Helmholtz, KIT, and HRK strengthen partnerships in Israel

Amid the ongoing political, economic, and social challenges in the Middle East, fostering scientific collaboration with the region has never been more crucial. During a recent delegation visit to Israel, the Helmholtz Association, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) reaffirmed their commitment to intercultural dialogue and closer cooperation in research, education, and entrepreneurship.

As part of the two-day trip, the delegation visited several partner institutions of the Helmholtz Association in Israel to exchange views on ongoing research projects and future cooperation initiatives. Stops included the Weizmann Institute, Tel Aviv University, the Academic College of Tel Aviv, and the German Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Expansion of Bilateral Transfer Cooperation

"Research institutes and universities in Israel are among the most important partners of the scientific community in Germany. Hardly any other country invests as heavily in research & development or has a comparable level of innovation. The dynamic startup scene serves as a model for us," says Otmar D. Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association. "Over the past few days, we had the opportunity to gain insights into groundbreaking developments in artificial intelligence, physics, biomedicine, and climate research at the Weizmann Institute and Tel Aviv University. Additionally, we deepened our ties with the Israel Innovation Authority. Especially given the still challenging geopolitical situation, it is of great importance to us to further expand our scientific interactions."

A key topic in discussions with the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) was the expansion of cooperation between science, industry, and startups in both countries. Particular attention was given to the implementation of the "2+2 Program" and other bilateral transfer collaborations supported by the IIA. The "2+2 Program" promotes partnerships between two actors from each participating country—typically a company or startup and a research institution on each side. The goal of the program is to strengthen the direct exchange between academic research and industrial application.

The second part of the trip focused on the signing of agreements for exchange programs between KIT, Tel Aviv University, the University of Haifa, and Hasoub, the first Arab innovation center in Israel.

Innovation as a bridge for cooperation and understanding

“Science knows no borders. Especially in times of geopolitical tensions, it is vital to use research and innovation as bridges for collaboration and understanding,” said KIT President Professor Jan S. Hesthaven. “I am delighted that these new exchange programs will create precisely such connections.” 

“We are thrilled to deepen our long-standing collaboration with Hasoub and to expand KIT’s bilateral exchange programs with leading Israeli universities,” said Andrea Frahm, Head of the Helmholtz Office Israel. “With its unique integration of university and research centre, and its strong focus on entrepreneurship, KIT is an ideal partner for fostering innovation-driven exchange.” 

Founded in 2014, Hasoub is an Israeli non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the participation of the Arab community in Israel’s high-tech sector, making the country’s renowned start-up ecosystem more inclusive. 

The new partnership between KIT, Hasoub, and the Helmholtz Office Israel will support student, researcher, and start-up exchanges, fostering deeper collaboration. Additionally, the Helmholtz Office Israel aims to expand cooperation with German industrial partners to further strengthen innovation-driven ties.