Skip to main content

Author: AUFTAU

Standing Alongside Our Students: President Herzog’s TAU Visit

President Herzog’s Recent Visit Highlighted Our Strong Support and Fostering Environment for Students.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal Herzog, visited Tel Aviv University yesterday (03/06/24), meeting returning reservist students, international students and leading researchers. The pair – both alumni of TAU’s Buchmann Faculty of Law, were accompanied by the University’s President, Prof. Ariel Porat, and senior University management.  

Returning Reservists on TAU’s Support Sytem

The visit included a meeting and discussion with the reservist students about their experiences, challenges, and assistance with returning to studies. All the students, who have returned to their studies from up to 140 days in IDF reserve duty, spoke of difficulties in readjusting to civilian life: “One week you’re in Khan Younis, and the next week you’re in the classroom – it’s hard to find the inner quiet and concentration to sit still and do the work,” said one.   With that, the students acknowledged the goodwill, accommodations, and academic and financial support given by the University to students transitioning from army service to coursework and exams. For example, one student said he was moved by the fact that the first three calls he received on the morning of Oct. 7 to see if he was OK were from professors and counselors at the University; and another student said that the tuition grants TAU allocated to all reservists significantly helped with his financial hardship.   President Herzog’s thanked the reservist students for their brave service and asked them to now try and return to normal life, developing their brains and talent, getting their degrees and changing the world.   President Herzog and The First Lady, Michal Herzog, Shaking hands with TAU students.   The Herzogs then met with TAU Lowy International School students, many of whom are part of the student task force battling anti-Israel disinformation on social media.   Additionally, the President and his wife toured the lab of Dr. Tali Ilovitsh, who develops innovative ultrasound technology that destroys cancer cells without surgical intervention, and the lab of Prof. Ben Maoz, who develops “organ-on-a-chip” technologies for regenerative medicine and drug testing. Both labs are in TAU’s Samueli Engineering Building at The Fleischman Faculty of Engineering.   The President and the First Lady visiting Dr. Ilovitsh’s lab.   President Isaac Herzog and Michal Herzog’s visit to Tel Aviv University showcased the profound support for students at TAU, bridging the gap between military service and academic pursuits. Their interaction underscored TAU’s commitment to empowering students to overcome their challenges and thrive. Together, they symbolized the enduring partnership between education and national service, inspiring a brighter future for all.

Tree Planting Ceremony Honoring October 7th Victims: A Symbol of Remembrance and Hope

At Tel Aviv University Campus, a Planting Ceremony Commemorated the Fallen of the October 7th War while Expressing Hope for the Safe Return of All Captives.

In a solemn yet hopeful ceremony held at Tel Aviv University, students, faculty and members of the community gathered to plant the Avenue of Remembrance and Hope to honor the memory of the victims of the tragic events of October 7th. The occasion marked not only a remembrance of the lives lost but also a testament to the resilience and hope that persists in the face of adversity. The ceremony commenced with the planting of trees and yellow flowers (the color associated with the return of the captives) along the university’s grounds, symbolizing hope and commemorating those who have lost their lives during the events of October 7th and in hope for the safe return of all captives to peace. Each tree represented a life lost, a loved one mourned, and a hope for a brighter future. The planting ceremony held in the Gilman Building courtyard included the participation of Professor Ariel Porat, President of TAU, Daniel Zilber, Chairman of the Student Union, and Miriam and Aharon Haber, the bereaved parents of First Sergeant (Res.) Zechariah Pesach Haber, a doctoral student and guide at The School of Plant Sciences and Food Security at The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, and Stav Levi, a student of architecture at the The David and Yolanda Katz Faculty of the Arts, whose partner, Idan Shtivi, was abducted in Gaza. The campus community came together to plant trees and flowers and tie yellow ribbons for the return of all captives.
“We hope that the planting of the boulevard will serve as a reminder to the university community, faculty and students, of your ability to help fulfill the versatile dreams of those who have fallen in all fields of knowledge, thus ensuring the continuity of their achievements and dreams”, said Prof. Porat.
“It’s hard to believe that in a little while, five months will have passed since October 7th, a day that will forever be remembered as a terrible disaster for the State of Israel and the Jewish people”, Prof. Porat continued. “The terrible thing that happened that we feel both as a nation, as a country and individually is a pain that does not pass with time, it only grows during this period. If there is a need for a painful reminder, we receive it every day. We all hope for the return of the captives and the recovery of the wounded, and the cessation of soldiers dying in battle. This grove is dedicated to the murdered and fallen, but it also contains a certain sign of hope for the return of the captives”. As Prof. Porat planted the first tree in the avenue, a solemn atmosphere took hold, carrying with it a firm commitment to never forget the sacrifices made. Miriam Haber shared her son’s, Zechariah Pesach’s, pursuits. Zechariah Pesach (RIP) had fallen in battle in Gaza on January 16th. Zechariah fell at the age of 32 and was a very dedicated husband and father to three young children. “The main thing about his fall is a heavy personal loss to his family and friends, but not only that. Zechariah’s choice in the field of plant health and his research topic – Wheat Cultivation Under Stress Conditions, stemmed from his deep love for the land of Israel, the ground of Israel, and all humanity. He chose to help with food security due to the difficult climate changes affecting the earth. We are convinced that his colleagues at TAU will continue to fulfill his scientific dreams”, said Miriam, moving the audience present at the ceremony, with the planting of a tree in memory of her son.   Miriam Haber speaking to campus members.
“The only way we will have resilience, as a nation and as a healthy society, will only be possible if the captives return home. I believe in light, in hope, in life, and all the hope and faith that together we will be able to fix what can still be fixed,” said Stav Levi, whose partner, Idan Shtivi, is captive in Gaza.
Stav asked to continue doing everything possible for the return of the captives. “Yesterday was Municipal Election Day, and it was an upsetting and chilling day for me, because since October 7th, the basic and existential choice for life itself has been taken from me. What choice does my Idan have now and other 133 citizens with him? They do not know if they will survive in the next minute. Idan, imprisoned in Gaza for 145 days by monsters, is afraid for his life and captured in abyssal fear. Will he receive food or water today? Or will he have to survive without? When will he be able to perform a basic action like speaking again, after being allowed only to whisper for 145 days? The only important choice here today is the choice of citizens who are currently abandoned in Gaza, the choice to fulfill the most basic and moral obligation of a state to its citizens”. Our hearts are always with the families of the fallen and the captives, and we all hope that they will all soon return to us in peace.

