BICOM

Foreign Secretary William Hague and Israel’s Minister for Science, Technology and Space Yaakov Peri yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which will further strengthen scientific cooperation between the two countries.

At a ceremony at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, which was also attended by the UK’s Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould, the two ministers signed a document which details five priority areas which will be the focus of increased scientific ties between the UK and Israel. The agreement outlines that increased scientific and research projects will be implemented, particularly in the fields of advanced materials and nano-technology, agri-sciences with a focus on water, neuroscience, space research and regenerative medicine. These are all areas in which Israel is considered to excel.

Working within the framework of BIRAX, the British-Israeli Research Academic Exchange, the memorandum sets out plans to double existing cooperation in regenerative medicine, including an increase in the number of research scholarships in the field to 300 within five years.

Commenting on the agreement, Hague said “Both the UK and Israel are scientific superpowers, and many of our universities and academics are already doing tremendous work together.” He added, “The Memorandum of Understanding I signed today will focus our efforts in five key areas, and increase our cooperation even further.”

Meanwhile, Minister Peri praised the agreement, particularly in the context of attention recently given to supporters of an academic boycott of Israel, following the withdrawal of world renowned British physicist Stephen Hawking from next month’s President’s Conference in Jerusalem. Peri said, “Despite the fact that there are people in British academia who call to boycott Israel, the British government shows that it acknowledges the importance of scientific collaboration with Israel and is interested in expanding our co-operation on our path to excellence.”