Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco have initiated discussions to collaborate on scientific research projects, in addition to students and faculty exchange programs.

This collaboration – expected to be one of the first formal ones between universities from Morocco and Israel - should focus on sustainability issues including agriculture, water, energy, and ecological restoration.

This partnership will be supported by both global companies ICL in Israel and OCP in Morocco. The related Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed by mid-October.

BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz says, "BGU and UM6P have much in common. From their desert settings to their focus on applied research and innovative teaching methods, the two universities are well suited to collaborate on projects in sustainability and climate change. Both universities are committed to thriving in the desert in a ‘Green’ environment, and both look outward – focused on helping our regions, countries, and the world."

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University President Hicham El Habti? adds, “We are confident that linking science and technology institutions from both countries will have a major impact on people at a local and regional level. UM6P and BGU consider scientific research a key component for development, especially on sustainability matters. That is why we have identified this topic as the first step for our collaboration.”

BGU recently consolidated 50 years of research into the School of Sustainability and Climate Change. Additionally, UM6P has made this subject a top priority of its research and education programs, within its Green Tech Institute launched last year and its School of Agriculture, Fertilizers and Environmental Sciences launched in 2015.