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Abstract:
In the relationship between West Germany and Israel the bilateral scientific cooperation is
regarded as an ‘icebreaker’ for the troublesome development of a regular diplomatic and
cultural exchange. The preprint “A Special Relationship: Turning Points in the History of
German-Israeli Scientific Cooperation” sketches the evolution of bilateral scientific relations
from the 1950s to the 1980s with the Max Planck Society and the Weizmann Institute of
Science as leading institutions and complements earlier historical interpretations with new,
broadened horizons. As a result of contingent obstacles and opportunities the path dependent
formation of these bilateral relations in close mutual connection between scientific and
political agendas highlights reasons for long-term changes in German and Israeli science and
society. Moreover, it reveals new contexts for the development of a more conscious attitude
of the MPG towards science policy.