Position paper - The Israeli National Academy of Science in Medicine

Bio-medical research executed by physicians is a cornerstone in the advancement of medical research and treatment, and of the utmost importance for innovation in general and for the bio-medical industry in particular.

Despite worldwide recognition of the significance and potential of research performed by physician-researchers, there is no official policy in Israel on the matter and there is almost no designated funding for this purpose, whether for the research itself or to free up the physician from clinical duties in order to allow him or her to concentrate on research.

Today, the Israeli National Academy of Science, established by law in 1961, is the senior body in the scientific community in Israel, whose goal is to encourage and advance scientific activity, to advise the government on issues of national importance connected to scientific research and planning, and more. Despite this, it lacks the professional and financial resources necessary to advance bio-medical research that is based on clinical questions and observations by the patient's bedside and whose purpose is understanding the causes and finding a cure for disease, for the improvement of treatment and for public health.  Western countries have long understood the importance of bio-medical and clinical research that is supported by governmental funding and supervised by designated bodies.

The establishment of an Israeli National Academy for Science in Medicine as a non-governmental, not for profit institution, will advance the status of medical research in Israel and be a driving force for international investments in the bio-medical realm. The Academy will consist of the best physician researchers in the country, leading scientific minds with an international reputation and shall serve as the body acting to advance the needs of bio-medical research and provide non-biased, authoritative, evidence based advice and information on issues of health and policy in the fields of science and medical research for professionals, policy makers and leaders in all sections of society.

In order to bring to fruition the vision of the Israeli National Academy for Science in Medicine and catch up to other leading countries, it is essential that the Academy receives governmental recognition, that its status be codified by law as an advisory body and a source of economic growth for the bio-medical industry in Israel and that it receives designated funding for bio-medical research by physician-researchers.