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RELEASE: January 12, 2006

Codey Announces Technology Excellence Fellowships

Two Israeli Researchers to Train at World-Renowned Keck Center

(TRENTON) – Acting Governor Richard J. Codey today announced that the NJ-Israel Commission and the US-Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF) have selected two aspiring Israeli researchers for Technology Excellence Fellowships at the world-renowned W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience of Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ. 

"The Keck Center has been the premier research facility for sharing research and encouraging international collaboration," said Codey.  "The Center continually attracts researchers from around the world that are dedicated to a multidisciplinary approach and has made New Jersey a leader in neuroscience and stem cell research."

USISTF offer fellowships, known as the Technology Excellence Fellowship or TEF, for Israelis and Americans to train for eight weeks in each other’s country in various high-tech industries and institutions. 

“Rarely does a state or region have the opportunity to develop a vision and shape the destiny of a new era of growth within a specific industry sector," said Commerce Secretary Virginia Bauer. "Both New Jersey and Israel are approaching this historical juncture - with tremendous potential for new opportunities and for leveraging their talent and capabilities worldwide.”

The newly chosen fellows, Dr. Giora Ram and Renana Patoka, will conduct cutting edge research and build partnerships to focus on finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and related neuroscience problems. Dr. Ram has been involved in the development of medical diagnostic equipment for neurology and cardiology for over 20 years. His company, Imexco, created a new brain monitor called the “Neuritor” which is currently marketed as an electroencephalogram (EEG) device.  Ms. Patoka, from Proneuron, currently leads a pre-clinical research project on the efficacy of cellular therapy following spinal cord injury.  Both Fellows were chosen not only for their experience, but for their understanding and desire to expand opportunities for partnerships in neuroscience research between Israeli and US companies and institutions. 

According to Keck Center Director Dr. Martin Grumet, “This USISTF sponsored program will permit Israeli researchers from start-up companies to conduct cutting-edge research and build international collaborations to find a cure for spinal cord injuries and other neuro-related such as brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s diseases.”

Each Fellowship is carefully crafted to meet the needs of its candidates and their industry.    The Keck Center program will begin with an intensive three-day workshop on spinal cord injury research methods.  The workshop includes lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experience in all facets of spinal cord injury research.  Featured is the MASCIS Impactor, a rat model of spinal cord contusion that has been adopted by over 100 of the world’s leading spinal cord research laboratories. 

"Creating a match between the Keck Center and the TEF program was logical," said Andrea Yonah, Executive Director of the NJ Israel Commission. "We approached USISTF with the prospect of having a TEF Fellow come to the Keck Center. The goal of the program is to increase the international knowledge base of research methodology in order to spur innovative collaborative research between the two countries.” 

“By harmonizing research methods and fostering binational cooperation, USISTF Fellows will be among the top researchers to work toward new treatments for spinal cord injuries while continuing to develop the infrastructure for collaboration between U.S. and Israeli biotechnology industries,” Valerie Herold, TEF Director stated.  USISTF promotes harmonization of regulations, standards and procedures related to intellectual property, new drugs and medical devices, communications protocols and the environment to support technological growth and accelerate expansion to wider markets.

The New Jersey-Israel Commission was created to foster increased economic, scientific, educational and cultural relations with the State of Israel, one of the Garden State's most important trading partners. Israel is one of New Jersey's most important export markets, with $430 million in goods sent there in 2004 alone. In all, more than 50 Israeli companies have facilities in New Jersey, directly employing more than 1,000 workers.

Established in 1989, the New Jersey-Israel Commission is comprised of 125 members appointed by the Governor and eight members of and appointed by the State Legislature. The Commission operates out of the New Jersey Commerce & Economic Growth & Tourism Commission. For more information, visit.