February
25, 2004
UCSD Extension Awarded A $150,000
Grant
For Biotechnology Collaboration With Israel
San
Diego's new collaboration with Technion Israel Institute of
Technology
will expand opportunities for biotechnology research and education
By Monica Doyle
The
University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Extension and the
Technion Israel Institute of Technology will collaborate on
a set of initiatives designed to foster growth of the biotechnology
clusters in the United States and Israel. The collaboration
is being fueled by a newly awarded grant of $150,000 from the
U.S.-Israel Science & Technology Foundation (USISTF).
"The contract
we have just been awarded by the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology
Foundation enables us to work directly with the Technion in
Israel, on topics related to technology commercialization and
regional economic development," said Dr. Mary Walshok,
associate vice chancellor for public programs, dean of University
Extension. "This is a very exciting collaboration and follows
on the heels of a similar agreement with the University of Singapore
and the launch of our Global CONNECT network."
The collaboration between
UCSD Extension and the Technion is a natural fit. Extension
is known for its capability to assess regional innovation capacity
and for producing high-quality educational programs in biotechnology.
The Technion is widely recognized as Israel's first modern university,
dating to 1924, with graduates comprising much of the leadership
and workforce in Israel's biotechnology and technology sectors.
By sharing best practices
in technology commercialization with the broad range of stakeholders
from both institutions, the partnership will make progress in
three areas:
1) Expand opportunities
for collaboration in biotechnology research and education between
UCSD and the Technion, and the United States and Israel through
increased understanding of the respective research agendas and
capabilities;
2) Improve technology
transfer and commercialization processes in Israel through the
sharing of best practices of model university-industry partnerships,
including UCSD CONNECT, UCSD’s high-technology and life
science “incubator without walls”;
3) Create linkages
between academia, government, and the biotechnology industry
within and between UCSD and the Technion, and the United States
and Israel, that are necessary for the development and sustainability
of a vibrant bi-national industry cluster.
"It is through
strategic partnering that small companies can have global impacts,"
said Walshok. "If San Diego companies are successful in
global marketplaces, that keeps high wage jobs in San Diego,
which not only contributes to the tax base, but enriches philanthropy
in the region as well."
The collaboration is
funded by the grant from USISTF, which was set up by the U.S.-Israel
Science and Technology Commission, a government initiative created
by Bill Clinton, the President of the United States, and Itzak
Rabin, the Prime Minister of Israel, in 1995.
"The intellectual
capital that both UCSD Extension and the Technion bring to this
project is impressive," said Robin Blatt, chair of the
U.S. Biotechnology Panel at USISTC, and editor of The Journal
of BioLaw & Business. "By working collaboratively on
the development and dissemination of best practices I believe
we will begin to see the creation of a model, with the necessary
binational infrastructure, to foster technology transfer and
strategic alliances among U.S. and Israeli academic institutions
and companies."
UCSD Extension and
the Technion are also part of a larger consortium being assembled
by the USISTF. The consortium will lead to a better understanding
of the biotechnology industries in both the U.S. and Israel,
as well as catalyze partnerships and collaborations among companies
and organizations in both countries.
About UCSD
Extension
UCSD Extension provides innovative learning solutions to
the San Diego community and abroad by offering more than 600
classes and 120 certificate programs per quarter, as well as
a series of public programs designed to improve the region’s
economy through entrepreneurial and workforce development, public
forums, lectures, and civic roundtables. Learn more about UCSD
Extension at http://www.extension.ucsd.edu
or call 858-534-3400.
About Technion
Israel Institute of Technology
In operation since 1924, the Technion is the oldest university
in Israel. The university offers degrees in science and engineering,
and related fields such as architecture, medicine, industrial
management and education in an intellectually invigorating environment.
Emphasis is also placed on humanities and social science programs,
which take on ever-increasing importance in today’s multi-faceted
workplace. For more information about the Technion, please visit
www.technion.ac.il.
The English language version of the site is www.technion.ac.il/english.
About US-Israel
Science & Technology Foundation
USISTF was established in 1995 by the US-Israel Science
and Technology Commission, a bi-lateral government initiative
created by the President of the United States and the Prime
Minister of Israel. The USISTF has sponsored commission projects
covering a broad range of technology issues including information
technology, biotechnology, harmonization of regulations and
standards, defense commercialization, environmental technology,
and telemedicine and medical devices. The foundation is an independent
501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that implements and administers
programs mandated by the commission. Members of the USISTF include
the Los Angeles Regional Technology Alliance (LARTA), San Francisco-based
Burrill and Co., and Chicago Micro & Nano Technology Community
(CMNC). USISTF is online at www.usistf.org.
Media Contacts: Monica
Doyle (858) 964-1033
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