Israel 'model of scientific research'

(ANSA) - Rome, November 2 - Israel is a model of scientific research for Italy, Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Wednesday during the presentation of the first edition of the 'Rita Levi Montalcini' prize for scientific cooperation between the two countries to Professor Itamar Procaccia.
    "(This) cooperation has been underway for 15 years and is an example of good practice," Gentiloni said.
    "Italy looks to Israel not just for partnership and political dialogue," he continued.
    "For us Israel is also a model of science, for the synergy that it has managed to create between research and new entrepreneurial initiatives," the minister said. "It is no accident that it is called the start-up nation." The Italian foreign ministry "pays great attention to the promotion of all forms of scientific diplomacy and research.
    (This is) a very useful and much appreciated tool of our diplomatic activity," Gentiloni said. Italy currently has more than 100 researchers in Israel and there are 170 projects involving scientific collaboration between the two countries. photo: Gentiloni (L), Procaccia and Education, University and Research Minister Stefania Giannini (R)