Israel’s Beresheet Program for Aliyah Researchers: Key Details
The Beresheet Program is a strategic Israeli government initiative designed to attract outstanding postdoctoral researchers—either new immigrants (olim) or returning residents—to integrate into Israel’s academic research institutions. Here’s a concise breakdown of its key aspects:
Objective
To strengthen Israel’s academic sector by incentivizing top-tier scientists to make aliyah or return to Israel while securing faculty positions at Israeli universities.
Eligibility Criteria
Immigration/Return Status:
Must be an oleh (immigrant) or returning resident (absent ≥2 years).
Aliyah/return must occur by the end of the calendar year the call is published.
Status must be verified by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
Academic Requirements:
First-time PI in Israel (no prior academic leadership role in the country).
Tenure-track faculty at an Israeli university (with government funding) by the start of the academic year.
Post-PhD: Up to 6 years after completing a Ph.D., with postdoctoral experience.
Institutional Submission:
Applications must be filed by a university’s R&D Authority (individuals cannot apply directly).
Funding Structure
Research Grant:
Experimental/Empirical Research: Up to 700,000 NIS/year.
Theoretical Research: Up to 400,000 NIS/year.
Administered by the Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC).
Personal Absorption Grant:
100,000 NIS/year for 5 years (taxable).
Paid by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration via the Center for Integration in Science.
Selection Process
Competitive, based on academic excellence.
~15 grantees selected annually by the Israel Science Foundation.
Results announced by mid-August.
Grant Conditions
Employment Requirement: Must begin work in Israel in the same year as the application.
Payment Schedule:
Year 1: 50% after 6 months, 50% after 12 months.
Subsequent years: Annual payment upon confirmation of continued employment.
Transfer Options:
Direct to researcher (taxable) or via university (up to 50% can augment research budgets).
Termination Clauses
Grant stops if the researcher leaves the institution without transferring to another eligible university.
Funding contingent on government budget allocations.
Contact for Eligibility Verification
Ms. Ella Budanov Ministry of Aliyah and Integration Email: elab@moia.gov.il | Phone: 073-3972514
Aliyah/return must be finalized by December 31 of the application year.
This program aligns with Israel’s broader goals of leveraging global Jewish talent to enhance its academic and scientific ecosystem. Researchers are advised to coordinate closely with their prospective universities and the Ministry of Aliyah for seamless integration.
