The definition of militarisation (in the context of education) is a significant increase in collaboration between the armed forces (i.e. the Ministry of Defence) and the education sector and its associated institutions. This includes, but is not limited to: an increase in the number of former or current military personnel holding positions within educational institutions, more research serving the interests of the Ministry of Defence, and a rise in the financial resources flowing from the Ministry of Defence to the education sector.

The ISO does not believe it has a role in influencing the Ministry of Defence’s policy. However, close attention must be paid to instances where the Ministry of Defence and the education sector become intertwined. This intertwining is sometimes difficult to define in concrete terms; at what point does a collaboration precisely infringe upon the independence of an educational institution?

In consultation with its members, the ISO has drawn up a framework with which collaborations with the Ministry of Defence must comply. It is important to emphasise that collaborations with the Ministry of Defence should only take place as long as they remain within this framework.

The quality of education must remain guaranteed despite collaborations with the Ministry of Defence. The fundamental principle of these collaborations is that they serve the interests of education, not the Ministry of Defence.

In addition, collaborations must be subject to an ethical review by an independent review committee at the institution. This committee should represent the entire institution and all its constituent parts.

It is important that these partnerships serve the public interest and are transparent to the institution.

The final point regarding the framework is that the partnership must not create a dependency between the Ministry of Defence and the education sector.