Tel Aviv University’s New Academic Integration Tracks Welcome Olim

TAU partners with Israel Student Authority to launch new degree options for recent immigrants.

Since the beginning of the October 7 war, there has been a noticeable surge in citizenship requests and Aliyah to Israel, particularly from France and the United States, but not exclusively. Responding to this growing trend, Tel Aviv University (TAU) is introducing new academic integration tracks in collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. These tracks offer a unique opportunity for new Olim to start studying in English or French and eventually graduate in Hebrew.
Professor Milette Shamir, Vice President International of TAU: “Discovering the overwhelming interest in moving to Israel, during my recent travels abroad, has left me truly astonished.  It’s heartening to see how many young people are eager to make aliya at this challenging moment in Israel’s history.  The new Integration Tracks could not have come at a better time.”
In the upcoming year, TAU will introduce two English tracks and one in French offered through the Lowy International School. Students opting for English can choose between a BA in Liberal Arts and Management and an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. For French speakers, there’s the option to apply to the Programme de Licence en Sciences Sociales, Politiques et Économiques with a choice of five fields of study that include Economics, Political Science, Communication, Anthropology & Sociology, and Labor Studies. Currently, it is the only French-taught program in Social Sciences in Israel.

Hebrew Classes, Networking Opportunities, And More

These programs provide newly arrived immigrants with a valuable opportunity for soft integration into Israeli society and the educational system. The academic integration track includes fully-funded Hebrew learning, with intensive language courses during semester breaks and additional Hebrew classes throughout the semesters. Before transferring to the Hebrew track, students take the Yael exam to assess their Hebrew proficiency. Students in the English undergraduate track have an option of studying Hebrew for two years, while those in the French track will have a shorter, yet more intensive year-long Hebrew course as their academic workload will be lighter – with only five subject courses in their first year of studies.   Additionally, students have the opportunity to work part-time, acquiring valuable local work experience. Daria Gurskaia, a second-year student in the BA in Liberal Arts and Management who made Aliyah in 2023, highlights, “In my current job, I get to apply the knowledge and skills we’ve learned in the classroom. Our program effectively prepares us for the job market, and working part-time during my studies will surely help me build my career.”
“Students will be able to immerse themselves in the local community while studying alongside Israelis, making them more eligible for jobs in Israel upon graduation.”—Louise Hyatt, the program coordinator for BA in Liberal Arts and Management.
MA in TESOL graduates will receive an Israeli teaching certificate upon completing the full two-year program, enabling them to find employment in schools or colleges in Israel. In addition to a strong theoretical foundation, the curriculum includes practical training.
“Our students teach English classes either in local schools or through the TAU’s Center for Language Excellence,”—Kate Klementieva, TESOL program coordinator.
MA TESOL students find immense value in this practical component of the program. For Elli Kichik, a TESOL student participant, the practicum is a standout feature: “I can watch a real experienced teacher at work, and also teach myself.” She is confident that the TESOL degree will unlock numerous opportunities for her in the future: “I’m already applying the skills acquired during the course in my current teaching practice.”

Beyond Academics: Comprehensive Assistance System

Making Aliyah is a significant decision, and TAU, in collaboration with the Israel Student Authority, offers extensive support. Admitted students will receive support from a designated Olim student counselor on campus throughout their studies, addressing academic, scholarship, and other concerns.   Additionally, Olim students have access to psychological guidance, provided either by a social worker or through a psychological support framework subsidized by the Israel Student Authority. The tracks also come with partial or full funding for eligible students, and housing support grants are available to new Olim.

