Opening Address by Federal Minister Dr. Annette Schavan

Our science systems are becoming increasingly international, and the number of international research collaborations is growing. German-Israeli research cooperation in particular has developed excellently over the past years. As a high-tech country with the world's largest density of researchers and engineers, Israel is an attractive partner for Germany in research and industry collaborations.

Researchers in our two countries are working together to find solutions to the urgent problems of our time so that we can preserve the Earth's natural resources for future generations. Close cooperation in the fields of environmental technologies, biotechnology, laser and optical technologies, renewable energy, materials research and nanotechnology as well as health research, marine research and geosciences contributes to economic growth, prosperity and mutual understanding in both countries.

The humanities and cultural sciences will be a special focus of the German-Israeli Year of Science and Technology. They should help us understand the past and enable us to present options for political action in the future.

The German-Israeli Year of Science and Technology 2008 will show the potential and dynamics of our cooperative relations by focussing attention on the manifold research projects and activities involved. At the same time, it is expected to encourage an even more intensive dialogue. Science and research are the basis of prosperity and will provide answers to the global challenges of the future.

Dr. Annette Schavan, MdB
German Federal Minister of Education and Research