Joint press release by the Deutsche Hochschulmedizin (German University Medicine), the Netzwerk Universitätsmedizin (Network of University Medicine) and the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel
German University Medicine and the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) launch more intensive research exchange
As part of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel, officially sealed on 12 May 1965, German University Medicine (DHM), the Network of University Medicine (NUM) and the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are announcing a new forward-looking collaboration in the field of medical research. This partnership builds on the long tradition of cooperation between the two countries and aims to bring together the scientific excellence of both nations to promote the exchange of knowledge and thus advance medical innovation.
“The 60-year history of German-Israeli relations began with a close cooperation in the field of research. We want to continue this tradition together. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to advance science and research on an international level. The exchange is intended to promote innovative ideas, deliver new insights and also serve as a model for open and diverse research,” explains Prof. Jens Scholz, Chairman of the German Association of Academic Medical Centers (VUD) and CEO of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH). “University medicine plays a central role in this partnership. The NUM saw the creation of a platform for all university medicine locations, and this becomes even more valuable when linked to research approaches from other countries. We are excited to see what potential this collaboration between the institutions will unlock for new scientific discoveries and better patient care.”
Research in the spirit of innovation
The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) – a world renowned medical center in Israel – has a long-standing tradition of translational research and development activities across a wide range of fields including data science, digital medicine, regenerative medicine, neuroscience and oncology. “Our partnership with the NUM offers a unique opportunity to harness the immense potential of large-scale data and AI-driven clinical insights." Ichilov brings deep expertise in real-world data application, digital health innovation, and patient-centered care. "This collaboration, by exchanging ideas and experiences, will generate new scientific knowledge, improve therapies, and drive innovation in both countries”, explains Prof. Eli Sprecher, CEO of the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov). “Given the wide overlap in foci of interest between our medical center and NUM and the striking complementarity between research capacities and resources at both sites, we believe that joining forces on themes central to the advancement of medicine in the two countries may bring significant benefits to patients and health systems alike.”
Expansion of international cooperation
“This intensive exchange will enable us to ensure that the results of our research are promoted, thus ultimately benefitting patients on both sides of the collaboration,” says Prof. Heyo K. Kroemer, President of Charité – University Medical Center Berlin and head of NUM. “The Network of University Medicine will receive funding for a further five years. This secures the interdisciplinary network of university medicine as a whole, including its research infrastructure. This funding will enable the NUM to continue pursuing its strategic goals. It also demonstrates the great potential for Germany to regain its position as an international leader in clinical research. The exchange with Ichilov Hospital marks the beginning of our internationalization.” For Ichilov, this collaboration also reflects a shared commitment to academic openness and mutual learning. It highlights the value of international partnerships in advancing scientific freedom, supporting institutional resilience, and investing in the next generation of clinical researchers.
Strengthening the partnership of values
The partnership between German University Medicine, the NUM and Ichilov is a symbol of the strong ties between Germany and Israel. “Our scientific collaboration impressively demonstrates how deeply rooted German-Israeli relations are. We want to continue to pursue innovative avenues of exchange in the future,” explains Prof. Matthias Frosch, President of the German Association of Medical Faculties and Dean of the Medical Faculty in Würzburg. Prof. Sprecher adds: “It is crucial that we work together as scientists to promote progress and ensure that science remains free and independent.”
With this partnership, German University Medicine, the NUM and the Tel Aviv Souraksy Medical Center (Ichilov) are sending a strong signal for the future of medical research, scientific diplomacy, and meaningful cooperation between German and Israeli institutions.
The German Association of Academic Medical Centers (VUD) and the German Association of Medical Faculties (MFT) represent the interests of the 36 academic medical centers and the 39 medical faculties in Germany. Their umbrella organization is German University Medicine (DHM). Together, the associations stand for cutting-edge medicine, first-class research and internationally renowned medical training and further education.
In the Network of University Medicine (NUM), for the first time all 37 German academic medical centers together are conducting large interdisciplinary clinical research projects. Launched to coordinate clinical COVID-19 research in German academic medicine, the focus today is on the joint collection and use of complex medical research data in a clinical context. The network has set up specialized research infrastructures for this purpose.
The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) is a world renowned 1500 bed large medical center in Israel. It offers comprehensive health-care services across all medical fields to close to two million patients annually. The Center is internationally renowned for its innovative research, advanced medical technologies and international collaborative network.