Student Spotlight

Noa Joffe, originally from Germany, made Aliyah in 2021 to connect with her Israeli and Jewish roots. Reflecting on her decision, she shares, “Life in Israel is hard, but the experience is worth it. The multiculturalism and diversity here have taught me many things about life and helped me develop myself.” Noa Joffe, Olah from Germany
“One can learn about Israel by coming here for a vacation, but one will really benefit from it only if one takes the jump to the unknown and engages with the challenge of studying in a new country. For me, it was the best decision I could have taken.”
Joffe emphasizes that studying at Tel Aviv University reinforced her decision: “It is a big challenge, but the reward of making it is the greatest feeling.”

How to Enroll?

The tracks are open to new Olim who made Aliyah less than 3 years ago. The maximum age for undergraduate applicants is 27 years old, while for the graduate program, the cutoff is at 35 years old.
What is particularly important, undergraduate applicants are exempt from submitting psychometric test results, a requirement for Israeli applicants.
To check your eligibility, you can contact the English or French-speaking coordinator at the Israel Student Authority. Explore new academic horizons, embrace cultural diversity, and contribute to Israel’s future by joining TAU’s integration tracks. To discover more about opportunities for Olim at Tel Aviv University, please visit the dedicated webpage.

Open Day at Tel Aviv University

Thanks to the Thousands of Curious and Effervescent Individuals who Came to Ask the Right Questions on Open Day.

Newcomers on Campus

On Friday, February 23, Tel Aviv University hosted its open day for undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus, attracting thousands of interested individuals who came to learn about admission conditions and registration process, meet with the academic and administrative staff and converse with veteran students from various fields of study that intrigued them.

This year, amid the war and for the first time in academia in Israel, Tel Aviv University presented special conditions for reservists and discharged soldiers recruited for an extended period and those from war-afflicted areas, offering admission routes to all study programs without psychometric testing, to enable their success.

The visitors participated in experiential tours during the open day among the faculties’ buildings and study departments, providing insight into various fields of study and glimpses into different laboratories. The first 200 registrants for studies on Open Day received a surprise—a pair of Saucony running shoes as a gift.

Among the most popular meetings were familiarization with Tel Aviv University’s innovative teaching methods, including experiencing virtual reality and workshops at the Consultation Center for choosing a profession and study path to students’ success. In addition, prospective students came to learn how to study a whole semester at leading universities abroad as part of the student exchange program and participated in a workshop at the campus Entrepreneurship Center, where they learned how to pursue their dream of a start-up even during their degree.

Exploring new horizons (Photo: Shlomi Mizrahi)

International Experience at TAU

The Lowy International School showcased Tel Aviv University’s extensive selection of English-taught degree programs. With over 20 graduate and four undergraduate offerings, the School presented a diverse array of academic options spanning various fields, including the newly launched MSc programs in Biomedical and Environmental Engineering.

Of particular interest to the Open Day visitors was the innovative academic track designed for Olim, enabling them to start their studies in English or French while simultaneously learning Hebrew. Prospective students also had the chance to explore the campus during a guided tour conducted in English by the outreach manager, Mr. David Ryan.

The Lowy International School’s team at the Open Day

Meanwhile, Israeli students seized the opportunity to learn more about student exchange possibilities available at TAU, leveraging over 70 exchange agreements with universities worldwide. They gained insights into the necessary steps for preparing for an exchange and discovered the numerous benefits associated with such international study experiences.

Giving a Fair Starting Point to Our Reservists

“This year, we faced a complex reality where many individuals interested in studies were recruited to reserves, yet we were delighted to see a campus full of curious individuals.”—Sharon Ariel, Marketing Manager at Tel Aviv University.

(Photo: Shlomi Mizrahi )

Ariel adds: “It was important for us to provide information about admission to Tel Aviv University, inviting everyone to come and gain added value from our campus experience in a maximal way. The tours and meetings in the faculties enabled them to hear about study programs from students, ask the right questions, get a close look at the laboratories, observe leading researchers in their fields conducting experiments, hear from lecturers and academic and administrative staff about all the study options and diverse programs, enter lecture halls for the first time, and stroll through the green paths among the buildings.

The easing plan we developed and are implementing this year for those recruited to reserves or affected during the war will also help new applicants start their studies on the right foot. Our students spend many hours here over several years during their degree, and on Open Day, we allow those considering studying here to feel almost like students”.

(Photo: Shlomi Mizrahi )

We were happy to host them all on our beautiful campus and we hope that together with us, hand in hand, prospective students will start their journey following the discoveries, inventions, and theories awaiting revelation. Hope to see you next year.

Couldn’t make it to Open Day and Interested in TAU’s International Track? All the information about admission pathways and what needs to be done to start studying at Tel Aviv University is available on the TAU International website >

Elevate Your Future with TAU’s Pioneering MSc Programs in Engineering

TAU introduces two new English-taught MSc degrees: Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Engineering.

