The Ministry of Science (MOS) strengthens the crucial "middle-link" connecting the basic scientific research of Israel's universities with the product-oriented R&D of her industries. By supporting advanced strategic research and technological infrastructure, international cooperation, and scientist absorption, MOS is contributing to Israel's future as an international center for science-related products and services.

Much of MOS's impact on Israel's science system comes from its role as a national focal point, coordinator, and facilitator. It often takes the lead in identifying, organizing, and promoting new scientific initiatives in areas of national priority. For example, high temperature superconductivity (HTSC) was first discovered in 1986. By 1987, MOS had already formed an ad hoc National HTSC Strategy Committee. Working closely with the Ministries of Industry and Trade (MIT), Defense, and Absorption, MOS helped initiate projects throughout academia and helped set up a company to help commercialize results. In 1989, MOS and MIT/OCS, jointly established both a National Committee on Biotechnology (NCB) and a high-level committee (the Katzir Committee) charged with designing a specific national strategy for biotech success. The Katzir Committee's "Report on Biotechnology" (1989) provided detailed, integrated plans to promote Israeli biotechnology. MOS recently established a high-level "think-tank" to help promote the utilization of Israel's biotechnology knowledge by industry.

MOS often functions as an important partner of other ministries in initiatives related to science. In international affairs, for example, MOS has worked closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish important cooperative science agreements with Russia, China, India, and many other countries (over 40 at last count). Domestically, MOS has sponsored a national gene bank with the Ministry of Agriculture, supported by a satellite ground station with the Ministry of Infrastructure; developed a computerized water-management system (WATEX) with the National Water Carrier; and undertaken many similar inter-ministerial intitiatives. The Israel Space Agency (ISA) operates under the MOS umbrella.

MOS has also taken an active role in improving the geographical distributiion of Israeli R&D opportunities by providing help to Regional R&D centers and by creating a Permanent Council for Regional R&D.

Finally, MOS remains committed to exanding public understanding of, and interest in, science. MOS informs the public of its scientific activities through its many publications--most available free-of-charge--as well as from its internet site. The Office of the Spokesman answers inquiries, arranges interviews, and issues periodic news releases.

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