College has instructed researchers across schools not to engage in a research survey circulated by the US government.
An email seen by Trinity News informed researchers of instructions from Dean and Vice-President for Research Sinéad Ryan to disregard a questionnaire on research topics circulated by the Trump administration.
“Some [Principal Investigators (PIs)] may have received an email request from the US Government to fill out a questionnaire – likely if you are linked/in receipt of US funding.”
“The [dean and vice-president of research] has directed not to engage with this questionnaire and to contact the Dean of Research Office if you have received such an email,” the communication read.
The email also included a link to an article from scientific journal Nature, tracing the origins of the survey which it says has been sent to overseas researchers in receipt of US funding in multiple institutions.
The survey in question requests detailed information about researchers’ affiliations with China and involvement in projects related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), climate justice, and gender studies.
According to the article in Nature, “associations representing universities in these regions say [the circulation of the questionnaire] threatens academic freedom and undermines scientific advancement”.
It comes amidst a crackdown by the Trump administration on academia and civil society which has seen it withhold funding in several areas, including higher education and international aid.
“In common with many other universities, Trinity is advising researchers not to respond to this questionnaire individually, but to contact the office of the Dean of Research”, a spokesperson for College said.
The directive signals resistance from College to the Trump administration’s heightened scrutiny of academic institutions and international research collaborations. Provost Linda Doyle recently hit out at Donald Trump’s ban of the word ‘disinformation’, and urged academia to “hold onto [its] values”.
This takes place amidst worsening international relations between the United States and the rest of the world.
Earlier this month saw the Trump administration cancel $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University with immediate effect, following which pro-Palestine students were suspended, expelled and targeted by immigration raids.
These moves were condemned by Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) and Trinity Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) in an open letter shortly after. The letter urged College to “seriously question” Columbia University amidst reports that Trinity dual BA students were among those penalised.
