Israel's ecological diversity, combined with its social and economical challenges, demands specific regional research. For this purpose, the Science and Technology Ministry, in collaboration with regional institutions, has established regional R&D centers throughout Israel.
Regional R&D centers conduct feasible researches that promote Israeli research and solve regional problems at the same time. The centers serve as a link between the periphery and the center of Israel. In order to realize the full scientific, social and economical potential found in the periphery, regional R&D centers are based on leading researchers with a personal involvement and interest in the region, who are involved in all aspects of the center.
Public committees carry out periodical examinations of the R&D centers activity and management, and consult the Ministry of Science and Technology in matters of promotion and funding of the R&D centers.
Regional R&D centers goals:
- Establishment of local R&D hubs as support bases for social and economical development in the periphery.
- Initiation of R&D within local resources with social and economic awareness.
- Science and community - motivation of social integration, familiarization with Science and Technology, improvement of residents welfare, strengthening the level of education.
- Expanding the scientific basis in Israel, development of infrastructure for the absorption of scientists, both Israeli and new immigrants, in the periphery.
- Promoting cooperation between established institutions and researchers in the periphery, for the advancement of local R&D and for its inclusion in the general R&D environment.
- Allowing periphery researchers gain access to the advanced scientific infrastructure, found in the established research institutions.
The Mega Regional R&D Centers Framework
A unique research framework, gathering scientists and researchers of the region, who contribute to Israel's national research.
List of regional R&D centers in Israel: