BIRAX (the Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership) was launched on 20 July 2008 by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at a joint press conference in Jerusalem.
The programme will enhance research and academic cooperation between the UK and Israel, create new institutional links for the future, and build on and strengthen the already excellent academic links between universities in the UK and Israel. Grants will be awarded to junior academics, targeting early to mid-career researchers and lecturers, for the purpose of scientific research and exchange opportunities.
Both the UK and Israel have a strong track record in innovation and research. BIRAX will cement the natural partnership between the UK and Israel and will support the development of Britain and Israel’s knowledge economies.
BIRAX has been designed by the British Council in collaboration with The Pears Foundation and in consultation with academic, business and philanthropic leaders in both countries. It has been developed in partnership with the two umbrella bodies representing the UK and Israel’s universities (Universities UK and Israel’s University Presidents Association).
Recognising the benefits that scientific research brings to society, the two governments have contributed £20,000 each as seed money to meet initial start-up costs. Financial contributions from non-government organizations, such as the Pears Foundation and the UJIA, will make the programme possible.
Supporting Bodies:
UK government: £20,000
For more information visit: www.dius.gov.uk
Israeli government: NIS 120,000
Pears Foundation: £500,000
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 will administer the programme whilst a high-level steering committee made up of senior British and Israeli representatives will be established to ensure strategic direction and high academic standards.
BIRAX announcement: Press release
BIRAX background notes
Academic links between Israel and the UK
More information on the programme, including application criteria and procedures, will be agreed by the steering committee and announced here shortly.
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