Newsroom – Page 22 – Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was hosted by Tel Aviv University

Written by AUFTAU on 6 June 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, was a guest at Tel Aviv University today together with Ilya Sutskever, Co-founder and Chief Scientist of OpenAI

The event began with a conversation with Dr. Nadav Cohen from the Blavatnik School of Computer Science. There were questions from the audience that included students, researchers and faculty members, high-tech people and industrial and Israeli business leaders

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWUhASix9ws&list=PLNiWLB_wsOg6O2lZUtuCD0rBWmUyVPjLz&index=1

Sam Altman to Visit Tel Aviv University

Written by AUFTAU on 31 May 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

As Altman is due to visit Israel next week, the burning question remains: Is there anyone left on our campus who hasn’t experienced the wonders of ChatGPT?

Altman’s highly-anticipated visit to Tel Aviv University on Monday June 5, part of a worldwide artificial intelligence-themed tour to meet with AI users, developers and decision-makers, promises to be an engaging affair. From sharing the stage with Dr. Nadav Cohen from TAU’s School of Computer Science at the Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences in the Smolarz Auditorium to answering questions from students, researchers, high-tech professionals, and senior Israeli officials, Altman will surely leave no stone unturned.

OpenAI World Tour

Altman’s upcoming visit to Israel follows his recent stops in Toronto, Washington DC, Rio de Janeiro, Lagos, and Lisbon as part of the ongoing OpenAI world tour. Last week, he held meetings with entrepreneurs and policymakers in Madrid, Warsaw, Paris, London, and Munich. Altman’s trip to Tel Aviv will be followed by visits to Dubai, New Delhi, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, Tokyo, and Melbourne.

According to Israel business news outlet Globes, Altman is a guest of the Microsoft Israel research and development center during his stay in Israel.

And his next destination? Tel Aviv University, of course!

Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT

Prior to founding OpenAI, Altman served as the president of the Y Combinator startup accelerator. OpenAI, co-founded by Altman and tech billionaire Elon Musk in 2015, emerged as a non-profit research and development lab with a mission to ensure the safety of AI and its wide-ranging benefits for humanity.

OpenAI received significant investment from Microsoft at its inception and introduced ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot that emulates human writing, last year. Since then, OpenAI and Microsoft have strengthened their partnership, with OpenAI contributing AI capabilities to Microsoft products such as Teams and Bing. Additionally, there are expectations of adapting the ChatGPT application for integration into Microsoft’s Office suite.

CRISPR Unveils Plant Gene Potential

Written by AUFTAU on 29 May 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

Since the agricultural revolution, mankind has strived to enhance plant varieties through genetic diversity. However, until recently, our understanding was limited to the functions of individual genes, which account for just 20% of the genome. The remaining 80%, comprised of genes grouped in families, remained a mystery on a large genomic scale.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Tel Aviv University researchers have harnessed the power of CRISPR technology to develop an innovative and scalable genetic modification method. This breakthrough allows us to uncover the roles and characteristics of duplicated genes in plants. As a result, the team has successfully identified numerous overlooked features, paving the way for a revolutionary approach to crop improvement. This remarkable development has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices across a wide range of crops and traits, including increased yields and enhanced resistance to drought and pests.

Overcoming Genetic Redundancy

This groundbreaking research was led by postdoctoral student Dr. Yangjie Hu, under the guidance of Prof. Eilon Shani and Prof. Itay Mayrose from the School of Plant Sciences and Food Security at TAU’s The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences. Collaborating with scientists from France, Denmark, and Switzerland, the team utilized the CRISPR gene editing technology along with bioinformatics and molecular genetics methods to develop this novel gene-location method. The research was published in the prestigious journal Nature Plants.

“We wanted to apply this technique to improve the control of creating mutations in plants for the purposes of agricultural improvement, and specifically to overcome the common limitation posed by genetic redundancy.” – Prof. Itay Mayrose

Genetic redundancy, caused by gene families, has long posed a challenge in plant research. Previous methods of genetic intervention were limited by the inability to precisely identify genes responsible for specific traits. The accepted method to address this challenge is to produce mutations, that is, to modify genes in different ways, and then to examine changes in the plant’s traits as a result of the mutation in the DNA and to learn from this about the function of the gene.

Thus, for example, if a plant with sweeter fruit develops, it can be concluded that the altered gene determines the sweetness of the fruit. This strategy has been used for decades, and has been very successful, but it also has a fundamental problem: an average plant such as tomato or rice has about 30,000 genes, but about 80% of them do not work alone but are grouped in families of similar genes. Therefore, if a single gene from a certain gene family is mutated, there is a high probability that another gene from the same family (actually a copy very similar to the mutated gene) will mask the phenotypes in place of the mutated gene. Due to this phenomenon, called genetic redundancy, it is difficult to create a change in the plant itself, and to determine the function of the gene and its link to a specific trait.

The research team

The team addressed this challenge by using CRISPR and designing sgRNA sequences that guide an enzyme called Cas9 found naturally in bacteria to cut specific genetic sequences associated with entire gene families. Prof. Mayrose explains that “this genetic editing method allows us to design different sgRNA sequences to allow Cas9 to cut almost any gene that we want to change. We wanted to apply this technique to improve the control of creating mutations in plants for the purposes of agricultural improvement, and specifically to overcome the common limitation posed by genetic redundancy.”

In the first stage, a bioinformatics study was carried out on a computer, which, unlike most studies in the field, initially covered the entire genome. The researchers chose to focus on the Arabidopsis plant, which is used as a model in many studies and has about 30,000 genes. First, they identified and isolated about 8,000 individual genes, which have no family members, and therefore no copies in the genome. The remaining 22,000 genes were divided into families, and for each family appropriate sgRNA sequences were computationally designed. Each sgRNA sequence was designed to guide the Cas9 cutting enzyme to a specific genetic sequence that characterizes the entire family, with the aim of creating mutations in all family members so that these genes can no longer overlap each other. In this way, a library was built that totaled approximately 59,000 sgRNA sequences, where each sgRNA by itself can simultaneously modify 2-10 genes at once from each gene family, thereby effectively neutralizing the phenomenon of genetic redundancy.

In addition, the sgRNA sequences were divided into ten sub libraries of approximately 6,000 sgRNA sequences each, according to the presumed role of the genes – such as coding for enzymes, receptors, transcription factors, etc. According to the researchers, establishing the libraries allowed them to focus and optimize the search for genes responsible for desired traits, a search that until now has been largely random.

“We believe that this is the future of agriculture: controlled and targeted crop improvement on a large scale. Today, we are applying the method we developed to rice and tomato plants with great success, and we intend to apply it to other crops as well.” – Prof. Eilon Shani

In the next step, the researchers moved from the computer to the laboratory. Here they generated all 59,000 sgRNA sequences designed by the computational method and engineered them into new plasmid libraries (i.e., circular DNA segments) in combination with the cutting enzyme. The researchers then generated thousands of new plants containing the libraries – where each plant was implanted with a single sgRNA sequence directed against a specific gene family.

The researchers observed the traits that were manifested in the plants following the genome modifications, and when an interesting phenotype was observed in a particular plant, it was easy to know which genes were responsible for the change based on the sgRNA sequence that was inserted into it. Also, through DNA sequencing of the identified genes, it was possible to determine the nature of the mutation that caused the change and its contribution to the plant’s new properties.

In this way, many new traits were mapped that until now were blocked due to genetic redundancy. Specifically, the researchers identified specific proteins that comprise a mechanism related to the transport of the hormone cytokinin, which is essential for optimal plant development.

Commercialization and Future Impact

Prof. Shani concludes: “The new method we developed is expected to be of great help to basic research in understanding processes in plants, but beyond that, it has enormous significance for agriculture: it makes it possible to efficiently and accurately reveal the pool of genes responsible for traits we seek to improve – such as resistance to drought, pests, and diseases, or increasing yields. We believe that this is the future of agriculture: controlled and targeted crop improvement on a large scale. Today we are applying the method we developed to rice and tomato plants with great success, and we intend to apply it to other crops as well.”

Recognizing the transformative potential of this breakthrough, Tel Aviv University’s technology commercialization company, Ramot, partnered with the AgChimedes group to establish DisTree, a company dedicated to applying this technology to different crops. This collaboration, along with financial investment and professional support, aims to revolutionize agricultural genetics and ensure nutritional security in the face of climate crises.

New Studies Expose Coral Reef Crisis in Eilat

Written by AUFTAU on 28 May 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

Recent, unsettling studies conducted by Tel Aviv University have unveiled a deadly epidemic responsible for the widespread decimation of black sea urchins in the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Eilat. Over the span of just a few months, the entire population of black sea urchins in Eilat was eradicated. For instance, within a few weeks, thousands of sea urchins inhabiting a site near the northern shore of the Gulf of Eilat perished. The severity of the epidemic is such that only skeletal remains of black urchins now occupy the site. Disturbingly, similar occurrences have been observed at various other locations in the Gulf of Eilat, as well as in neighboring countries including Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Turkey.

“At first we thought it was some kind of pollution or poisoning, or a local chemical spill (…) but when we examined additional sites in Eilat, Jordan, and Sinai, we quickly realized that this was not a local incident. All findings pointed to a rapidly spreading epidemic.” – Dr. Omri Bronstein.

Unveiling Deadly Epidemic

The studies were led by Dr. Omri Bronstein and PhD students Rotem Zirler, Lisa-Maria Schmidt, Gal Eviatar, and Lachan Roth from the School of Zoology, at The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, and The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History at Tel Aviv University. The papers were published in Frontiers in Marine science and Royal Society Open Science.

The researchers underscore the vital importance of sea urchins, particularly the long-spined Diadema setosum, as keystone species essential for the thriving equilibrium of coral reefs. They express a pressing concern, stating, “It must be understood that the threat to coral reefs is already at an all-time peak, and now a previously unknown variable has been added. This situation is unprecedented in the documented history of the Gulf of Eilat.”

According to the researchers’ hypothesis, the cause of the deadly epidemic can be attributed to a pathogenic ciliate parasite that has spread from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. In response to the gravity of the situation, an urgent report outlining the current state has been submitted to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, instigating deliberation on emergency measures to safeguard Israel’s coral reefs.

“Sea urchins in general, and Diadema setosum in particular, are considered key species essential for the healthy functioning of coral reefs. The sea urchins are the reef’s ‘gardeners’ – they feed on the algae and prevent them from taking over and suffocating the corals that compete with them for sunlight.” – Dr. Omri Bronstein

Dr. Omri Bronstein and a dying sea urchin

“At first we thought it was some kind of pollution or poisoning, or a local chemical spill, from the industry and hotels in the north of the Gulf of Eilat, but when we examined additional sites in Eilat, Jordan, and Sinai, we quickly realized that this was not a local incident,” explains Dr. Bronstein. “All findings pointed to a rapidly spreading epidemic. Similar reports are coming in from colleagues in Saudi Arabia. Even sea urchins that we grow for research purposes in our aquariums at the Interuniversity Institute, and sea urchins at the Underwater Observatory Marine Park in Eilat, contracted the disease and died, probably because the pathogen got in through the pumping systems.”

Dr. Bronstein describes it as a fast and violent death: “Within just two days a healthy sea urchin becomes a skeleton with massive tissue loss. While some corpses are washed ashore, most sea urchins are devoured while they are dying and unable to defend themselves, which could speed up contagion by the fish who prey on them.”

Invasion and Vanishing Species

In recent years, Dr. Bronstein’s research group has dedicated their efforts to the investigation of marine invasions, with a specific focus on the long-spined Diadema setosum. “Until recently, the black sea urchins with long spines, familiar to many of us, was one of the dominant species in Eilat’s coral reef,” reflects Dr. Bronstein. “Sea urchins in general, and Diadema setosum in particular, are considered key species essential for the healthy functioning of coral reefs. The sea urchins are the reef’s ‘gardeners’ – they feed on the algae and prevent them from taking over and suffocating the corals that compete with them for sunlight. Regrettably, these once-thriving sea urchins have vanished from the Gulf of Eilat and are quickly disappearing from constantly expanding parts of the Red Sea further to the south,” shares Dr. Bronstein with a sense of lament.

A dying urchin in the Mediterranean Sea (photo: Dr. Omri Bronstein)

Several months ago, Dr. Bronstein was alerted to the initial reports of widespread mortality by colleagues in Greece and Turkey, where the sea urchins had invaded, likely via the Suez Canal. “In 2006, the first sighting of this species of sea urchin occurred in the southern regions of Turkey,” Dr. Bronstein adds. This phenomenon, known as biological invasion, carries far-reaching ecological implications, pervasively affecting the eastern Mediterranean, particularly along Israel’s coastline. “We have been monitoring the dynamics of this species’ invasion in the Mediterranean since its first emergence,” he shares.

