The panel discussion, “The Dual-Use Dilemma: Ethics and Accountability in Israeli R&D,” held on November 3, 2025 at the Samuel Neaman Institute and attended by Mr. Michael Mann, the European Union Ambassador to Israel, brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and representatives of the European Union for an in-depth conversation on the ethical, legal, and political challenges associated with research and technologies intended for both civilian and military use.
Participants examined the complexity of researchers’ moral responsibility, the role of academic freedom during times of geopolitical tension, and the impact of international pressures on scientific collaboration. The discussion, which encompassed philosophical, engineering, diplomatic, and social perspectives, highlighted the importance of informed ethical reflection, institutional transparency, and the preservation of dialogue and international cooperation.