As part of Israel’s accession to the institute, Israeli researchers will be allowed access to data analysis and training and research collaborations.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHUpdated: DECEMBER 14, 2017 01:23A researcher uses a microscope(photo credit: INGIMAGE)
Israel has been voted into the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), a prestigious research institute.The Science and Technology Ministry announced on Tuesday that admission to the institute was approved by a large majority.Minister Ofir Akunis said it was “another tremendous international achievement for Israel.”Seventeen of the 24 members voted for Israel’s joining and one abstained. The organization’s members include the US, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Pakistan, Egypt and Indonesia.Israel’s membership in the organization will be funded and led by the Science and Technology Ministry.“The chain of successes continues,” commented Akunis. “Along with the desire of many countries in the international arena to strengthen ties and scientific cooperation with us, there is also a great desire for Israeli participation in international organizations.“This is an expression of great faith in Israeli science, technology and innovation.”As part of Israel’s accession to the institute, Israeli researchers will be allowed access to data analysis, training and research collaborations and, as a result, prepare studies for comprehensive policy solutions in the areas of climate, energy, environment, economics and more.Previous studies published by the institute have received international exposure and are considered to be high-quality scientific work. Institute researchers are among the most cited scientists in the world.Israel has allocated €350,000 to finance the annual membership fee in the organization, and the Science Ministry will finance about 70% of the budget.The institute, located in Laxenburg, near Vienna, is an international network of researchers and research students.
