Yeda, the commercial arm of the Weizmann Institute
of Science, announced that it has agreed with the
Johnson & Johnson Corporate Office of Science &
Technology to establish a joint fund to support scientific
research at the Weizmann Institute of Rehovot. The
fund's research grants, totaling hundreds of thousands
of dollars, will support research in life sciences, medical
aspects of nanotechnology and the development of
medical devices.
By participating in the new fund, Johnson & Johnson
will be exposed to emerging scientific research,
and be able to follow new scientific trends as they
develop, in real time.
"We welcome the cooperation with Johnson & Johnson,
one of the most broadly-based manufacturers of health
care products in the world," says Dr. Isaac Shariv,
CEO of Yeda. "We believe this joint fund will lead to
stronger ties between the company and Israel, to the
mutual benefit of all sides."
Yeda's Chief Business Officer, Dr. Einat Zisman, said:
"Since the announcement of the program, we have
received a number of requests for support for exciting,
original, multidisciplinary research projects. No doubt
the existence of a joint fund with Johnson & Johnson will
encourage the growth of novel directions in research
at the Weizmann Institute and the development of new
intellectual property."
"Johnson & Johnson is committed to funding research
at leading universities worldwide, and we are very
excited to establish a partnership with Yeda and the
Weizmann Institute to support healthcare innovations,"
said Dr. Joni Catalano-Sherman, Corporate Director
for Johnson & Johnson. "We are convinced that the
research funded through collaborations with research
institutions throughout the world will help lead to
medical breakthroughs that could transform the lives
of patients in the future."