The MOU focused in particular on four areas of mutual research interest between the two schools:  cancer research and treatment; pharmaceutical (drug) discovery; speech and hearing disorders; and biomedical imaging.

Reed was in Israel as a part of an Iowa trade mission led by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, representatives of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), and other officials. Reynolds said she and two dozen other Iowans met with numerous Israeli companies are interested in investment or trade with Iowa. 

After a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Iowa delegation met with two Israeli government organizations that promote research and development deals with businesses and educational institutions abroad.