Are you intrigued by the prospect of developing organs on a chip or addressing water contamination challenges? Look no further! In the upcoming academic year, Tel Aviv University (TAU) is introducing two groundbreaking MSc degrees: Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Engineering. The programs welcome aspiring engineers and environmental enthusiasts, promising a unique fusion of research, innovation, and career prospects. Conducted entirely in English, these two-year programs extend full support to international students through the dedicated Lowy International Student Life team.     “These programs are a golden opportunity for Engineering or exact science majors keen on studying Biomedical or Environmental Engineering in the start-up nation,” comments Brian Rosen, Vice Dean for International Affairs in the Faculty of Engineering.
“TAU is one of the world’s most innovative universities and largest producers of unicorn startup founders.”—Brian Rosen, Vice Dean for International Affairs in the Faculty of Engineering.
Exceptional students in the research track may qualify for several types of scholarships.

Delve into the Future with Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is a rapidly evolving field, and TAU’s MSc program immerses students in this dynamic domain. Spanning disciplines such as mathematics, data science, AI, electronics, mechanics, physics, biology, and physiology, the program equips clinicians with advanced tools for precise and non-invasive diagnosis and improved biomedical devices.
“The Department of Biomedical is listed in the top 150 BME departments in the world, and the fact that more than 10 hospitals are affiliated to TAU ensures a swift translation of research into clinical practice,”—Professor Ben Maoz, the head of the Biomedical Engineering MSc program.
Tissue engineering is just one of such pivotal tools aiding researchers in understanding human physiology and facilitating drug development.   Professor Ben Maoz, Department of Bio-Medical Engineering, the head of the Biomedical Engineering MSc program Within this program, students can explore nine primary research areas, from biofluids and biomechanics to computational and systems biology. Working closely with a research advisor from the lab faculty, students also have the option to transition to a PhD track after the first year.

Environmental Engineering for a Sustainable Future

If you’re an engineer passionate about tackling environmental challenges, this MSc program in Environmental Engineering program is tailored for you. Join the program and become an engineer who makes a difference in the future of our planet. During your studies, you will be able to dive into fields such as water purification technologies, renewable energy, desalination, microplastics, nanotechnologies, air quality improvement, and more. Professor Hadas Mamane, School of Mechanical Engineering, head of MSc in Environmental Engineering Professor Hadas Mamane, the program head, assigns great importance to hands-on experience from day one:
“Our students collaborate in TAU’s extensive research labs with leading scientists and participate in industrial internships with leading companies.”
Ranked as the top Environmental Engineering program in Israel (2023 Shanghai Ranking), the program emphasizes both technological and practical learning from industry professionals and the development of interdisciplinary skills. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths, extending beyond environmental engineering to roles in AI data companies focused on sustainability, government, tech firms, utility companies, NGOs, academia, and green startups.   Dr Ines Zucker and her students Whether immersing yourself in the intricacies of biomedical engineering or contributing to environmental solutions, these two new graduate programs at TAU promise a unique blend of academic rigor, practical application, and a pathway to diverse and impactful career opportunities. Embark on an educational journey that not only expands your knowledge but also positions you at the forefront of innovation in your chosen field. International admissions are now open, and you can submit your application online to seize these exciting opportunities for academic and professional growth. Join TAU in shaping the future of biomedical engineering and environmental solutions!

TAU Sets New Standards: Reservists Admitted Without Psychometric Exams

TAU introduces a new admissions pathway supporting reservists, evacuated citizens and families of fallen soldiers.

Tel Aviv University announced that for the next school year, many hundreds of students who serve in the IDF reserves will be eligible for admission to study for a bachelor’s degree through a new admission route that will be opened for them in all fields of study on campus (excluding medicine), without the need for a psychometric exam. The admission will be available to candidates who served 60 days or more in 2023 (starting from October 7th 2023) or those who served longer than 28 days in 2024 (from January 1st 2024).

The university recognizes and takes the difficulties that arose into consideration regarding the large amount of university candidates whose preparations for the psychometric exams conflicted with their active reserve duty. In addition, the university will also make the new admission route accessible to evacuees from the conflict lines (pending approval from the government).

According to the university’s decision, those eligible for the new admissions route would get accepted based solely on their high school matriculation grades. Each study program on campus will allocate approximately 10% of the total admissions for the upcoming year to students accepted through the new format. This decision, led by the TAU Rector, Prof. Mark Shtaif, was made after a comprehensive examination of these issues.

Boosting Academic Opportunities

TAU emphasizes that the adjustments in admissions to studies are part of the university’s deep commitment to the IDF reservists and to their success in their studies and are a recognition of the difficulty created by their service even during the application phase before they begin their studies. A significant amount of candidates take the psychometric exams in December and April. During this time, the reservists who took part in the war that started in October (and is still continuing over four months later) have encountered difficulties in preparing for, as well as and taking these exams.

In the current academic year, TAU promised to do as much as possible so that all reservists, men and women alike, complete their studies successfully. Prior to the start of the school year, the university approved a special plan for reservists that included a series of concessions and adjustments, including: a reduction in the number of hours required to complete the degree, the right to receive binary pass/fail grading in some of the courses, more flexibility in choosing exam dates and more.

In light of feedback from the campus as part of the ongoing dialogue with reservist students and the cooperation with the Student Union, the university recently approved additional adjustments, including specific ones for students who have served in the reserves for 28 days or more since the beginning of the semester. In addition, discussions are currently taking place at the university regarding the possible continuation of these concessions into second semester of the current school year as well.

