The Impact of Counter Terrorism Policy and Practice on University Research and Debate

This talk reviews recent developments in counter terrorism policy and examines the impact of them on both University research and debate. This is a fast moving area of activity and the talk will share recent examples of the effects of the new Counter Terrorism and Security Bill on higher education. It will touch on filtering of the internet, censorship of dissent, monitoring of students and staff activities, media and official intimidation, attempts to banish Muslim civil society organisations from the public sphere, and other impacts. The talk will also examine the relationship between academia and the security establishment in relation to research funding, secrecy and covert research – asking about transparency, ethics, and conflict of interest. The talk will draw on examples from the long struggle to outlaw secret research in the US and ask how academics should respond to government counter terrorism policy. Speakers: David Miller, Professor of Sociology at University of Bath and RCUK Global Uncertainties Leadership Fellow 2013-16. Asim Qureshi, Research Director at CAGE and has a background in international law. Date: Thursday, 4 February 2016 Time: 4.00pm – 6.00pm Venue: Room 6.345, Colchester Campus This event is open to the general public.