BGU and University of Miami Sign Research Collaboration
BGU and University of Miami Sign Research Collaboration
June 1, 2011
BEER-SHEVA, ISRAEL, May 31, 2011–Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and the University of Miami (U of M) have signed an agreement to collaborate in areas that include joint research programs, academic cooperative programs and student exchange programs.
The agreement was signed yesterday by BGU President Rivka Carmi and U of M President Donna E. Shalala , who received an honorary doctoral degree from BGU the same day.
In coming months, both universities will focus on developing collaborative and cooperative programs of study in the fields of humanities and fine arts, social and behavioral sciences, engineering and mathematics, earth sciences and management sciences.
Under this agreement, the universities may co-sponsor local and international seminars and colloquia as well as exchange faculty and research information.
“The University of Miami has quickly moved into the top ranks of American universities and we have now found our Israeli counterpart,” President Shalala said at the signing ceremony at BGU.
“It is vital for our two institutions to join our minds, voices and hands in the service of our collective humanity. A lifetime dedicated to public service has taught me that education and research are the best tools for building bonds of friendship and mutual respect among peoples and nations,” she added.
President Shalala also extended an invitation to BGU President Carmi to speak at U of M in Coral Gables. Carmi responded warmly, “We are very honored and pleased to be signing this agreement. You were a role model of mine and to other women when women weren’t so prevalent in positions of power.”
U of M Professor Roni Avissar, dean of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, is accompanying President Shalala to BGU and will meet with Professor Amir Sagi, dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and member of the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, to discuss mutual areas of cooperation between their respective departments.
Ultimately, the universities may establish a joint student exchange program.
“This is a very exciting development for students and researchers at both universities, with the potential to closely link two world class institutions,” explains Elise Dolgow, director of the Greater Florida Region of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
“In South Florida, our supporters and the community-at-large should anticipate many exciting programs, joint research developments and cooperative projects in a number of areas.”
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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