Americans for Ben-Gurion University Receives $3 Million Pledge for New Quantum Nanotechnology Facility
Americans for Ben-Gurion University Receives $3 Million Pledge for New Quantum Nanotechnology Facility
April 17, 2012
LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2012 — American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Americans for Ben-Gurion University) just received a $3 million pledge from long-time Americans for Ben-Gurion University supporter and National Vice President Ruth Flinkman-Marandy and Ben Marandy. This generous donation will support a new atom chip and quantum optics research and development facility at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Beer-Sheva, Israel.
The Atom Chip Lab is the first of its kind in Israel. Its new facility will provide the necessary technology to pursue world-class scientific investigation, as well as train promising young researchers. It will contain advanced nanotechnology research equipment, including sophisticated optics and lasers, high level computing capabilities and complex electronics.
Atom chips are used in the construction of “atomic clocks” which are fundamental to the extremely high precision guidance systems required for satellites, missiles and other vital homeland security products. Dr. Ron Folman of the Department of Physics will head the new facility.
The Flinkmans were early supporters of the nanotechnology research initiative at BGU. “I am so proud to continue to help provide the resources for cutting-edge research and training,” explains Ruth Flinkman-Marandy. “With this level of research and development taking place, BGU will attract great minds to live in the Negev and will be a magnet for high-tech companies that will leverage University resources.”
In 2010, BGU dedicated the Stan and Ruth Elaine Flinkman Microscopy Wing in the state-of-the-art Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. Ruth also contributed significantly to student scholarships and several other programs at BGU. She is currently the campaign chair for the Americans for Ben-Gurion University Southwest Region headquartered in Los Angeles.
“Americans for Ben-Gurion University is extremely grateful for the ongoing dedication and support of Ruth Flinkman-Marandy, who has an extraordinary vision for the use of quantum nanotechnology research, especially as it pertains to the future security of Israel,” explains Doron Krakow, executive vice president of Americans for Ben-Gurion University. “With Ruth’s and Ben’s help, BGU will improve its ability to attract the world’s best and brightest researchers.”
For more information about BGU’s Nano in the Negev program, visit www.aabgu.org/nano.
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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