| | 30 August, 2012
| | Prime Minister of Lower Saxony attends renewal of cooperation agreement between Hebrew University and University of Goettingen | |
 | | Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson and Niedersachsen`s Prime Minister David McAllister |
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The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Goettingen in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Germany today renewed and signed a cooperation agreement in the areas of research, teaching and the exchange of undergraduate and graduate students. The agreement was signed in Jerusalem by Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson, President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Prof. Hiltraud Casper-Hehne, Vice-President for International Affairs of the University of Goettingen, in the presence of Niedersachsen`s Prime Minister David McAllister.
According to the agreement, the universities will continue to develop exchange activities, define appropriate steps for research cooperation, and make efforts and create conditions conducive to supporting young scholars. Both universities will be able to use the results of joint research.
Since 1977 the State of Niedersachsen has been supporting over 150 joint research projects by Hebrew University and Niedersachsen scientists. From joint research on schoolbook texts, German-Jewish history and legal issues, to dealing with pressing issues in agricultural and medical research, as well as the Natural Sciences, all scientific disciplines are represented. In the last five years research collaborations with scientists from Niedersachsen account for almost 30% of all research projects with German scientists at the Hebrew University.
The signing ceremony included greetings from Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson, President of the Hebrew University; Mr. David McAllister, Prime Minister of the State of Niedersachsen; Prof. Hiltraud Casper-Hehne, Vice-President for International Affairs of the University of Goettingen; Mr. Carmi Gillon, Vice-President for External Affairs of the Hebrew University; and Prof. Isaiah T. Arkin, Vice-President for Research & Development of the Hebrew University.
Prof. Ben-Sasson said, ''This agreement between the two universities will lead to progress and future development. From an academic standpoint, the cooperative research we have with Germany is of unmatched significance and importance for Israel – greater even than that which exists with the United States. And within Germany, the state of Lower Saxony is the most important for us.”
Prime Minister McAllister answered, with a smile, “Just for this compliment it was worth coming to Israel. It is very gratifying to see that even away from Saxony we are recognized and appreciated. Prof. Casper-Hehne added that “in the last year alone, we have carried out a number of joint projects, and we are looking to continue this and to increase the exchange of students in order to increase intensive and in-depth scientific and cultural mutual recognition.”
Prof. Arkin noted that “the cooperation between the universities does not stem from the historic past of the two peoples but rather from a focus on the future, with the understanding that it is possible to create a better future through cooperative efforts.”
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