Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and University of Miami sign collaboration agreement

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and the University of Miami (U of M) have signed an agreement to collaborate in areas that include joint research programs, academic cooperative programs and student exchange programs.

The agreement was signed yesterday by BGU President Rivka Carmi and U of M President Donna E. Shalala, who received an honorary doctoral degree from BGU the same day.

In coming months, both universities will focus on developing collaborative and cooperative programs of study in the fields of humanities and fine arts, social and behavioral sciences, engineering and mathematics, earth sciences and management sciences. Under this agreement, the universities may co-sponsor local and international seminars and colloquia as well as exchange faculty and research information.

"The University of Miami has quickly moved into the top ranks of American universities and we have now found our Israeli counterpart," President Shalala said at the signing ceremony at BGU. "It is vital for our two institutions to join our minds, voices and hands in the service of our collective humanity, said U of M President Donna E. Shalala. "A lifetime dedicated to public service has taught me that education and research are the best tools for building bonds of friendship and mutual respect among peoples and nations," she added.

President Shalala also extended an invitation to BGU President Carmi to speak at U of M in Coral Gables. Carmi responded warmly, "We are very honored and pleased to be signing this agreement. You were a role model of mine and to other women when women weren't so prevalent in positions of power."

U of M Professor Roni Avissar, dean of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, is accompanying President Shalala to BGU and will meet with Professor Amir Sagi, dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and member of the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, to discuss mutual areas of cooperation between their respective departments.

Ultimately, the universities may establish a joint student exchange program.

"This is a very exciting development for students and researchers at both universities, with the potential to closely link two world class institutions," explains Elise Dolgow, director of the Greater Florida Region of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "In South Florida, our supporters and the community-at-large should anticipate many exciting programs, joint research developments and cooperative projects in a number of areas."

Provided by American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev