Israeli success in ERC funding opportunity

The vice president of an Israeli University has announced its pleasure on the latest announcement of European Research Council (ERC) funding.

The ERC announced that 32 Israeli scientists had won Starting Grants, including eight from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Grants range in value from €1.5m-€2m.

Professor Shy Arkin, vice president of the university, told The Jerusalem Post: “This news…shows the scientific power of Israel in general and the Hebrew University in particular. Israelis are leading in Europe in such a competition. Our status is high internationally. Young Israeli researchers are leading in Europe when considered on a per-capita basis. We should be proud of this achievement.”

Arkin said a culture of “learning and innovation” was key to the Middle Eastern country’s success. A total of 22 countries won a share of €400m in ERC funding.