Fifteen exciting new projects from galaxy clusters to motor neuron degeneration have been selected to receive grants totalling £365,000. These are the first grants awarded under the Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange scheme. Click here for project descriptions.
The deepening of the scientific cooperation between our countries, as expressed by the Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange partnership, reflects the high level of research in both Israel and Britain. I have no doubt your joint work will lead to scientific breakthroughs in various fields of research for the betterment of all mankind
I very much welcome the announcement of the grants for fifteen collaborative research projects involving Israeli and UK universities. The variety and diversity of these successful bids reflect the strong nature of the UK-Israel bilateral relationship. It was an honour for me launch the scheme in July 2008, together with the Israeli Prime Minister, and my government continues to support and actively encourage academic links between the UK and Israel.
The UK and Israel have demonstrated scientific and technological achievements of the highest level. Thus it is only natural that our two countries should cooperate in these areas and create a situation in which both sides, and even the rest of the world, benefit from this successful cooperation.
This is good news for Britain and good news for our universities. The quality of research in Israel’s universities is very high and this new scheme offers an excellent opportunity for our academics to share expertise with their Israeli counterparts and advance scientific knowledge across a wide range of disciplines.
The Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange scheme (BIRAX) was launched on 20 July 2008 by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem.
The programme was created to enhance research and academic cooperation between the UK and Israel. Grants are awarded for the purpose of joint scientific research and exchange opportunities.
BIRAX was designed by the British Council in collaboration with The Pears Foundation, the UK's Department for Business Innovation and Skills and Israel's Ministry of Science and Technology. The scheme was developed in consultation with business and philanthropic leaders in both countries and senior academics from the two umbrella bodies representing the UK and Israel’s universities (Universities UK and Israel’s University Presidents Association).
UK government: £20,000
For more information visit: www.dius.gov.uk
Israeli government: NIS 120,000
For more information visit:www.most.gov.il/English/
Pears Foundation: £550,000
For more information visit: www.pearsfoundation.org.uk
UJIA (United Jewish Israel Appeal): £200,000
For more information visit: www.ujia.org
The scheme will initially run for five years. The British Council administers the programme whilst a high-level steering committee made up of senior British and Israeli representatives ensures strategic direction and high academic standards.
Academic links between Israel and the UK
| 
