Ben-Gurion University of the
Negev (BGU) in Israel and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco
have initiated discussions to collaborate on scientific research projects, in
addition to students and faculty exchange programs.
Above: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) Credit: Courtesy of UM6P
This collaboration – expected to be one of the first formal ones between
universities from Morocco and Israel - should focus on sustainability issues:
namely agriculture, water, energy, and ecological restoration.
This partnership will be supported by both global companies ICL (Israel) and
OCP (Morocco). The related Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed
by mid-October.
BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz: "BGU and UM6P have much
in common. From their desert settings to their focus on applied research and
innovative teaching methods, the two universities are well suited to
collaborate on projects in sustainability and climate change. Both universities
are committed to thriving in the desert in a "Green" environment, and
both look outward – focused on helping our regions, countries and the
world."
Mohammed VI Polytechnic
University President Hicham El Habti: “We are confident that
linking science and technology institutions from both countries will have a
major impact on people at a local and regional level. UM6P and BGU consider
scientific research a key component for development, especially on
sustainability matters. That is why we have identified this topic as the first
step for our collaboration.”
BGU recently consolidated 50 years of research into the School of
Sustainability and Climate Change and UM6P has made this subject a top priority
of its research and education programs, within its Green Tech Institute
launched last year and its School of Agriculture, Fertilizers and Environmental
Sciences launched in 2015.
Media Coverage:
YNet
Israel HaYom
