“Professor Arnon and I will discuss ways to deepen the bilateral relations of our academies. Moreover, next year will be the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Israel and Germany. Hence the agenda of our discussions will also include drafting plans for joint activities to commemorate the 2015 anniversary year,“ said Professor Hacker. Examples include a joint symposium in Halle in early May addressing the topic of neurosciences and another in Jerusalem with a focus on chemistry to take place in November.

The relations between the Israeli Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the Leopoldina have for years been distinguished by a spirit of collaboration. Scientists from both academies, for example, have previously convened symposiums in 2008 and 2011 dealing with the topics of neurobiology and molecular infection biology. In 2010, Leopoldina president Hacker and former president Volker ter Meulen travelled to Israel to take part in the events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Israeli National Academy. The trip included a visit to the Knesset and a meeting with the President of Israel at the time, Shimon Peres.
On 1 December 2013 both academies signed a cooperation agreement in Jerusalem. It included provisions for collaborative work on scientific statements as well as the organization of joint conferences, seminars and colloquiums. The integration of young scientists and researchers from both countries into the proceedings will also be a special focus.

Professor Ruth Arnon has been the president of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities since 2010. This leading international immunologist has made important contributions to the development of vaccines and to cancer research. In addition, she played a key role in the development of a medication for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. From 1988 to 1997 she was the Vice-President of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rechovot, Israel. Previously, between 1975 and 1978, she was the Director of the Chemical Immunology Department at the Weizmann Institute. She served as the Director of the MacArthur Center for Parasitology for nine years beginning in 1985. From 1985 to 1988 she was also Dean of the Faculty of Biology and, from 1995 to 1997, Vice-President of the Institute for International Relations.
 
Since the Leopoldina was appointed the German National Academy of Sciences in 2008 it has served as the voice of German science in the dialogue among academies around the world. The discussion of current scientific issues in top-echelon international symposiums is an important aspect of the Leopoldina’s international activities. In addition, the Leopoldina also provides science-based policy advice on an international level.