Dalhousie and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel are strengthening and extending their ties to explore international collaboration, and academic and research interactions. This collaborative relationship between Dalhousie and Hebrew University will establish joint research opportunities in the areas of medical research, oceanography, and water and waste management.
Dalhousie Vice-President, Research, Martha Crago, and other Dalhousie officials were in Jerusalem to sign a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions. They were joined by a delegation from Nova Scotia led by Premier Darrell Dexter. The group also includes officials from Nova Scotia Business Inc., the Halifax Port Authority and the Brain Repair Centre.
“We’re essentially setting up research collaboration based on our mutual strengths,” explains Dr. Crago. “Israel is a leader in technology commercialization and we’re looking forward to exploring how Dalhousie and the Hebrew University can work together in projects that benefit both institutions.”
The memorandum of understanding between the two institutions outlines some of the objectives of merging both universities resources for the purpose of academic and research interactions. In addition to the aforementioned research areas, the relationship will also support travel by faculty members and post-doctoral students as well as the sharing of expertise in technology transfer and industry engagement.
“Nova Scotia is the university capital of Canada and is a place of cutting edge research, supporting the various life sciences including neuroscience, marine, biotechnology, biochemistry and biomedical engineering,” explains Premier Dexter. “Dalhousie’s MOU with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is focused on sharing expertise and best practices in technology transfer and industry engagement.”
While the signing of the MOU is the highlight of the trip for Dalhousie, the delegation hopes to establish other relationships and explore opportunities that will bring similar development and expertise to the university and to Nova Scotia.
"The delegation… is focused on using this unique opportunity to build productive relationships that could lead to Nova Scotia's involvement in new markets and greater investment in the province," says Premier Dexter.
While overseas, the group will also be meeting with researchers, academics, and administrators from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and Birzeit University in Birzeit, West Bank.