Tel Aviv, Israel – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis joined Florida Atlantic University (FAU), the University of North Florida (UNF), Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) and Miami Dade College as they signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Haifa.

“The partnerships being established here today reflect our shared belief that research and teaching go hand in hand,” said Governor DeSantis. “I cannot think of a better way to partner than for these Florida institutions to harmonize their efforts with the remarkable work being done at the University of Haifa.”

Photo Credit: Governor’s Press Office

“University of Haifa is proud to strengthen its international collaboration with colleges and universities in the USA and particularly in Florida,” said Professor Gad Barzilai, Former Dean, Faculty of Law, Vice-Provost and Head of International School, University of Haifa. “University of Haifa is a leading research and teaching institution that is the biggest in the Israeli north and a cutting edge university worldwide in Marine Sciences, Education, Social Sciences and Management, Humanities and Law, Social Welfare and Public Health, as well as Natural Sciences. It’s International School is hosting more than 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 50 countries worldwide. Our academic ties with institutions of higher education in Florida would be of great mutual value.”

Florida Atlantic University and the University of Haifa will collaborate on research focusing on the fields of marine science and engineering, invasive species and harmful blooms and other opportunities. In a second MOU, the two schools agreed to collaborate on exchange programs for faculty and students, especially in support of marine sciences and diplomacy programs.

The University of North Florida and the University of Haifa will focus on an academic collaboration including cooperation in education and research, exchange of scholars, and seeking opportunities for joint research projects.

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and the University of Haifa’s Student Abroad Agreement will formalize and expand academic cooperation between the universities and provide additional learning opportunities abroad for FAMU students.

Miami Dade College and the University of Haifa will seek ways to engage in exchange of scholars, joint research projects, joint teaching and/or supervision of students, as well as study abroad programs, student mobility and prospective exchange of students.

Governor DeSantis was joined by the following individuals for the Memorandum of Understanding signings:

• Professor Gad Barzilai, Former Dean, Faculty of Law, Vice-Provost and Head of International School, University of Haifa
• Ms. Hila Elroy, Head of Government Affairs, University of Haifa
• Professor Dan Tchernov, Vice President for Resource Development and External Relations, University of Haifa
• Dr. John Kelly, President, Florida Atlantic University
• Dan Flynn, PhD., Vice President, Research, Florida Atlantic University
• Lenore Rodicio, Executive Vice President & Provost, Miami Dade College
• Dr. Daniel Mon, Professor and Interim Associate Provost, University of North Florida
• Dr. M. Malek, Professor and Department Chair, Construction Management Department, College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, University of North Florida
• Heather Duncan, Vice President, Governmental Affairs, University of North Florida
• Dr. Larry Robinson, President, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

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