Israeli Academics in new Partnership with Sydney University
The University of Sydney has approved the establishment of a forum with the proposed title of “University of Sydney – Israel Research Partnership Forum: Shared Challenges, Future Solutions”.
Professor Rebecca Mason
The Forum will invite Israeli academics to Sydney to work in the fields of medicine, water and agriculture, language and business.
In medicine the proposed plan will involve co-operation in the fields of neuroscience, cancer, and obesity/diabetes. The university has recently launched a major institute in obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The language sector will focus on the development of second languages and business on entrpreneurship and the art of business start-up, a strong area in Israel.
The forum is the initiative of the University of Sydney’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International, Professor John Hearn.
Professor Rebecca Mason told J-Wire: “The proposal, although approved, is still in its early stages and we have not yet made any approaches to Israel. But we have started seeking funding. We hope bring over between 4 and 10 academics. It all depends on the funding we obtain.”
Good initiative, worthwhile project! Sydney University can do with an injection of intellect.
Let’s just hope the Israeli academics will not have to submit to the humiliating request to sign a paper, distancing themselves from “Israel’s Politic”, as was the case (I heard) with a visiting Israeli Philosophy lecturer some time ago.