Israel signs stem cell research agreement with California Institute

Agreement, facilitated by the Israeli-American Council, will provide a new framework for advancing joint biotechnology research.

By DANIELLE ZIRI
Updated: FEBRUARY 10, 2016 10:44
Petri dish [Illustrative] (photo credit: REUTERS)
Petri dish [Illustrative]
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Science and Technology Minister Ophir Akunis signed an agreement Monday between his ministry and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) for research cooperation in the field of biotechnology, with a focus on stem cells.
The agreement, facilitated by the Israeli-American Council, will provide a new framework for advancing joint stem cell research.
The CIRM and the ministry will provide funding for institutions from California and Israel for this purpose.
Akunis said the partnership is the “sharpest response to all the foolish initiatives to make academics boycott Israel, including here in California.”
Chairman of the AIC Adam Milstein said the organization is “excited by the opportunity to promote one of the most pressing issues facing humanity, and strengthen the bond between the people of Israel and the American people.”