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Due to the high number of quality proposals submitted under the first call for proposals of the Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange scheme, we have decided to postpone funding decisions until September 2009. This will allow us sufficient time to enlarge the Academic Selection Board and fully review the applications received. It will also provide us with more time to solicit additional funds from interested parties to allow for more awards to be made in year one of the scheme. All applicants will be notified of funding decisions by 30th September 2009 i.e. before the start of the new academic year in the UK and Israel.
We apologise for this delay and any inconvenience caused. We thank all applicants for their continued interest
now CLOSED
The Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership (BIRAX) 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 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, the UK's Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and Israel's Ministry of Science, Culture and Sport and. 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).
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
For more information visit:www.most.gov.il/English/
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 has been established to ensure strategic direction and high academic standards.
Birax Background Note
Academic links between Israel and the UK
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