Copenhagen Uni ends BGI Group partnership

Copenhagen University has announced the termination of its collaboration with Chinese company BGI Group, following a similar decision by Aarhus University in May. The decision was influenced by a counsel between the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. Education and Research Minister Christina Egelund cited specific concerns about BGI Group’s activities as the reason for advising against such collaborations. PET’s assessment emphasizes that Chinese interests, notably the military, are highly focused on obtaining Danish research data and may exploit civil scientific advances. BGI Group, known for leading genome-sequencing, had longstanding partnerships with Danish universities. PET has warned of potential misuse of Danish research in efforts like bolstering Chinese military capabilities or developing mass surveillance technology.