The Negev-Nobel program aims at encouraging high school pupils of the Southern towns, including Dimona, Yeruham, Netivot, Sderot, Ofakim, Kiryat Malachi and Mitzpe Ramon, to pursue chemistry education. The project reflects a fruitful collaboration between the Israel Chemical Society, Ministry of Education and the local-industrial council N’eot Hovav. In 2012-2013 six new chemistry classes were established in Dimona, Yeruham, Sdot Negev and Eilat with external chemistry teachers. All four Israeli Nobel Prize Laureates in Chemistry volunteered to help and encourage the pupils and teachers. The formal opening ceremony of the Negev-Nobel program took place on January 1st at the visitors’ center of Teva Pharmaceuticals in Ne’ot Hovav in the presence of Ministers, Mayors, top executives of the Ministry of Educations and all four Israeli laureates of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In 2013-2014 the program has doubled with more classes and an increased number of attending pupils.
Prof. Abram Hershko: “I want to congratulate this important enterprise of science studies in the south. Science studies are of great importance, both to the youth and to the country. To the youth it contributes skills and broadens horizons, and to the country the reserve for the next generation of leading people in science and technology.”
Prof. Aharon Chahanover: “The language of science and technology is not only the language that has led to the greatest progress of mankind and the benefit of human life than any other language, in which humans communicate with each other. For this reason, it should also be the simple language of peace and understanding, because its purpose is improvement Human life, whatever it is. When training in the philosophy of science, history and social sciences and the humanities is added to the teaching of science, we will get a product that is not only a scientist, but understands science in the context of the society in which he lives, and peace will come to the world. I wish the politicians would understand this simple principle. ”
Prof. Ada Yonat: “The importance of science cannot be overstated. Furthermore, I would like to tell the students that there is nothing like the satisfaction and pleasure of a scientific discovery or receiving an answer to a disturbing scientific question. Please, teach from my experience – it’s fun to engage in science.”
Prof. Dan Shechtman: “The life of a scientist is full of experiences of discoveries and insights, and scientists love their work very much because it is interesting and challenging. A scientist has a broad background in many fields, but he is also an expert in a certain field, and in this field, he can make breakthrough discoveries, and thereby contribute to humanity a contribution important. We live today in a world where life expectancy and quality of life are immeasurably better than before, and this is thanks to developments and discoveries made by scientists in Israel and around the world. For those of you who choose to become scientists, acquire a broad education and specialize in a certain area, I promise a bright future.”
December 2012
Ahead of the launch ceremony of the Noble Negev program at the Teva Company visitor center in the Naut Hovav complex.
