The oldest German-Israeli scientific exchange programme turned 50 years old in 2023!
Since 1973, over 2,000 German and Israeli scientists have been able to spend several months in the other country. For 50 years, this has not only promoted German-Israeli cooperation in cutting-edge research, but also maintained the friendship between the two countries, an essential asset, especially against the backdrop of their shared tragic history.
50 years of the Minerva Fellowship Programme
This anniversary film provides insights into the history of the programme, its successes and challenges, its contribution to the German-Israeli (scientific) relations and shows how the programme has influenced the individual lives and careers of its fellows over the decades.
(Production: TWENTYTWO Film GmbH)
The Minerva Stiftung planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Minerva Fellowship Programme in Jerusalem at the end of November 2023 together with current fellows from both countries, alumni of the programme, the Fellowship Committee, German and Israeli academics and high-ranking politicians from both countries, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who had confirmed their attendance.
The plans for this celebration were severely shaken by the terrible terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel on October 7. Due to the ongoing warlike developments in the region since then, the celebrations have been postponed until further notice.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all our colleagues and friends in Israel affected by the terror, as well as to the innocent and suffering civilian population on both sides of the conflict.