Exploring Responses to Challenges and Cultivating Collaborations

Tel Aviv University hosts a delegation from UCLA.

The Lowy International School hosted the UCLA delegation at Tel Aviv University on February 20 as part of their solidarity trip to Israel. In a substantive round-table discussion, 27 UCLA faculty members spanning diverse research disciplines engaged in insightful conversations surrounding the events of October 7, the ongoing geopolitical situation, and the actions Tel Aviv University has been taking. TAU President Prof Ariel Porat described the wide range of initiatives launched by TAU to support its student reservists, agricultural communities in the south of Israel, and displaced residents of the south and the north.
“We opened the academic semester with a heavy heart as 2000 of our students are still serving in the reserves. To support them, we’ve started a special program that includes group and individual tutoring sessions to help the students who miss classes.”—Prof Ariel Porat, TAU President
Prof Porat also underscored the paramount importance of academic freedom, cautioning against the potential hazards of political intervention on university campuses. Prof Neta Ziv, Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Community at TAU, spoke about creating a shared space for everybody on campus considering that universities are places where many members of Israeli society meet for the first time, having grown up in their separate communities.
“Any tension in the country is immediately reflected on campus. On the one hand, we want our students to be active citizens and express their views and we view the campus as a democratic sphere, but we have to deal with the boundaries,” — Prof Neta Ziv.
Currently, TAU’s student body is highly diverse, encompassing 16% Arab students, along with significant numbers of Druze students, Christian students of Ethiopian descent, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The university is committed to ensuring that the campus remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

TAU’s Response to Post-October 7 Realities

After October 7, new challenges emerged, including the delineation of free speech boundaries and the need to ensure that there are no incidents on campus amid existing tensions between Jews and Arabs once classes resume. Prof Ziv affirmed the university’s steadfast commitment to safety and inclusion:
“Everyone is welcome here; the campus is a place where everyone belongs.”
According to Ziv, the university was inundated with complaints after October 7, with students allegedly supporting terrorism or inciting against Arabs on social media. Emphasizing the imminent threat to free speech during emergency times, she clarified that, out of over 100 cases brought before the Office for Diversity, only three resulted in disciplinary hearings, leading to the expulsion of students who actively supported the massacre. Prof Neta Ziv, Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Community at TAU Prior to opening the semester, faculty members received training on how to talk to students about what had happened, what to say and what not to say, how to contain the discourse and controversy in class.
“What do we do to start the school year in a way that would acknowledge that many of our students have gone through trauma, and many of our Arab students are afraid of being targeted?”
As Prof Ziv explained, a lot of of time and resources went into preparing for the school year. Since the start of the semester on December 31, the situation on campus has been quiet despite a small number of isolated incidents because the students really want to have a place where they can study and leave everything else outside the university gate.

Exploring Political and Gender Dimensions of the War

Prof Itamar Rabinovitch Professor Emeritus of Middle Eastern History at Tel Aviv University (Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies,); Israel’s former ambassador to the United States and former Chief Negotiator with Syria in the mid-1990s, and the former President of Tel Aviv University (1999-2007) The expert panel, moderated by Prof Itzhak Friend, featured a talk by Prof Itamar Rabinovitch, former Israel’s Ambassador to the US, addressing the political ramifications of the ongoing conflict and President Biden’s proposed two-state solution. Prof. Daphna Hacker, a distinguished scholar in TAU’s Law and Gender Studies and an Independent Expert to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, provided a compelling analysis of the gender dimensions within the ongoing hostilities. Prof. Daphna Hacker, Full Professor at the Law Faculty and the TAU Women and Gender Studies Program and an Independent Expert to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women

UCLA Delegation’s Perspective on the Visit

Members of the UCLA delegation discussed the challenges faced by Jews within academic institutions and efforts to counteract instances of antisemitism. Reflecting on the visit, Prof Mark Klingman from the UCLA School of Music emphasized the significance of hearing firsthand experiences from Israelis and being at Israeli academic institutions to understand responses and people’s well-being.
“It’s very different than hearing it on the news. Hearing everyone’s experiences on October 7, what they did and how it impacted their families has reminded me of 9/11.” —Prof Mark Klingman from the UCLA School of Music
Prof Klingman also highlighted the determination and unity he observed among people in Israel during the visit. Prof Ariel Porat, TAU President, and Nir N. Hoftman, UCLA Another delegation member, Dr. Tabia Lee, Director of Coalition for Empowered Education and Member of Free Black Thought, expressed her happiness in learning about Israel’s rich history of diversity and inclusion. “I’m very excited to hear the perspectives of professors and to hear them actively engage with questions. Seeing people being able to challenge each other, to adjust positions and perspectives is very inspiring, and I’m going to take that back home as a model,” said Lee. She further stated that one of the primary purposes of the visit was to meet local communities, speak to families, witness the actual sights, and express solidarity with the people of Israel during this time.
“The resilience, the ability to still be open to dialog, compassion and wisdom that is here in the people is something that I admire so much. If we can take it and emulate it where we are, our society will improve.” — Dr. Tabia Lee, Director of Coalition for Empowered Education and Member of Free Black Thought
  During the concluding discussion, the UCLA delegation expressed their commitment to building relationships with TAU faculty underscoring the collective pursuit of fostering meaningful collaborations on faculty and student level.  

