Germany and Israel strengthen scientific cooperation
Germany and Israel are to expand their bilateral scientific cooperation with a joint information and communications technologies (ICT) project and closer cooperation in the humanities and social sciences. Germany's Minister for Education and Research was in Israel on 13 June, emphasising the importance of collaboration with Israel for her country: 'Scientific cooperation with Israel is at the core of German research politics,' said Annette Schavan. 'Israel is a country of innovation and research at world level, and one of the most attractive cooperation partners for our scientists worldwide,' she added. Scientific collaboration between Germany and Israel is already wide-ranging, and receives German support of over EUR 20 million every year, in addition to Israeli funding. The main focus is on life sciences, water technology and water management. The funds available through the German-Israeli Science Foundation are also increasing - both countries will make EUR 10 million available during 2006. A new phase of biotechnology cooperation is also set to begin, building on the previously successful BIO-DISC programme. This initiative brought together German and Israeli researchers from the private sector and universities, as well as public research institutes. Some EUR 30 million has already been invested in joint projects. Ms Schavan told her hosts that she would like to extend cooperation in the area of social sciences and humanities, and mentioned migration, integration and education as potential topics.
Countries
Germany, Israel