EUROPE - Israeli Scientists Awarded Grants
Four Israeli researchers have been awarded European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept grants, marking a significant achievement for Israeli science and innovation in 2025.
Each researcher will receive €150,000 (about $156,000) to transform their research into practical applications that could benefit society.
The European Research Council’s Proof of Concept grants are highly competitive follow-up grants designed to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial applications. These grants help researchers explore the market potential and practical applications of their discoveries.
Prof. Elad Gross is developing an innovative solution to combat metal corrosion. His laboratory has created a molecular coating that could prevent rust formation on iron and steel.
Ben-Zvi’s team is developing novel molecules to help maintain muscle and bone strength during weight loss, potentially preventing conditions like sarcopenia and osteoporosis.
At Bar-Ilan University, Dr. Nitzan Gonen has received funding for her “Restore-Fertility” project, which addresses a crucial challenge in pediatric cancer treatment by preserving fertility in pre-pubertal boys undergoing chemotherapy.
-www.israel21c.org, 3 February 2025
Arno's Commentary
It is significant that Israelis have received these prestigious awards, although Israel is not located in Europe.
Section 1 in article 179 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states: “The Union shall have the objective of strengthening its scientific and technological bases by achieving a European research area in which researchers, scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely, and encouraging it to become more competitive, including in its industry, while promoting all the research activities deemed necessary by virtue of other Chapters of the Treaties.”
This Research Council is not unusual, since similar activities are ongoing in Japan and the US. Geographically, Israel is in the middle of the three continents Europe, Asia, and Africa. In general, they lean toward Europe. For example, while Israel is not part of Europe, they qualified as a member of FIFI (World Cup Football); they also participate in the annual Eurovision Song Contest.
According to Wikipedia, 164 countries out of 192 members of the United Nations recognize Israel as a sovereign state as of June 2024. Needless to say, most Islamic states do not.
When it comes to the Bible, we see Israel’s relation to the global power Rome 2,000 years ago. Based on Roman law, Jesus was born in Roman territory: Israel. The apostle Peter, in his message declares: “The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together” (Acts 4:26-27).
When in Israel, one notices that the design of license plates on cars is adapted from the Europeans, with the left portion in blue containing the national flag and the internationally recognized abbreviation “IL” for Israel.
We know that Rome (that is, Europe) represents the last Gentile world empire. While Israel only has a minuscule chance to become a member of the EU, we are reminded of the interesting Scripture in Acts 1:11: “…Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” The somewhat literal question arises: Will Rome (Europe) be in charge again when He returns?
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
