Israeli physicist named as VP of Jordanian science institute that counts Iran as member

New VP, Eliezer Rabinovici from Hebrew U., says program allows states in region to advance common interests.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Eliezer Rabinovici 370 (photo credit: Hebrew University)
Eliezer Rabinovici 370
(photo credit: Hebrew University)
A Jordan-based scientific research center that counts as its members Iran and other Middle Eastern countries has named an Israeli physicist from Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, Eliezer Rabinovici, as vice president, AFP reported.
The research center, under construction in Allan, Jordan, known as SESAME (Synchrotron- light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) is building a “third generation” synchrotron light source.
A synchrotron light – or synchrotron radiation – source produces very intense pulses of light/X-rays, with wave lengths and intensities that allow detailed studies of objects ranging in size from human cells, through viruses down to atoms, with a precision that is not possible by other means, according to SESAME’s website.
Rabinovici said the SESAME project allowed regional scientists to “collaborate despite hostile relations between some of their countries,” AFP reported.
“This program has scientific value and is also a platform that allows many states in the region to collaborate towards scientific goals.
“We work together towards goals that advance the interests of the entire region... thanks to the trust built between us over many years and without the pressures that dominate the political arena,” he told AFP.
Israel is taking part in SESAME alongside the other state members of the center: Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Pakistan, the Palestinian Authority and Turkey.