Tel Aviv University and the University of Notre Dame Sign Cooperative Agreement for Academic Exchange and Collaboration

Tel Aviv University (TAU) and the University of Notre Dame (ND) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to foster academic cooperation in key areas of research and education. The agreement will allow for the exchange of academic information and materials; visits and informal exchanges of faculty, scholars and administrators; cooperation in postgraduate education and training; joint conferences and symposia; joint research programs; and the opportunity for other exchange programs.

The MOU was signed by TAU Vice President Dr. Raanan Rein and ND Vice President and Associate Provost for Internationalization Dr. Michael Pippenger.

“Tel Aviv University views this agreement as a first step towards a strategic partnership with Notre Dame, which would embrace collaboration in a large number of disciplines,” said Dr. Rein.

TAU and ND anticipate collaborations in international and peace studies, computer science, engineering and genome mapping. Both institutions are also internationally renowned for their research pertaining to social issues and challenges, such as migration and conflict resolution. These areas will be included in the new collaboration as well.

“Our agreement with the University of Notre Dame is part of Tel Aviv University’s overall effort to internationalize its research networks and augment its presence overseas, proving that science and research have no borders,” added Rein. “In addition to joint research initiatives, we hope to see an increasing number of American students participating in our groundbreaking programs.”

Schlindwein Family Endowment Fund for Excellence

In an effort to further support cooperation between the partnering institutions, the Schlindwein Family Endowment Fund for Excellence has been established with funding from Tim Schlindwein, an alumnus of Notre Dame and member of American Friends of Tel Aviv University’s Board of Directors.

Schlindwein played a key role in developing the partnership between the institutions and created the endowment to provide funding to those scholars committed to establishing or furthering joint research.

“The Fund for Excellence captures the spirit of both Tel Aviv University and Notre Dame,” said Schlindwein, managing principal of Schlindwein Associates, LLC. “Both institutions place a high value on teaching and research – with the latter as a mechanism to make teaching even better.”

While TAU has been collaborating internationally with leading universities such as NYU, Columbia and Northwestern universities for many years, Schlindwein says the cross-fertilization with Notre Dame is a natural fit because the institutions are linked by common core interests.

“Despite the notable differences of a secular university in a Jewish state and a Catholic university in a secular state, both are comprehensive, multi-disciplinary institutions committed to academic excellence, expanding their international footprint and furthering research for their students and faculty,” said Schlindwein. “I look forward to the advancements that will come as a result of this alliance between two of the world’s leading universities.”

About American Friends of Tel Aviv University

American Friends of Tel Aviv University supports Israel’s most influential, comprehensive, and sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). TAU is recognized and celebrated internationally for creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture on campus that generates inventions, startups and economic development in Israel. For three years in a row, TAU ranked 9th in the world, and first in Israel, for alumni going on to become successful entrepreneurs backed by significant venture capital, a ranking that surpassed several Ivy League universities. In 2016, TAU ranked 43rd among the world’s universities for the most US patents granted.