The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology gave its highest award to New York Daily News Chairman & Publisher Mortimer B. Zuckerman at a gala dinner Monday.
The Technion Medal reserved for exceptional individuals who have made lasting efforts to advance humanity, was presented to Zuckerman for his “visionary support” of higher education in the United States and Israel, Technion said.
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A business leader and philanthropist, Zuckerman established the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program — a transformative initiative designed to foster a synergy between scientists in the U.S. and Israel.
“We proudly honor Mort for his foresight and leadership in building bridges between the U.S. and Israel through this game-changing initiative, ” said Technion president, Professor Peretz Lavie.
“Collaboration and cooperation are crucial in today’s fast-paced world of science. This is a win-win for both countries, ” Lavie said.
“The idea is to have Israelis study at the highest level of technology and science in America, and vice versa for Americans in Israel, ” Zuckerman said.
“The object is not just the intellectual accomplishments, but the establishment of connections that are personal, as well as professional. In this case, one plus one here equals three. Each could bring the other to a level that they would never have had access to unless they had this kind of working relationship, ” he added.
During the predinner reception, “Technion Innovators” demonstrated new technology that ranged from the next-generation baby monitor to a tongue-controlled assistive device for people with disabilities.
Under the Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program, the highest-achieving researchers from the U.S will have the opportunity to study in Israel, and their counterparts in Israel will come to the U.S.
During the 2016-2017 academic year, six postdoctoral researchers from North America are collaborating with leading scientists at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, as well as The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Rounding out the research exchange, four Israeli postdocs are studying in the U.S.
In addition, the Zuckerman Faculty Scholars Program provides vital resources to the four Israeli universities, allowing them to compete with elite American institutions.
By exposing American students to Israel’s renowned startup culture, the Zuckerman Scholars Program hopes to create a generation of innovative academic and industry leaders.
As some Zuckerman postdocs accept faculty positions in North America, others settle in Israel, and many go back and forth, the program promises to create a network of academic collaboration and goodwill that will benefit scientific cooperation across the continents.
Zuckerman is the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of U.S. News & World Report, the Chairman and Publisher of the New York Daily news, and the co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Boson Properties, Inc. Long a champion for Israel, Zuckerman has served as Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
Since its establishment in 1996, the Technion Medal has been awarded only 15 times. Previous recipients include Qualcomm co-founder and Technion supporter Irwin M. Jacobs; Israel Supreme Court Justice Moshe Landau; former Technion President and celebrated Israeli military leader Gen. (Res.) Amos Horev; and Technion graduate and an early founder of Israel’s high-tech industry, Uzia Galil.