In 2016, they discovered the first Diadema setosum sea urchin along Israel’s Mediterranean coastline – a lone urchin sighted at Gordon Beach in Tel Aviv. For over a decade since the first discovery in Turkey, the Mediterranean populations of these sea urchins remained small and usually hidden. However, since 2018 the sea urchin population in the Mediterranean has been growing exponentially, reaching a state of population explosion – with giant populations of thousands and even tens of thousands found in Greece and Turkey.

“The window of opportunity for preserving a thriving population of this species in Eilat has regrettably closed. To establish a safeguard population, we must act without delay, by preserving healthy individuals from the Israeli Mediterranean before the encroaching disease from the north reaches this region.” Dr. Omri Bronstein

“However, during the course of our research, while scrutinizing the invasion of sea urchins in the Mediterranean, we began to receive reports on sudden extensive mortality,” says Dr. Bronstein. “While the extinction of an invasive species is supposedly not a bad thing, we must be aware of two major risks: Firstly, we don’t yet know how this mortality and its causes might impact local species in the Mediterranean. Secondly, and of far greater significance, the geographic proximity shared by the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea provides a potential conduit for the swift transmission of the pathogen into the Red Sea. As we feared and predicted, this is what appears to have happened.”

Dr. Bronstein and his research team (photo: courtesy of Dr. Omri Bronstein)

A Reminiscent Crisis

The massive loss of sea urchins reminded the TAU researchers of one of the most devastating events in marine ecology: the disappearance of the sea urchins in the Caribbean. Until 1983, the Caribbean coral reef thrived as a vibrant tropical ecosystem, much like the one in the Gulf of Eilat. But as the sea urchins vanished, the uncontrollable growth of algae took over, blocking sunlight from reaching the corals and forever altering the reef into a sea of algae.

Dr. Bronstein reveals, “Just last year, the Caribbean experienced another outbreak of the disease, resulting in the demise of the remaining urchin populations. However, unlike previous incidents, we now possess advanced scientific and technological resources to analyze the forensic evidence. Researchers from Cornell University successfully pinpointed the cause of mortality in the Caribbean: a pathogenic ciliate parasite. The identical pathology observed in the dying sea urchins of Greece, Turkey, and the Red Sea corroborates this finding.”

Dr. Bronstein’s pioneering research not only identified the unprecedented mass mortality of an invasive species in the Mediterranean but also shed light on the alarming decline of the widely prevalent sea urchin species, Diadema setosum. In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Bronstein issued a a warning that the epidemic plaguing the Mediterranean could extend its reach to the nearby Red Sea. Sadly, this cautionary prediction has become a disheartening reality.

Urgent Measures and Closing Window

“The gravity of the situation cannot be understated: the Red Sea is witnessing an alarming surge in mortality, surpassing the extent observed in the Mediterranean. Looming in the background is an ominous uncertainty: What is the exact cause of the sea urchin die-offs? Is it the same Caribbean pathogen or an entirely new and unfamiliar factor? Regardless, it is evident that this pathogen spreads through water, and we anticipate a rapid escalation of sickness and demise among the entire population of these sea urchins in both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.”

“In my view, it is imperative that we swiftly establish a safeguard population for these sea urchins, ensuring the potential for their reintroduction into the wild. Similar to the approach taken with COVID-19, the trajectory of this epidemic remains uncertain. Will it eventually subside on its own, or persist for years, radically transforming coral reefs? However, unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no available vaccines or treatments for the afflicted sea urchins. Hence, our efforts must be steadfastly directed towards prevention. The window of opportunity for preserving a thriving population of this species in Eilat has regrettably closed. To establish a safeguard population, we must act without delay, by preserving healthy individuals from the Israeli Mediterranean before the encroaching disease from the north reaches this region. While this is a complex undertaking, it is imperative if we aspire to secure the future of this unique species, which plays a critical role in the destiny of coral reefs,” concludes Dr. Bronstein.

Thousands Participate in Tel Aviv University’s Open Day

Written by AUFTAU on 23 May 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

Tel Aviv University hosted its undergraduate Open Day, drawing in thousands of prospective students. The event provided valuable insights into admission requirements, application processes, and the opportunity to interact with faculty members and current students across various disciplines.

The curious participants were treated to a memorable experience, including guided tours exploring faculty buildings, laboratories, and even the renowned Entrepreneurship Center, immersing themselves in the vibrant academic atmoshphere that defines Tel Aviv University.

