Left: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (credit: Dani Machlis); right: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (credit: UM6P)
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco have initiated discussions to collaborate on sustainability research projects, as well as students and faculty exchange programs.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed by mid-October, among the first between universities from both countries. Morocco joined the Abraham Accords to normalize ties with Israel last year.
“BGU and UM6P have much in common,” says BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz. “From their desert settings to their focus on applied research and innovative teaching methods, the two universities are well suited to collaborate on projects in sustainability and climate change. Both universities are committed to thriving in the desert in a ‘Green’ environment, and both look outward – focused on helping our regions, countries and the world.”
“This historic collaboration between BGU and UMP6P is an exciting step towards bridge-building between Israel and Morocco. The promising scientific research these two universities will partner on will be a remarkable contribution to Israel’s first School of Sustainability and Climate Change, announced earlier this year by BGU,” says Doug Seserman, chief executive officer of Americans for Ben-Gurion University.
Americans for Ben-Gurion University partners with the University through a variety of community outreach and fundraising programs nationwide. The organization is dedicated to developing the Negev region and ensuring Israel’s future by supporting BGU’s innovation, research, education, and significant partnerships such as this one.
According to Mohammed VI Polytechnic University President Hicham El Habti, “We are confident that linking science and technology institutions from both countries will have a major impact on people at a local and regional level. UM6P and BGU consider scientific research a key component for development, especially on sustainability matters. That is why we have identified this topic as a first step for our collaboration.”
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University has made this subject a top priority of its research and education programs, within its Green Tech Institute launched last year and its School of Agriculture, Fertilizers and Environmental Sciences launched in 2015.
The partnership will be supported by global companies ICL (Israel) and OCP (Morocco).
