Mina and Everard Goodman

Bar-Ilan University in Israel has named its Faculty of Life Sciences after Mina and Everard Goodman, a British couple who have devoted nearly 50 years of support to the Ramat Gan educational institute.

Areas of work that will be supported by the facuulty which is being given a donation said to be in the millions includes: cancer, infectious diseases and environmental issues.  The donation will also help bring back scientists to Israel so that it will compete with the best research centres in the world.

"You chose to give your name to the fastest-growing faculty at Bar-Ilan University. We are at the cutting-edge of research that, with your help, will benefit mankind and impact upon future generations," said Bar-Ilan University Rector Professor Yosef Yeshurun at a special ceremony to mark the opening.

The London-based couple are known for their generous support of causes both in Israel as well as the UK by donating millions of pounds. This has included a recent £110,000 grant to support tests into Prostrate Cancer at St George's University of London.

As chairman of Tops Estates, Everard Goodman built up a property empire that was taken over by property giant Land Securities in a £517m deal last year which has enabled him to devote additional time and resources to help charities and educational institutes.

Related link:

Bar-Ilan University