Nine students from the UK have been joined by more than 80 young people from around the world in attending the Technion’s prestigious SciTech summer scheme. The students, who are from both Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds, were chosen for their exceptional interest and ability in science and technology.

The programme gives budding young scientists an opportunity to learn at one of the world’s foremost technological universities under the guidance of leading scientists. The sixteen and seventeen-year-olds enjoyed a summer programme of cultural and social activities fused with scientific research in the company of their peers from across the globe. During the four-week camp, participants were able to take part in interactive projects centred on various aspects of science and technology including genetics, aerospace and robotics.

Some of the British participants included those unable to attend last year’s scheme, which was postponed following rocket attacks on Haifa.

Tony Bernstein, Executive Director of the British Technion Society, said: “The summer camp has enabled our gifted UK students to enhance their studies through interaction with some of the world’s leading scientists. The scheme has given participants the opportunity to develop and hone their skills as they move towards further education and a career in the scientific sphere.

Sam Cherkas 18, from London said: “I learnt a lot from my SciTech project as well as from the Professors. I was taught about image recognition and discovered what life is like in a research environment. I was pleased to get a project that I found challenging as well as enjoyable. In addition, there was a huge mix of cultural backgrounds and everyone got on really well.”

James Charles 19, from London, commented: “I would never have guessed how valuable my time at the Technion would be. In addition to the many scientific projects at SciTech, we also had the opportunity to visit places of interest in Israel. I treasured the sites that were offered to us including a camel ride in a Bedouin camp and a tour around Haifa.”

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Editors notes:

Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology is Israel's leading science and technology university. Home to the country's first winners of the Nobel Prize in science, it commands a worldwide reputation for its pioneering work in nanotechnology, computer science, biotechnology and medicine.

The University’s faculties include physical sciences, engineering and it boasts one of the top medical schools in the world. Due to the ingenuity of Technion alumni, Israel is now home to the greatest concentration of high-tech start up companies anywhere outside of the Silicon Valley. Such is the strength of the Technion’s academia that 74% of managers in Israel's electronic industries hold Technion degrees.

The oldest university in Israel has in recent years pioneered advances in many fields. This includes discoveries made in developing the most advanced drug to treat Parkinson’s disease and apparatus that improves walking for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients – and the Technion has one of the only graduate programmes to design, build, and launch satellites. Many breakthrough genetic discoveries have been made at the Technion including creating new heart muscle with its own blood supply using human embryonic stem cells.