UK-Israel bilateral relations in the field of science and innovation are promoted through a number of initiatives and projects:

UK-Israel Collaboration Development Award (CDA)

The UK promotes the advancement of stem cell research and believes that cultivating effective collaborations between research teams in the UK and abroad will accelerate scientific progress and delivery of patient benefits. To this end and in celebration of the 60th year of Israel's independence, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office launched for the 2008 UK-Israel Collaboration Development Award (CDA) programme for researchers in the field of stem cells.

British-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership (BIRAX)

BIRAX (the Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership) was launched on 20 July 2008 by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at a joint press conference in Jerusalem.

The programme will enhance research and academic cooperation between the UK and Israel, create new institutional links for the future, and build on and strengthen the already excellent academic links between universities in the UK and Israel. Grants will be awarded to junior academics, targeting early to mid-career researchers and lecturers, for the purpose of scientific research and exchange opportunities.

Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development  (FP)

Israel is the only non-European country to be fully associated to the EC FP since it entered FP4 in August 1996. The Association agreement for FP7 was signed in July 2007 and is pending conclusion by Israel. Under the agreement, Israel is set to contribute over €440 million to the €50 billion budget of FP7.

Israel participates in the EC's FP as an associated country whose researchers can receive funding on an equal footing with researchers from EU Member States in all the specific programmes. There are no additional or other specific priorities for Israel's R&D cooperation as an associated country in the EC FP. Representatives of Israel have the opportunity to participate as observers in FP7 implementing committees and bodies.

Under the FP6, the UK and Israel jointly participated in over 350 projects.

UK Nanoforum 2008

The third annual UK NanoForum comprises a one-day conference and exhibition bringing over 100 senior international delegates from more than 20 countries, together with the best of the UK's nanotechnology community.

The event includes keynote addresses, themed workshops, innovation awards and an exhibition showcasing more than 50 UK nanotechnology organisations, a university poster exhibition and extensive partnering opportunities.

With a focus on trade, investment and collaborations, UK NanoForum 2008 will provide a networking forum for industry, academia, venture capitalists, technology purchasers and those seeking R&D joint ventures. Representatives from three Israeli companies participated in the UK Nanoforum 2007.

UK-Israel Stem Cells Forum

In March 2007, following the success of the Stem Cells - Research, Ethical and Social Issues seminar organised by the British Embassy's S&I department, the UK National Stem Cell Network and the Israel Stem Cell Society announced the establishment of the UK-Israel Stem Cell Forum. For more details, contact Abigail Tetelman.