The UK has been funding two initiatives to facilitate cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian scientists. The Stream program finances joint studies by Israeli, Palestinian, and UK researchers on water problems and joint studies by Israelis with residents of Arab countries all over the Middle East and North Africa. The joint research, which lasts for 10-18 months, is aimed at finding practical solutions in the field. The pilot stage of the program led to the financing of five projects of this type during the past year.
The Growth program provides UK funding to enable academics from universities in the Palestinian Authority to learn in advanced study programs in laboratories in Israel in water technologies and medicine. Participants in the program attend professional conferences in the UK in order to deepen their connection with UK researchers.
This project was initiated by the UK Science and Innovation Network, in cooperation with the British Council Israel and research entities in the region. UK National Technology Advisor Liam Maxwell spoke about the programs yesterday during a visit to Israel.
Referring to the Growth program, Hebrew University of Jerusalem President Menahem Ben-Sasson said, "As a leading research and study institution, we are committed to the promotion of science useful to everyone. Through this cooperation with the UK government, Palestinian academics are contributing to world-level research at Hebrew University, and we are glad they are here."
Lena Qawasmi, a fellow of the Growth research program and a graduate of Al Quds University in Jerusalem, said, "I am very glad to work with UK and Israeli scientists. The program provides access to knowledge, tools, and talents we could not have obtained without it. I expect we will see more cooperative efforts in the coming months."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 22, 2016
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