May 20, 2015

Professor Rivka Carmi, President of Ben Gurion University, is set to be honored by Queen Elizabeth II for her work to deepen scientific and academic relations between the UK and Israel. Carmi, the first woman to serve as president of an Israeli university, will receive an appointment of an honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Prof. Rivka Carmi (Dani Machlis)
Prof. Rivka Carmi (Dani Machlis)

“I am thrilled to accept this honor which recognizes the increasing links between the UK and Israel, especially in science,” said Carmi. “We are committed to improving the health of all nations and sharing our scientific discoveries.”

Carmi, a stem-cell scientist, is being honored for her collaboration with H.E. Matthew Gould, outgoing British Ambassador to Israel, and Oxford don Prof. Raymond Dwek. She and Gould have been the founding co-chairs of the UK Israel Science Council since its establishment in 2010.

“Her leadership and commitment to strengthen science collaboration between our countries has made a huge difference,” said Gould. “Britain is lucky to have her as a friend.”

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