Revolutionizing Plant Cloning: Boosting Global Agriculture?

Can better rooting in plant cloning improve crop variety, cost, and climate resilience?

In an extensive and multi-phased international study that lasted for eight years, led by researchers from the School of Plant Sciences and Food Security at TAU and the Volcani Institute, there were new compounds developed that significantly increased the rooting efficiency of cuttings (typically small branches) taken from mature trees. The researchers explain that getting cuttings to root is a critical component in modern agriculture: “A significant number of fruit trees, as well as forest trees and ornamental plants, are today based on cutting propagation: the creation of plants that are genetic clones of an individual with desirable characteristics. Improving the rooting process can contribute to global agriculture in various aspects: developing new, high-quality varieties, lowering prices for farmers and consumers, increasing the economic viability of new cultivars of crops, and adapting crops to the changing climate conditions”.

Enhancing Nature

The research was led by Dr. Roy Weinstain, research student Ohad Roth from the School of Plant Sciences and Food Security at TAU and Dr. Einat Sadot from the Institute of Plant Sciences at the Volcani Institute. Also participating in the research were Dr. Inna Vints from the TAU School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Prof. Nir Ben-Tal and Dr. Amit Kessel from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at TAU, Sela Yechezkel, Ori Serero, Avi Eliyahu, Pan Tzeela, Dr. Vikas Dwivedi, Dr. Mira Carmeli-Weissberg, Felix Shaya, and Dr. Adi Faigenboim-Doron from the Volcani Institute and Prof. Joseph Riov from the Faculty of Agriculture of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The study was in collaboration with researchers from the USA, Germany, Denmark and England and published in the prestigious journal Nature Biotechnology.

Left to right: Dr. Einat Sadot, Dr. Roy Weinstain, Ohad Roth & Sela Yechezkel. Photo credit: The Volcani Institute.

Left to right: Dr. Einat Sadot, Dr. Roy Weinstain, Ohad Roth & Sela Yechezkel. Photo credit: The Volcani Institute.

Dr. Sadot explains: “vegetative propagation through cuttings is a method used to propagate plants asexually – not through seeds. In this method, a branch is selected from a plant with desirable properties (e.g. fruit taste, drought resistance, disease resistance, etc.), and parts of that branch, called cuttings or propagules, are exposed to conditions that cause them to grow roots and become independent plants. The new individuals created this way were actually clones with the same genetics as the mother plant. For a crop to be economically viable, rooting percentages of at least 50-60% are necessary, and this figure is a significant consideration for farmers. Rooting percentages vary between different genuses of the same family, between different species of the same genus, and even between different cultivars of the same species, and there are important agricultural plants that are particularly difficult to root”.

Cutting-Edge, Literally

To improve the percentage of plants developing roots, it is necessary to expose cuttings to the plant hormone auxin – a procedure that was discovered more than 70 years ago and has hardly changed since. Dr. Weinstain: “The effectiveness of the existing auxin treatment varies from plant to plant. Numerous agriculturally important plants hardly respond to the standard auxin treatment in terms of root formation that couldn’t be commercialized. In our study, we sought to increase the effect of auxin on the cuttings. Evidence in the scientific literature and observations by experts in the field led us to address the question: will a slow release of the auxin in the plant increase the rooting success of the cuttings?” To do this, the researchers first created a ‘library’ of materials based on synthetic auxin conjugates – molecules in which a synthetic auxin attaches to another chemical group that neutralizes its activity but can be released slowly in plant cells. The library was examined using cuttings from a mature Eucalyptus grandis tree, in which the standard auxin treatment reached low rooting percentages of only 10-15%.

Research student Ohad Roth explains: “The initial examination identified several compounds that have a positive effect on the rooting process, and further research focused on the most effective one. We discovered that this compound enables a combination of high permeability to the plant with a prolonged release of the active substance, the synthetic auxin, so that the auxin stays in the plant much longer, up to a week and a half”. Indeed, the upgraded treatment increased the rooting percentage of the Eucalyptus grandis cuttings to 60% – up to 6 times higher than the rooting percentages found using the standard method.

Later, to more deeply understand the new compound’s mode of action, the researchers used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. They discovered that the synthetic auxin used in the new material is more stable (breaks down more slowly) in the plant cells compared to the auxin used in the standard treatment. In addition, the researchers identified a family of enzymes in the plant that are responsible for the release of the synthetic auxin. By modeling these enzymes’ structure and biochemical properties, they have identified important characteristics of their activity.

In the next step, the researchers wanted to see if similar enzymes are also present in other plants – assumingly their presence will allow the new material to be used as well as in other crops. They discovered that this family of enzymes is very ancient and preserved throughout evolution in every tree tested. In light of the encouraging findings, they began to test the effectiveness of the materials they developed on various crops.

Transforming Argan Trees to Agricultural Crops

One of the most meaningful crops examined in the study is the argan – the Moroccan oil tree. The researchers: “The global demand for argan oil is increasing by the years because of its incorporation to a large variety of food, health and skincare products. But to date, the almost exclusive source of this oil is the fruits of argan trees that grow endemically in Morocco and multiply by sexual reproduction, i.e. through seeds. All efforts to turn argan into an agricultural crop, which can be propagated by rooting cuttings, have failed – including attempts here in Israel. In our research, we took cuttings from several argan trees growing in Israel, exposed them to the material we developed, and, this way, succeeded in producing large seedlings from elite selections. In collaboration with the Kibbutzim of Ketura, Beit Kama, Hatzerim and Samar, we planted argan plots based on cuttings from individual specimens, which were rooted using the new rooting material, and we are now examining the possibility of turning them into an agricultural crop”.

The Beautiful Argan Tree

Encouraging results were also observed in experiments with cuttings from apple trees rootstocks, poplar and other varieties of eucalyptus. Higher rooting percentages were achieved in all of them – twice as high or more when compared to the standard auxin treatment. The researchers conclude: “During the research, we developed a material that significantly improves the rooting percentages of cuttings from mature trees. The development could be significant for global agriculture in three aspects:

● Cost reduction: improving the efficacy of the rooting procedure may significantly reduce the cost of procuring seedlings for farmers and, ultimately, the agricultural produce for consumers.

● Improved produce quality: Thanks to the new method, more high-quality cultivars could developed and traded, negating the need to ‘compromise’ on lower-quality varieties simply because they have high rooting rates.

● Environmental compatibility: developing new crop cultivars that adapt to climate change conditions is imperative to sustain agricultural output. The new method can expedite this process and make it more efficient.

In follow-up studies, we plan to deepen the understanding of the new substances’ mechanisms of action and look for additional compounds, perhaps even more effective ones, that can be used as conjugates to slow down the release of auxin in the plant.”

Are We Close to Ending Alzheimer’s Memory Loss?

TAU Researchers Successfully Prevent Memory Deterioration in Alzheimer’s in an Animal Model.

In 2022, a team of researchers from the laboratory of Prof. Inna Slutsky from the and the at TAU uncovered a pathological brain phenomenon in an animal model that precedes the first appearance of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms by many years. This is an increased activity in the hippocampus during the states of anesthesia and sleep, which results from damage to the mechanism that stabilizes the neural network.

Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Study

In the current study published in Nature Communications, Prof. Slutsky’s laboratory team, in collaboration with the Safra Center for Neuroscience at the Hebrew University, found that suppression of neuronal activity in a small nucleus in a specific area of the thalamus (which regulates sleep states) caused a decrease in pathological activity in the hippocampus and prevented the deterioration of the memory in Alzheimer’s in an animal model. The researchers hope that their research will speed up the start of clinical trials in humans, lead to progress in the fields of early detection and prevention of the onset of dementia symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease, and in the field of treating cognitive impairments caused by surgery (POCD – Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction).

Doctoral Student Shiri Shoob

Doctoral Student Shiri Shoob

“As early as 10-20 years before the appearance of the familiar symptoms of memory impairment and cognitive decline, physiological changes slowly and gradually occur within the patients’ brains,” explains the doctoral student who led the study, Shiri Shoob. “There is an accumulation of amyloid-beta deposits and abnormal accumulations of tau protein, a decrease in the volume of the hippocampus, and more. Moreover, about 30% of the people who were found to have a pathology typical of Alzheimer’s disease at postmortem did not develop the typical symptoms of the disease during their lifetime. It seems, then, that the brain has an, admittedly limited, ability to protect itself from the damage of the disease.”

Uncovering Alzheimer’s Protective Mechanisms

The research focused on finding those protective mechanisms that the brain has against the damage from the disease. The researchers found that during sleep – and especially during sleep as a result of general anesthesia – the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, which appear many years before the symptoms of dementia, could be more easily identified. Prof. Inna Slutsky: “Anesthesia reveals pathophysiology in the brain activity in the animal model. We think that there are mechanisms that compensate for that same pathology while awake and thus prolong the pre-symptomatic period of the disease”.

Prof. Inna Slutsky

Prof. Inna Slutsky

The researchers identified hyperactivity in the hippocampus – “silent seizures,” which look like an epileptic seizure in terms of brain activity, but do not appear externally – in in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease.This, compared to the reduced activity in the healthy hippocampus during sleep and anesthesia. To examine potential treatment and prevention measures, the researchers tried a variety of methods, but mainly focused on deep brain stimulation (DBS) using electrical signals to the nucleus reuniens – a small nucleus in the brain that connects the affected hippocampus and the thalamus, which is responsible for sleep regulation.

“When we tried to stimulate the nucleus reuniens at high frequencies, as is done in the treatment of Parkinson’s, for example, we found that it worsened the damage to the hippocampus and the silent epileptic seizures,” said Shoob, “only after changing the stimulation pattern to a lower frequency were we able to suppress the seizures and prevent cognitive impairment. We showed that the nucleus reuniens could completely control these seizures. We could increase or decrease the seizures by stimulating it”.

Decoding Alzheimer’s

Prof. Slutsky adds: “Epidemiological studies indicate a link between aging and a phenomenon called POCD – cognitive problems that arise after surgery under general anesthesia. In young people, the symptoms usually pass very quickly, but in older people, the chance of cognitive impairment increases and it may last a long time. Our research indicates a potential mechanism underlying the phenomenon. We found that suppressing the thalamic nucleus reuniens – by pharmacological or electrical means – successfully prevented both pathological activity in the hippocampus during anesthesia and cognitive impairment following anesthesia.

In addition, we identified a relationship between certain pathological activity in the hippocampus during anesthesia in the presymptomatic phase of Alzheimer’s to memory problems in a more advanced stage of the disease. This indicates a potential for predicting the disease in the dormant state, before the onset of cognitive decline”.

The leader of the study, Shiri Shoob, added: “We saw that no matter what means we used, when we inhibited the neural activity in the nucleus, we also measured a decrease in the pathological activity in the hippocampus during anesthesia”.

The research was led by PhD student Shiri Shoob, with the participation of Nadav Buchbinder, PhD student Ortal Shinikamin, Halit Baeloha, Dr. Tomer Langberg, Dr. Daniel Zarhin, Dr. Ilana Shapira and Dr. Gabriella Braun from Prof. Inna Slutsky’s lab and in collaboration with Dr. Naomi Habib and Or Gold from the Hebrew University.

How Does Science Make Us Fall in Love?

From ancient spells to smelling like other animals, the lengths we go to for love have always been remarkable.

Are you the sort of person who plans their Valentine’s Day weeks or months in advance with their partner, or the sort who wakes up on February 14th and scrambles up a plan? Either way, It’s hard to imagine that you’ve never heard of this holiday before, which started out as a Christian religious celebration of Saint Valentinus and morphed into the world’s international Day of Love celebration.

But of course, love isn’t a modern invention, and while a major holiday to celebrate being in a relationship didn’t always exist in every culture, the desire to make the people we love pay attention to us and return our affections has always been part of humanity. In fact, according to Prof. Gideon Bohak of the Department of Jewish Philosophy and the Talmud at The Lester and Sally Entin Faculty of Humanities, people were creating love spells 1,500 years ago that are still, amazingly, in use today.

I Put A Spell On You

Prof. Bohak studies ancient Jewish magic and sorcery and claims that “the relationship between love and magic is ancient, and Jewish magic has a lot to say about relationships between two individuals. For example, archeological digs at the ruins of Rimon, next to Kibbutz Lahav, uncovered pottery pieces with an inscription adjuring six angels to set R.’s heart on fire so she would fall in love with A” (unfortunately, the names of R. and A. were not fully preserved).

But not only were people trying to get their crush to notice them back then, according to Prof. Bohak: “while these pieces of pottery were created in the 5th or 6th century CE, they were based on a “recipe” that continued to be in use by people who engage in “practical Kabbalah” until the modern era. These pieces of clay and the recipe itself are evidence of the continuation of Jewish magic from ancient times until this very day”.

The Scent of Passion

Thinking of getting that special someone a bottle of perfume to show your love? It turns out that smell is a means by which humans, like other animals, can manipulate those around them. Prof. Mel Rosenberg from the Department for Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine studies body chemistry, pheromones and our reactions to body odor.

“Why are we attracted to the smell of flowers, which are nothing more than a kind of plant? I don’t know”, Prof. Rosenberg says. “But it’s interesting that we don’t just like those flowery smells, but also the smells of certain animals. For example, there are the musk deer, whose genitals were used to create a pleasant smell that was considered attractive to humans. Today hunting the musk deer is illegal, of course, but we produce the same smell synthetically, in perfumes”.

“Why are we willing to pay so much money for a tiny bottle of perfume? Because perfume ‘creates a great lie’. Each one of us has a unique odor. If we don’t like the smell of a person, then it hurts the relationship. On the contrary, if we find a potential mate’s odor compatible then this has a positive effect on the attraction. Perfume lets us fool our partner. Instead of smelling us, they smell Coco Chanel or Tommy Hilfiger. And then, before you know it, you’re married before the truth comes out”.

It’s likely that most people already get a real sense of their partner’s scent before committing to marriage, Yet Professor Rosenberg’s insight suggests that this act may hold a similar significance to a modern-day enchantment.

Have you ever thought of casting a magic love spell on someone? Or is the kind of “deception” that comes in a small, fancy bottle enough for you? Whatever the case, it’s clear that Valentine’s Day is here to stay, since us humans aren’t giving up on romancing any time soon.

Victoria

Tok Corporate Centre, Level 1,
459 Toorak Road, Toorak VIC 3142
Phone: +61 3 9296 2065
Email: [email protected]

New South Wales

Level 22, Westfield Tower 2, 101 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Phone: +61 418 465 556
Email: [email protected]

Western Australia

P O Box 36, Claremont,
WA  6010
Phone: :+61 411 223 550
Email: [email protected]