Overseas Philanthropies Support Academic Israeli Research:  Much Needed to Help Reverse Its Parlous State. (April 11, 2006)

    The Jerusalem Post reported yesterday that "Bar-Ilan University held a special dedication ceremony for a new Life Sciences Faculty in the name of Mina and Everard Goodman of the United Kingdom. The Goodmans' contribution, among the largest received by the university, makes possible the research projects of 24 scientists, most of whom are returning Israelis.

"According to Bar-Ilan University President Moshe Kaveh, the contribution will enable the faculty to compete with the best research centers in the world. Researchers at the faculty will train students and conduct research in biology, nanotechnology, and environmental studies."

The paper also reports a contribution to Israeli universities by the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation which has launched a US$30 million initiative to support researchers in the fields of science, engineering, and technology over four to five years. "The foundation recognizes the urgent need to recruit and support both young and senior faculty members in the face of an increase in the number of researchers who move abroad to pursue academic careers or abandon research for work in business and the high-tech industry.

According to a statement released by the Safra Foundation, US$7.5m. has already been allocated to the Technion, the Hebrew University, and Tel Aviv University. Each institution will provide funds to match the grant of US$2.5m.

Neil Rudenstine, adviser to the program and former president of Harvard University said, "It is essential that Israeli research universities have the resources to attract, develop, and retain faculty of the very highest calibre in the fields where they already enjoy exceptional strengths. Israel must continue to be an international leader in a number of critical fields and this program is intended to help accomplish this goal."

Discussions with additional universities are currently under way for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Nevertheless, Professor Zvi Ziegler, the Chair of the  Inter-Senates Committee (ISC) for the protection of academic independence of Israeli research universities while welcoming the donations has told TFW, "The situation in Israel has significantly deteriorated in the last few years. The private donations mentioned in the article are not even remotely close to the "Dutch boy with his finger in the dike, saving Holland from floods" . The brain drain is a major problem, and only a shift in government policies can stop it.