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NANOYOU kicked off!

On 27 April 2009, the ORT Israel network held a ceremony to mark the launching of the NANOYOU Project to develop and implement a curriculum on nanotechnology for some 30,000 young people between the ages of 11 and 25 in 20 European and other countries. The project is being led by ORT Israel and financed by the European Union, with 9 bodies from 7 European countries.

The NANOYOU project will combine temporary exhibitions, computer games, experiments and other internet products together with workshops designed to promote a dialogue to raise awareness of ethical legal and social aspects of nanotechnology. The project involves developing learning materials about nanotechnology that will be appropriate for different age groups, and training of teachers in the schools.

The project is scheduled to last 27 months at a cost of 1.5 Million Euros.

The launching ceremony held at the Moshinsky Center on the ORT Singalovsky campus in Tel Aviv, was attended by members of the consortium who came from all over Europe (picture).

In addition, the ceremony was attended by members of ORT Israel’s board of directors, the Friends Association, the ORT Israel academic council, principals teachers and students.

The Minister of Science and Technology, MK Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkovitz greeted the participants:

“I am moved and excited. Israel has no natural resources, it has but one significant resource: its human capital. Nanotechnology is one of the most prominent fields of scientific research. I can’t think of a greater achievement than that of the ORT Israel network, which won the bid to lead this project. It is no secret that there are often differences of opinion on political issues between Israel and the EU, but this project proves that some things are stronger than politics. This is the essence – the future built on essential technological cooperation. This project makes a great contribution to our political relationship with the EU. There is nothing more symbolic than the fact that this project is being launched two days before our Independence Day, this is a great gift that ORT Israel and its European partners are giving to the State.”

ORT Israel has various European partners for this NANOYOU project: Belgium, the UK, Denmark, Spain, Austria and France. The EU Ambassador, Mr. Ramiro Cibrian-Uzal greeting the representatives of the participating countries:

“I am delighted to be here for the launching of this project. Israel is the only non-European country that is a full partner in this EU program to develop technology education. The EU has no alternative to its relationship with Israel. We are very satisfied with our ties with Israel in science, education and other areas. At the same time, I would like to say that we want to see this wonderful country living in peace with its Palestinian neighbors.”

Zvi Peleg, ORT Israel Director General:

“This is a real breakthrough in our work in terms of international activity and the export of knowledge in the most innovative and inventive science and technology education. Introducing our network’s abilities to 20 countries across Europe will lead to future collaborations with many countries around the world in the fields of innovative curriculum development and the implementation of technology study tracks and teacher in-service training to promote the education system within ORT, in Israel and in Europe.”

Contact:
ort-Israel-pr@admin.ort.org.il