Within the framework of the Italy-Israel agreement on scientific cooperation, the ASI (The Italian Space Agency) and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology of the State of Israel (hereinafter refered to as "the Ministry" or "MOST") have decided to fund cooperative research. Accordingly, MOST invites researchers and scientists to submit proposals for research to be carried out jointly by researchers from both countries. For the avoidance of doubt, please note that this Call is for proposals from Israeli research teams only but the research will be conducted in cooperation with Italian research teams. The research teams on the Italian side have already been chosen by ASI and will conduct the research with the Israeli research teams whose proposals will be chosen for funding within the framework of this Call.
The aim of this Call is to support the development of scientific and technological cooperation between Italian and Israeli researchers and to strengthen the scientific partnership between research groups from both countries, by establishing bilateral research networks, enhancing research cooperation and promoting the exchange of knowledge between Italian and Israeli scientists.
The joint research shall focus on one of the main areas of cooperation and its subtopics as detailed in Section A, and concentrate on applied research which could lead to technological applicability and the development of new products.
Qualifying scientific applicants in this framework may receive research grants from MOST, according to the applicable national funding procedures, regulations, and the requirements as detailed in this Call.
MAIN AREA OF COOPERATION – Irrigation Needs
Israeli research teams are hereby invited to submit proposals for applied research study on Irrigation Needs in accordance with the full requirements that are specified in appendix A.
- SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Research proposals must be prepared and submitted by the Israeli research team and must be carried out jointly by the Israeli and the Italian teams. Research proposals must be submitted by Israeli PIs to MOST through the Science Forefront system. Each proposal should be written in English.
Deadline for applications: July 31, 2025 at 15:00. Proposals will not be accepted under any circumstances after the said date and hour.
Further submission instructions for Israeli research teams:
- The Israeli PI shall submit the proposal through the Science Forefront system, at https://kf.most.gov.il.
In order to apply for the first time, the applicant needs to fill an "account request" at the Science Forefront system. The request should be approved by the Research Authority of the Affiliated Institution. Once approved, the applicant will be notified by email that the account is active. The approval process may take time and therefore should be done well in advance of the application deadline.
- Deadline for researchers' submission: The PI must submit the proposal in English via the Science Forefront system by 24/7/2025 at 15:00 local time (Israel). The online system will be closed for submissions after the said date and hour and no researchers' submissions will be accepted after that time. Israeli researchers who have not submitted their proposals by 24/7/2025 at 15:00 local time (Israel) will not be allowed to submit their proposal.
- A proposal that has been submitted can be edited by the PI, in coordination with the Affiliated Institution, until the final joint submission deadline.
- The Affiliated Institution must submit the proposal not later than by the final deadline on, 31/7/2025 at 15:00 local time (Israel time). Proposals that are not submitted by the Affiliated Institution through the Science Forefront system by this time, will not be accepted.
- Please be advised that as technical problems are possible, and the submission process may take a significant amount of time.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to fulfil the above steps well in advance of the applications deadlines.