In 2024, the University Council set up a working group to look into the University of Cambridge’s investments in, and research funded by, the UK’s defence industry. Read its terms of reference.
The group was chaired by Professor Graham Virgo, Master of Downing College, and included academics, students, and others. It heard from a range of relevant experts and brought together a variety views on complex issues. The group’s report was submitted to the University Council in October 2025, and Council accepted the recommendations.
Read the full report (PDF).
It makes 11 recommendations on investment and research, including the need for greater transparency. These also include the recommendation that the University should not invest in any companies which manufacture weapons which are illegal under English law. This means Cambridge University Endowment Fund should not invest in so-called ‘controversial weapons’ manufactured anywhere in the world. It has never set this position out formally nor publicly.
In addition, the report recommends that Council reflect on whether a new ethical investment body is required, or whether this should be a matter for the Committee on Benefactions and External and Legal Affairs (CBELA).
On research, the report acknowledges the paramount importance of academic freedom and states that the University should not prohibit individual researchers from engaging with whatever research project they wish to undertake, and therefore whatever source of funding that is available to them, as long as that research and associated funding is legal.
Professor Virgo said: “Over recent months we have carried out a thorough and thoughtful process, heard a very broad range of perspectives from across the University and beyond it, and had an honest exchange of views on what are extremely important issues. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this report.”
This position follows a recent statement from UKRI which emphasises that research and innovation are essential to addressing defence and national security challenges in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. It also affirmed its responsibility to help ensure researchers are appropriately supported when they choose to contribute to national security and defence projects.
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