£1.5m scholarship fund to back next generation of Israeli scientists
UK supporters launch major Hebrew University fund to finance 200+ postgraduate researchers tackling global scientific challenges
A major new £1.5 million ($2m) scholarship fund has been launched by the British Friends of the Hebrew University to support postgraduate researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in a move marking a century of UK-Israel academic partnership.
The British Friends Postgraduate Scholarship Fund will provide more than 200 scholarships for students working in the “exact sciences”, including fields such as medicine, environmental science, food security and technology.
The initiative comes as the Hebrew University marks its centenary year, alongside 100 years of support from its UK-based charitable arm, and is being positioned as one of the most significant investments in the organisation’s history.
Organisers say the funding will help equip a new generation of scientists to address global challenges, while strengthening longstanding academic and research ties between Britain and Israel.
Alan Jacobs, chair of the British Friends, described the scheme as a landmark moment for the organisation.
“For a century, British Friends have stood behind the Hebrew University and its mission to advance knowledge for the benefit of Israel and the wider world,” he said.
“The British Friends’ Scholarship Fund is our most ambitious investment yet in people – the brilliant young researchers whose ideas will power the next 100 years of discovery.”
He added that supporting more than 200 postgraduate students would help reinforce Israel’s position as a global scientific leader while deepening UK links with the university.
Tamir Sheafer, president of the Hebrew University, said the fund comes at a critical moment for research.
“The Hebrew University was founded on a simple yet profound belief: that developing the intellectual potential of our people is Israel’s greatest long-term asset,” he said.
“This visionary initiative… comes at a time when global challenges in fields such as climate, health, technology and food security demand ever more rigorous scientific research.”
He said scholarships would enable young scientists to pursue “cutting-edge work in Jerusalem” with impact extending beyond Israel to the wider region and international research community.
The Hebrew University, founded in 1925 with the backing of figures including Albert Einstein, is one of Israel’s leading research institutions and plays a central role in the country’s scientific output.
The new fund is intended as a long-term legacy project, investing in future talent while reinforcing the historic relationship between British supporters and one of Israel’s most prominent universities.
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