I recently hosted the annual reception for our new batch of Chevening scholars. Every year, we send about a dozen Israelis to the UK for post-graduate studies on the government-sponsored scholarships and on joint awards with private sponsors. The lively discussion at the reception emphasised to me that one of the great strengths of Israeli society is its openness and commitment to debate and the free exchange of ideas.

Over the years I have been impressed by diversity of the scholars and alumni I have met, and this year’s scholars are no different.  This year’s scholars include political advisors, lawyers, journalists (including Channel 2 TV’s Amit Segal), and an environmental activist. The post-graduate studies they have chosen to pursue reflect this rich variety of backgrounds and range from courses in social policy and planning and environmental studies to Middle Eastern studies and war studies.

Worldwide, there are over 30,000 Chevening scholars, fellows and alumni covering the 25 years of the scheme. Around 500 Israelis have received the scholarships over the years, and I hope that all or most of them have found  that their year in the UK has helped them succeed in their future careers and to make a real contribution to life in Israel. My government’s support for this prestigious programme highlights our commitment to find ways to encourage and promote cultural and academic exchanges between our countries. As I said to this year’s scholars, they are a very important part of the UK-Israel bilateral relationship. Relationships between countries are not just about meetings between diplomats, officials and ministers. It is the people-to people contacts, in particular among academics and academic institutions, which play a vital role. The Israeli scholars are indeed living evidence of my government's opposition to any attempt to impose an academic boycott of Israel.  As the Foreign Secretary David Miliband said recently, boycotts "obstruct opportunities for co-operation and dialogue and serve only to polarise debate further."

Chevening is just one of numerous initiatives supported by my Embassy and the British Council to encourage academic cooperation between the UK and Israel.  The ambitious BIRAX joint research and exchange programme was launched last summer during Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s visit to Israel. The scheme aims to create new institutional links and increase academic cooperation between UK and Israeli universities, through funding for joint collaborative research. Close to 200 submissions were made and we shall announce the successful applicants in the autumn.

Also last year, the Foreign Office launched the UK-Israel Collaboration Development Award programme for stem cell research. The British Council meanwhile runs the Skills@Work programme, aimed at promoting links between education and industry and creating partnerships between colleges in the UK, Israel and participating European countries.

If you would like more information on the Chevening scholarship programme click here or visit the British Council’s website – and who knows, maybe we shall meet at next year’s celebration party! 

If you would like to contact me, please email me at: ambassador.telaviv@gmail.com

Tom Phillips
August 2009