The programme, made possible by donation by The Kohn Foundation, will include a five-year exchange p​rogramme to build networks between scientists and further research in the UK and Israel. The programme includes the five fellowships, named the Royal Society Kohn International Fellowships, and series of bilateral symposia and workshops involving senior and early-career researchers from both countries. The Israel Academy of Science and Humanities will also offer a number of fellowships for UK researchers wishing to work in Israel. It is intended that the first Royal Society Kohn International Fellowships will be awarded in June 2015.

The agreement was signed at the Royal Society by Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, and Professor Ruth Arnon, President of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities.

Professor Ruth Arnon said:

"This agreement is a celebration of the international nature of scientific activity and recognises that Britain and Israel, two countries that share scientific excellence, can augment their individual contributions to mankind through high-level collaboration. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The agreement serves also as a clear statement in support of the unfettered exchange of ideas. The fellowships program, the central feature of the MoU, will foster research ties among early career scientists that will hopefully continue throughout their scientific careers – thus further enhancing the scientific relations between our countries. We are especially grateful to Sir Ralph Kohn for his vision and contribution in its support."

Sir Paul Nurse said:

“International collaboration is essential to progress in science. The UK is a world leader in science and it important that we make it possible for the best researchers from around the world to work here. The international insights and perspectives they bring also help strengthen UK science. Collaboration not only increases our scientific knowledge but improves our culture and economy too.  We are very grateful to The Kohn Foundation for supporting this very valuable and prestigious scheme.”

Israel’s Ambassador to the UK, H.E.. Daniel Taub said:

“We’re delighted to see these two great institutions building on the existing scientific cooperation between the two countries, and in fact taking it to a new level”.