Canadian universities strengthened ties with leading academic institutions in Israel today (July 8), paving the way for heightened research collaboration and improved student and faculty mobility between the two countries.

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with the Association of University Heads, Israel (AUH) during the visit of six Canadian university presidents to Israel July 4th to 11th.

Canada and Israel already collaborate in a range of sectors including energy, solar power, waste management and medicine, and their universities share research interests in a number of key areas, such as brain research, water technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.

“Canada and Israel share a common commitment to educational attainment and research excellence, and are among the best in the world in these important indicators of global leadership,” says AUCC Vice-President Christine Tausig Ford. “Increased collaboration with universities in Israel will strengthen the research and teaching missions of Canada’s universities and benefit both countries’ economies.”

AUCC is the national voice of Canada’s universities, representing 97 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities. AUH represents seven Israeli universities.