Tel Aviv University’s Open Day included guided tours to faculties, laboratories and more (photo: Chen Galili)

The Open Day featured an array of captivating activities, with particular interest in a hands-on workshop that simulated the creation of a startup at the Entrepreneurship Center. Additionally, the Dean of Students organized a lecture on selecting a field of study, while an introductory session showcased a groundbreaking program integrating data science and AI into nearly every degree.

Tel Aviv University’s Curiosity Lab (Photo: Chen Galili)

Prospective students had the chance to explore the wide range of study abroad options available at Tel Aviv University through dedicated student exchange coordinators, further enhancing the University’s global outlook.

Sharon Ariel, Marketing Director at Tel Aviv University, emphasized the importance of providing an immersive campus experience to prospective students: “Our goal was to enable prospective students to fully engage with our study programs, interact with current students, observe cutting-edge research in labs, and receive guidance from faculty and administrative staff regarding different study options. By stepping into the shoes of our students for a day, we hoped to inspire them to embark on their educational journeys at Tel Aviv University. I encourage those considering enrollment in October to act swiftly, as registration for many programs will soon close.”

Prospective students interact with current students (photo: Chen Galili)

It was a pleasure to host everyone on our beautiful campus. We hope we will have the privilege of helping them start their journeys in pursuit of the unknown.

Missed the Open Day?

For comprehensive information on admission requirements for the various programs, please visit our registration website (available in Hebrew) or access the English version here.

Prospective students receive guidance from faculty and administrative staff (photo: Chen Galili)

Revolutionizing Mental Health Through Psychedelic Research

Written by AUFTAU on 22 May 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

Revolutionizing Mental Health Through Psychedelic Research.

The Institute for Integrative Psychedelic Research (IPR-TLV) was inaugurated recently at Tel Aviv University. The Institute’s primary focus is to foster interdisciplinary research on psychedelics and deepen the understanding of brain-mind-body interactions. With the vision to revolutionize mental health, IPR-TLV aims to become a global leader in the scientific exploration of psychedelics and psychoactive medicine.

Bridging the Mind-Brain-Body Gap

Understanding the connection between neural activity and our emotional-cognitive experiences is a leading question in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and neuropsychiatry. The “Mind-Brain Gap” refers to the link between our brain functioning and mental experiences, which is not fully understood. Psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine, have shown beneficial clinical effects and provide a unique opportunity to study this complex link.

“I believe the psychedelic neuroscience research could deepen our understanding of the mind’s neurobiological building blocks and how they interact with our bodily sensations, thus bridging the mind-brain-body gap. And it’s a huge gap.” – Prof. Talma Hendler

Prof. Talma Hendler will lead the efforts of TAU’s Institute for Integrative Psychedelic Research (photo: Ofer Amram)

To understand how psychedelics affect the mind, we need to consider various factors that influence consciousness, emotions, social interactions, and motivation. Prof. Talma Hendler is the incoming director of the Center and a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at TAU’s School of Medicine at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine and School of Psychological Sciences at the Gershon H. Gordon Faculty of Social Sciences. She says “psychedelics are a powerful experimental tool with a tremendous potential to clarify fundamental questions regarding the essence of human mental experience. The primary goal of our institute is to promote rigorous academic psychedelic research, exploring the relations between the mind, brain, and body.”

“I believe the psychedelic neuroscience research could deepen our understanding of the mind’s neurobiological building blocks and how they interact with our bodily sensations, thus bridging the mind-brain-body gap. And it’s a huge gap. “

WATCH: The inauguration of the Institute for Integrative Psychedelic Research at Tel Aviv University

“I’ve also been intrigued by the pharmalogical changes psychedelics induced at the neuro level, through the process of neuroplasticity, by either forming new neuron-cells or creating new connection synapses in specific brain regions. Such a plasticity could explain the significant therapeutic potential of psychedelics for alleviating suffering from otherwise treatment resistant conditions like suicidal depression, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), chronic pain and end of life distress.”

“Importantly, the combined features of rapid therapeutic effect, neurochemical diversity, and unique, subjective experience positions psychedelics at the forefront of personalized medicine.”

Revolutionizing Mental Health

The Institute for Integrative Psychedelic Research is led by esteemed academic figures, including Prof. Hendler; Dr. Haggai Sharon, a pain specialist and neuroscientist and head of the Sagol School of Neuroscience, Prof. Yossi Yovel.

Operating under the auspices of TAU’s Sagol School of Neuroscience, with medical operations at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), the Institute aims to promote rigorous academic research and explore the relations between the mind, brain, and body.

