Britain and Israel are to work together in advancing the field of regenerative medicine.

The two countries will shortly establish a fellowship exchange scheme to encourage collaboration between scientists in a key area of research.

The scheme will be under the umbrella of the Britain Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership in Regenerative Medicine. Britain's Medical Research Council and the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology will provide matching funding of up to £50,000 to finance the project.

The partnership was announced by the British Minister of Universities and Science, David Willetts, who is in Israel on a visit designed to strengthen relations in fields including high-tech and science.

Mr Willetts was joined by Israel's Minister for Science and Technology, Professor Daniel Hershkowitz, who noted that regenerative medicine "is one of the most important fields of research".

Prof Hershkowitz said: "The goal of the joint fellowship programme is to encourage talented researchers to concentrate on this field in order to find a breakthrough in treating severe diseases. The programme is another important milestone in the relations between the UK and Israel."

Mr Willetts echoed his comments. He said that as "world leaders" in the field, the Israeli and British governments were keen to back this project.

"Both our governments are keen to support closer co - operation," he said. "This new fellowship scheme demonstrates our commitment to doing so."