Unique Technion-MIT Leadership Program Named for Ed Satell of Malvern, PA
NEW YORK and MALVERN, PA (August 7, 2014) – The competition to attract the world’s top researchers is a challenge all great universities face, especially in such fields as science, technology and engineering. Leading Israeli universities face an additional complication. Although long admired for its human capital, because of the country’s small academic community, its postdoctoral candidates must broaden their experience by going abroad to continue their studies. Many of these top students receive attractive offers from their host universities, leading to a subsequent “brain drain” at Israel’s universities.
Dr. Peretz Lavie, Technion President and one of the worlds premier sleep experts
The Ed Satell Technion-MIT Leadership Program will greatly enhance the recruitment and retention efforts of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. The novel multi-million dollar program was designed in collaboration between the two world-class universities. It identifies the most promising Technion Ph.D. graduates in engineering, physics and chemistry, and provides a formal pathway from post-doctoral research at MIT to a faculty position at the Technion.
“The post-doctoral fellows who are selected are exposed to leading research communities in their fields and vastly expand their expert exposure, and MIT benefits from the high-caliber research conducted by these scientists,” said Ed Satell, a major supporter of the American Technion Society who funds extensive research in high-potential developing areas of science.
“It’s a win-win program for the Technion and MIT.”
Up to six post-doctoral candidates are selected each year for a decade to join the program, with the goal of recruiting most of the 60 graduates as highly qualified new faculty members. Launched in the 2012-13 academic year, the Satell Program has so far included 10 fellows, with four more accepted for the 2014-15 academic year.
“We are grateful for Ed Satell’s gift, and for his forward-minded thinking,” said Technion President Peretz Lavie. “The Ed Satell Technion-MIT Leadership Program will help enhance the playing field for faculty recruitment for the Technion.”
Mr. Satell is the Founder & CEO of Progressive Business Publications, a multi-division executive information and education provider to businesses, government and nonprofits that serves more than 100,000 executives annually.
Recognized as “Individual Philanthropist of the Year” by the Greater Philadelphia Area
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Mr. Satell is one of the region’s quietest, yet most extensive philanthropists. He is known for his interest in effective, pragmatic projects that will make a difference locally and internationally. His company, Progressive Business Publications, is renowned for its focus on corporate social responsibility.
Mr. Satell’s previous scientific enablement gifts to the Technion have provided significant cutting-edge research programs, including the Satell Doctoral Fellows at the Technion to support promising scientists; the Richard D. Satell Cancer and Stem Cell Research Projects; the Satell Family Nitrogen Hydrogen Alternative Fuels Reaction Laboratory to create sustainable clean energy and others.
The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology is a major source of the innovation and brainpower that drives the Israeli economy, and a key to Israel’s renown as the world’s “Start-Up Nation.” Its three Nobel Prize winners exemplify academic excellence. Technion people, ideas and inventions make immeasurable contributions to the world including life-saving medicine, sustainable energy, computer science, water conservation and nanotechnology. The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Innovation Institute is a vital component of Cornell NYC Tech, and a model for graduate applied science education that is expected to transform New York City’s economy.
American Technion Society (ATS) donors provide critical support for the Technion – more than $1.95 billion since its inception in 1940. Based in New York City, the ATS and its network of chapters across the U.S. provide funds for scholarships, fellowships, faculty recruitment and chairs, research, buildings, laboratories, classrooms and dormitories, and more.
CONTACT: Kevin Hattori
(212.407.6319 / Kevin@ats.org)