In Summary

  • Swinburne representatives visit Israel 
  • New research collaborations forged
  • Focus on science, technology and innovation

Swinburne University of Technology will develop new research collaborations with Israel in Swinburne’s areas of focus in science, technology and innovation.

University Chancellor, Graham Goldsmith, announced the commitment following a visit to Israel by senior executives, researchers and industry representatives.

Research focus on science, technology, innovation

The Swinburne delegation led by Mr Goldsmith aimed to develop closer collaboration with Israeli universities and industries in areas of advanced technology innovation, data science, translational research and entrepreneurship.

The delegation met senior officials and researchers from:

  • Tel-Aviv University
  • Technion Institute
  • Weizman Institute
  • Ben-Gurion University
  • Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Tel-Aviv Jaffa College

The group also attended briefings at the Google R&D Centre and with the heads of several major businesses in Israel.

The program was organised with the support of the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.

“We have been delighted with the opportunity to meet, discuss and learn with universities and other organisations future directions in science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship,” Mr Goldsmith says.

He says Swinburne will establish strategic partnerships with Israeli universities to develop joint research and development programs in a number of areas including in big data, cybersecurity, digital health and technology transfer. 

Inaugural alumni event celebrates Israel’s entrepreneurs

As part of the visit, more than 250 Swinburne graduates who live in Israel were invited to the country’s first alumni event.

Many of Swinburne’s Israeli alumni are graduates of the groundbreaking Masters of Entrepreneurship and Innovation program.

Leaders of business, start-ups and social enterprises, these graduates are making significant contributions to Israel’s burgeoning economy and reputation as a start up nation. 

“Swinburne’s alumni connections create exciting opportunities for collaboration to the benefit of both Israel and Australia,” Mr Goldsmith says.

The Swinburne delegates also took time to develop a deeper appreciation of Israel, its history and its culture. “This understanding provides the foundation for building our relationships," says Mr Goldsmith

Swinburne commitment to internationalisation

The university’s international engagement strategy is based on principles of alignment, mutuality and advancement.

In 2016, Times Higher Education ranked Swinburne as one of the world’s top 100 most international universities.

Recent international initiatives include: