Ukrainian scientists charged over transfer of data to West

Article Abstract:

Ukrainian scientists from the Institute of Biology of Southern Seas (IBSS) in Sebastopol have been arrested by the Ukrainian Security Service, charged with transferring secret information overseas and illegally handling hard currency. Internationally known marine biologist Sergei Piontkovski could face up to 20 years in prison. Pionthkovski received funding from international organizations and foreign governments including the British government via the Darwin Initiative, which has come under particular scrutiny. The main scientists on the Darwin Initiative project Robert Williams, has pointed out that the data was biological information collected in international waters between 1950 and 1989 and has no strategic importance.

Laws, regulations and rules, Ukraine, Marine biologists, Espionage

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Privatization of UK weapons labs under fire

Article Abstract:

The defence select committee of the UK House of Commons has identified a number of areas in which the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) plans for a partial privatization of the UK Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) through a public-private partnership could present difficulties. Currently, the DERA provides most of the scientific and technical knowledge used by the MoD to evaluate any equipment programme. Defence Secretary Geoffrey Hoon has announced a second postponement of a decision, but the MoD will not be abandoning public-private partnership plans.

Defense programs, United Kingdom. Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

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Russia protests at US science sanctions

Article Abstract:

The US decision to place sanctions against 10 Russian institutions has been criticized by Russian officials. The institutions include three major scientific centres. The US accusations of alleged collaboration with Iran that could help the development of nuclear missiles, have been dismissed as groundless by Vladimir Rachmanin, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. US concerns appear to stem from the Moscow Institute of Aviation's collaborative research agreement with Iran.

Research institutes, Russia, Administrative sanctions

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