CNR researchers protest military research project with Israel

Researchers at the National Research Council (CNR) in Faenza, Italy, have raised ethical concerns regarding the “PaSwing” project. While technically aimed at developing advanced transparent polycrystalline ceramic materials, the project has potential military applications and is being conducted in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

Despite the Italian government’s decision in April 2026 to suspend the automatic renewal of the Italy-Israel military and technological cooperation memorandum, research projects initiated prior to the suspension continue. In response, 62 employees from 22 different institutes have signed letters addressed to the Institute's director, Alessandra Sanson, calling for the immediate cessation of these activities. The researchers cite ethical reasons related to ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip and the broader regional conflict involving Lebanon, the West Bank, and Iran.