America-sensitive” material on its own servers
Published:
In an official newsletter for university staff, UGent writes that “Researchers that are working on subjects that the American authorities regard as sensitive are advised to store their research data on a UGent server”.
UGent cites as examples research on climate change, transgender rights and research on diversity, equality and inclusion.
The recommendation has come as a precautionary measure. It is unclear whether any data collected by UGent researchers has been deleted. Since the Trump administration took office this has reportedly been the case at several academic institutions in the United States.
Travel advice
UGent points to the modifications made to the travel advice given to Belgians planning to visit the US and the stricter border checks for those travelling there.
"We advise researchers to be careful, certainly if they have publicly criticised the American authorities”. He too, this is a precautionary measure.
There is a team at the university that can help if incidents do occur. The team is also available outside normal office hours. UGent has an advisor that is monitoring the situation and also can give advice on ongoing cooperation projects with US academic institutions.