The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis overwhelmingly approved Israel's joining the organization * Science Minister Akunis: Another tremendous international achievement for Israel
The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), a prestigious research institute, overwhelmingly approved Israel's joining the organization. 17 countries out of 24 companies voted in favor of Israel joining and one abstained. Among the members of the organization: USA, Japan, Russia, Great Britain, China, Australia as well as Pakistan, Egypt and Indonesia. Israel's membership in the organization is funded and led by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Last August, a government decision was made in Israel for Israel to join the Institute.
According to Science Minister Ofir Akunis: "The vote is another international achievement for the State of Israel. The chain of successes continues. Along with the desire of many countries in the international arena to strengthen ties and scientific cooperation with us, there is also a great desire for Israeli participation in international organizations. This is a huge expression of confidence in Israeli science, technology and innovation.'
As part of Israel's joining the institute, researchers from Israel will be allowed access to data analysis, further training and research collaborations and as a result write studies for comprehensive policy solutions in the fields of climate, energy, environmental quality, economy and more. Previous studies that came out of the institute received international exposure and are considered to be of very high quality from a scientific point of view. The institute's researchers are among the most cited scientists in the world.
The initiative to join came from the National Economic Council and the Ministry of Science and Technology will lead the membership in the organization accompanied by a committee of representatives of government ministries and academia. Israel allocated 350 euros to finance the cost of the organization's annual membership fees, and the Ministry of Science will finance approximately 70% of the budget.
The institute, located in Vienna, is an international network of researchers and research students and its members are representative bodies from 24 countries. The institute is funded by prestigious research institutes from all over the world, government grants and academia.
