Minister Akunis: "The chief scientists in the government ministries are the most objective advice givers"

The Science and Technology Committee of the Knesset held a discussion today with the participation of Science Minister Ofir Akunis and the chief scientists in the government ministries.

The Science and Technology Committee of the Knesset held a discussion today with the participation of Science Minister Ofir Akunis and the chief scientists in the government ministries. The chairman of the committee MK Uri Makalev emphasized the importance of the main scientists and said "The closer I get to the subject, the more I see their importance and influence. From climate issues and renewable energies, and also to things that seem small but affect our daily lives dramatically, such as developments regarding lane deviation, which are of tremendous importance in preventing road accidents." He also said that "if understanding is not promoted then legislation will be the spurring factor in regulating the status of the scientists".

The Minister of Science, Technology and Space Ofir Akunis told about his visit to China "within the framework of the international isolation, within 48 hours two agreements of significance in science, technology and innovation with international significance were signed. Increasing collaborations which means increasing joint research and laying a cornerstone for the Technion's Israeli branch. This is unprecedented, a certificate of appreciation for science, for Israeli innovation and for the country." In relation to the chief scientists, he said, "They are the most objective advice givers, who do not depend on anything. We are in the midst of regulating their operation and I accept the idea for legislation. If we come to the conclusion that it is required, we will do so."

MK Manuel Trachtenberg said "The chief scientists are one of the products of the higher education system. The five-year plan for higher education is taking shape these days and I am full of concerns that today the issue of scientific research has been relegated to a corner. It is impossible to enhance the function of scientists without the strong support of higher education. We must join the five-year plan and work for additional resources for scientists."

The Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Science, Prof. Nurit Yeremia, said, "Not all government ministries have functioning chief scientists, and one of our recommendations is to appoint a person with such a position, in order to provide objective scientific knowledge. We want to standardize between the ministries, make science accessible to the community and develop international community relations."

The Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Avihai Perel, said, "Unlike other ministries, we engage in applied research on our own initiative and are careful about the question of what we get out of it, to make sure that the technology goes down to the field for the farmer. In the past we were more concerned with the needs of the farmer and today the emphasis is on the consumer - security and food safety, reducing spraying and farming all year round. The high interaction between research and farmers who demand innovation and industry as a factor that has the ability to boost knowledge in Israel and the world." MK Makleb commented that he is "working with the finance committee chairman to increase support for the botanical gardens, but this is a dishonorable way of lobbying. I wasn't satisfied with answers and negotiations"

The chief scientist at the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Dr. Sinia Netanyahu, said, "About 120 studies are currently active, and one of the main problems is that we don't have an organized budget. The sources of the budget for the management of the studies stem from government decisions or crises such as the restoration of the Carmel and fire prevention, pollution in Haifa, the oil pipeline in the Arabah, and more."

The Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Shai Sofer, said, "In the past year, we have approved 12 sample studies in transportation systems on electric infrastructure that the road will provide energy, but the situation is bleak - there is one leading institution, the Technion, and we are sorely lacking a National Transportation Research Institute. Today, there is almost no advanced country in the world without such an institute." Chairman Makleb commented that "it is better to focus on cooperative public transportation." It won't hurt anyone and the public will pay half the price." Sofer replied, "We don't rule out outright, but we need to examine the idea in the overall context."

The chairman of the committee summarized the discussion and said "There are large gaps between the various ministries in terms of personnel and budget for research. The role and status of the scientist must be done in legislation or in another way. This will strengthen the role and allow more powers. Following the Paris conference, we will examine the technologies that will enable the decisions and bring them to the field. We will appeal to all government ministries to examine their budgets for funding research budgets for preparing for climate change."