The EPFL and the EPFZ took part in at least six European research projects with potentially security aims alongside Israeli entities, governmental or active in the private sector, the RTS Investigation Department discovered. This research was carried out before the end of the collaboration between Switzerland and the European research program Horizon, in 2021.
One of the most sensitive searches involved EPFL, a private Israeli company active in explosives detection, and the Israeli Ministry of Public Security, in charge of police and prisons. Entitled SNIFFER and developed from 2012 to 2015 as part of the European Union’s Seventh Framework Program for Research, this research aimed to develop artificial sniffers to detect explosives or human beings hidden in vehicles at borders. Artificial sniffing was subsequently deployed on mechanized dogs.
Research under the auspices of the EU
At least three other research projects with potentially security aims involving EPFL and Israeli entities have been identified by the RTS. This work was carried out under the aegis of the European Union via its research programs, such as Horizon, before Switzerland was excluded from it, in 2021. These three other research projects were linked to cyberdefense, the development of components for systems embedded systems, such as microprocessors and eco-design strategies in aviation.
EPFL says it has nothing to reproach itself with this research: “The rules in use for these programs include the following statement: the emphasis is placed exclusively on civil applications”, explains its spokesperson in an email to the RTS.
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He specifies: “Moreover, EPFL researchers are required to submit to the School’s “compliance rules”. EPFL assures RTS that it “will continue to participate in collaborative programs of this type, because it considers that research partnerships and academic exchanges, as well as collaborations with industry, are crucial to advancing the science”. The Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne announces 30 ongoing collaborations or research contracts with Israeli involvement.
Two research studies at the ETHZ
ETH Zurich was also involved in two of the aforementioned research projects alongside EPFL, those relating to components for embedded systems and eco-design strategies in aviation. She also participated in research aimed at developing new composite materials for aeronautics and in a fourth, more sensitive research.
Entitled TAKEDOWN and developed from 2016 to 2019 as part of the Horizon 2020 research program, this research aimed to develop intervention systems intended for security forces active in the fight against organized crime and terrorism, with a surveillance component. digital.
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich is currently involved in three projects with the Israeli Weizmann Institute of Science and announces 210 collaborations with researchers attached to an Israeli institution since 2023.
Claude-Olivier Volluz – RTS investigation center
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