In July 2024, Israel welcomed distinguished delegations from the embassies of Georgia and Japan, highlighting the importance of international collaboration through innovative research and shared goals. These visits underscored the vital connections between these nations and emphasized their commitment to advancing sustainability and scientific inquiry.
The visit from the Embassy of Georgia, led by Amb. Zaza Kandelaki, Ambassador of Georgia in Israel, showcased an ambitious agenda to fortify ties with Israeli institutions. Key moments included a tour of solar farms in collaboration with Dr. Yariv Ben-Naim from the Faculty of Life Sciences. This visit illustrated a shared vision for renewable energy solutions, fostering discussions that laid the groundwork for potential partnerships in sustainable development.
L-R: Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, Academic Head, BIU International School; Prof. Moshe Lewenstein, BIU Deputy President; Amb. Zaza Kandelaki, Ambassador of Georgia in Israel; Prof. Arie Zaban, BIU President; Prof. Zeev Zalevsky, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; and Dr. Pilkhaz Nanikashvili from the Department of Chemistry
A pivotal introductory meeting took place with senior management staff from Bar-Ilan University, including BIU President, Prof. Arie Zaban, and other esteemed faculty members. These discussions deepened the understanding of innovative research conducted in Israel, resonating with Georgia’s scientific ambitions. The delegation also engaged with groundbreaking initiatives at the Center for Energy and Sustainability, where Dr. Ortal Raskin and Prof. David Zitoun shared their work on energy solutions, further highlighting the collaborative spirit of the visit.
Similarly, the visit by Amb. Arai Yusuke, Ambassador of Japan in Israel, and Mr. Yoshihiko Higushi, Cultural and Press Attaché, reinforced this theme of innovation. Their official visit to Bar-Ilan University coincided closely with the Georgian delegation’s activities. They too explored the solar farms alongside Dr. Ben-Naim and Dr. Raskin, emphasizing the importance both nations place on renewable energy and sustainability.
Amb. Arai Yusuke, Ambassador of Japan in Israel, visited BIU’s Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA Center). L-R: Dr. Yacov Bengo, BESA Center; Amb. Arai Yusuke; Prof. Eitan Shamir, Head of the BESA Center; Dr. Alon Levkowitz, BESA Center; and Mr. Yoshihiko Higushi, Cultural and Press Attaché, Japanese Embassy
The Japanese delegation also held introductory meetings with Bar-Ilan University’s senior management, engaging with key figures such as Prof. Moshe Lewenstein, Deputy President, and Prof. Shulamit Michaeli, Vice President for Research. These interactions sought to foster a deeper understanding of Israel’s academic landscape and research initiatives, much like those of their Georgian counterparts.
Both delegations toured the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, directed by Prof. Ehud Banin, where the significance of nanotechnology in addressing contemporary challenges was discussed. This shared focus on innovative research opened doors for Georgia and Japan to explore collaborative projects that could lead to impactful advancements in various fields.
Visiting BIU’s solar fields
The visits also highlighted the importance of joint efforts in addressing global health issues. A poignant stop at the Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center featured discussions led by Prof. Alon Korngreen and Prof. Eitan Okun on Alzheimer’s disease research, showcasing the potential for shared knowledge that could lead to significant breakthroughs in medicine and healthcare.
Ultimately, the visits from the Ambassadors of Georgia and Japan serve as a testament to the power of international collaboration in research and innovation. By forging stronger ties between nations, both Georgia and Japan are not only investing in their respective futures but also contributing to a global network dedicated to solving pressing challenges. These partnerships represent promising steps toward a shared vision of progress, sustainability, and mutual growth, emphasizing that through connection and collaboration, extraordinary ideas can flourish.
