Science and community

One of the Science and Technology Ministry’s main goals is to promote the relationship between science and the community in order to increase interest, involvement in and accessibility to science fields of the public at large, especially children and youth.  The Ministry works to increase the exposure to various fields of science and to demonstrate the impact science has on the daily life of each and every citizen, as well as its contribution to the economy, enhancing human capital and reducing societal gaps.  The Ministry regularly issues calls for proposals for extracurricular science activities in the community, mentors for science studies, projects and interactive programs. 

The division is also responsible for the activity of the regional research and development centers from Kiryat Shmona and the Golan in the north to Hevel Eilot in the south.  These include the Katif Research Center for Development of Coastal Deserts; the Dead Sea and Arava Regional Research and Development Center that works in three areas – the Dead Sea, the Central Arava and Southern Arava;  the Regional Research and Development Center of Eastern Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley; the Triangle Regional Research and Development Center; the Galilee Society’s Regional Research and Development Center; the Shamir Institute’s Regional Research and Development Center and  the Migal Galilee Research Institute.  The regional R&D centers program is unique to the State of Israel and is designed to bring science and research to the geographic and demographic periphery, to integrate additional populations in Israel’s scientific endeavors.  The Ministry is a partner in the establishment of these centers, in guiding their scientific activity and their funding. 

The centers conduct research studies in fields that are unique to their region, contribute to its economic and social welfare and solve the region’s specific problems.  The centers are run by leading researchers who are involved in the area, are aware of its unique nature and needs, and who are affiliated with and interested in developing the region.  The centers serve as an impetus for the economic, social and environmental development of the region in which they operate.   They encourage social integration, expose the population in the periphery to science within the community and contribute to the enhancement of its quality of life.