Israel

Israel is one of the world’s leading scientific nations, with renowned universities, a dynamic innovation and start-up scene, and a competitive technology sector.

Since signing an agreement on a strategic partnership in 2013, the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities (IASH) and the Leopoldina have worked closely together in research, the promotion of early-career researchers, and science-based policy advice. The members of the IASH include some of the country’s most distinguished researchers, among them several Nobel laureates as well as members of the Leopoldina.

The two academies regularly organise joint scientific events. In neuroscience, a symposium series has been in place since 2007, while further symposia have addressed questions in law, economics and the digital humanities. In some cases, they also help shape international scientific exchange through trilateral formats, for example with the US National Academy of Sciences on topics such as digitalisation and energy.

In terms of science policy, the two academies maintain continuous dialogue on bilateral and European issues. A particular concern is their opposition to the boycott of Israeli scientists and scholars, as well as their support for expanding Israel’s association with the EU research framework programme Horizon Europe.

A particular highlight of the cooperation between the Leopoldina and the IASH was the organisation of a ceremonial event at the Leopoldina’s headquarters in Halle in spring 2025 to mark the 60th anniversary of German-Israeli diplomatic relations. Before a high-ranking audience, the event recognised the special role of science and culture as “unofficial diplomats” and pioneers of German-Jewish reconciliation.