The inauguration ceremony of the Institute drew a large crowd to TAU’s beautiful new Coller Terrace at the Lorry Lokey building (photo: Ofer Amram)

A Multidisciplinary Endeavor

The Institute encourages interdisciplinary research, embracing the biopsychosocial model of health and wellbeing. It fosters collaborations between various academic areas, including neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, philosophy and policy and ethics. By integrating different disciplines, the Institute aims to build a comprehensive and unified scientific understanding of psychedelics.

Between Bench and Clinic

Tel Aviv University, with its strong ties to 19 affiliated hospitals and partnership with government ministries and pharma companies, is well-positioned to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications.

Furthermore, the University’s multidisciplinary scientific environment brings together researchers from diverse fields, facilitating advancements in translational and basic medicine.

Generous Contributions

The establishment of the Institute for Integrative Psychedelic Research was made possible by the generous contributions of Mr. Jeremy Coller, Dr. David B. Katzin, and Dr. Dmitry Repin. These visionary donors believe in the transformative potential of the Center’s research endeavors.

Stay updated with upcoming Call for Applications and research publications to learn more about the Institute’s progress on the Sagol School of Neuroscience website.

Tel Aviv University Honors Nine Remarkable Individuals with Honorary Degrees

Written by AUFTAU on 21 May 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

In a festive ceremony held during the 2023 Board of Governors Meeting, Tel Aviv University awarded honorary degrees to 9 individuals, all of whom have had an exceptionally positive impact on the world. The honorary degrees were awarded by the Chairwoman of TAU’s Board of Governors, Dafna Meitar-Nechmad, President Prof. Ariel Porat and Rector Prof. Mark Steif.

Recipients include Morris Kahn, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of SpaceIL, who received the honour in recognition of his expansive philanthropic giving to causes including education, biomedical research, youth leadership, space exploration and the marine environment, as well as his commitment to Israeli science, as demonstrated through his generous support of diverse university- and hospital-based projects, including the 3D Cancer Printing Initiative at Tel Aviv University.

Other honorary degree recipients included Nobel Prize laureate Olga Tokarczuk, writer, activist and public intellectual, in recognition of her accomplishments as a world-renowned author and social activist, and her courageous efforts to secure Polish national recognition of crimes committed against Jews during the Second World War, as well as against refugees in the present day; Prof. Barbara Engelking, historian of Polish Jewry during the Holocaust, who was honoured in recognition of her pioneering contribution to Holocaust scholarship and her courageous determination to counter Holocaust distortion and expose the complexities of Polish-Jewish relations during the Second World War, regardless of personal cost.

Tamir Gilat was honoured for his heartfelt willingness, in his role as Chairman of the Israel Cancer Research Fund, to volunteer his time toward providing compassionate support to thousands of cancer sufferers and their families over the years; Sandra & Vlad Shmunis, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, received an honorary degree in recognition of their philanthropic spirit in supporting diverse important causes in Israel and the US through their family foundation, including Jewish values, young entrepreneurs, cancer research and Biblical archaeology.

WATCH: Highlights from the Honorary Degrees Conferment Ceremony, TAU’s Board of Governors Meeting 2023:

An honorary degree was also bestowed on Atallah Mansour in recognition of his immense contribution to civil, cultural, and democratic discourse in Israel over almost seven decades as a highly respected author and journalist; and on Prof. Antoine Compagnon, professor of French and comparative literature, College de France and Columbia University, who was honoured for his solidarity with the State of Israel during trying times, often in the face of public adversity.

Prof. Nicholas A. Peppas, chemical and biomedical engineer at the University of Texas at Austin, was awarded an honorary doctorate for his immeasurable influence as a leader and pacesetter in the fields of drug delivery, biomaterials and bio-nanotechnology over almost 50 years, as well as his interdisciplinary research approach, which blends molecular and cellular biology with materials engineering to produce next-generation biomedical systems and devices. Fellow scientist Prof. Pavel A. Pevzner, a computational biologist at University of California San Diego, was honoured for his standing as a world authority in computational biology and bioinformatics and his distinctive research approach that combines theoretical insights with the development of tools and practical applications for tackling real-world biological questions.

Finally, the George S. Wise Medal, the University’s highest honour, was awarded to Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies of Singapore, in recognition of his extraordinary public service record as an esteemed statesman and international economic leader.

Congratulations to all the recipients! Your accomplishments inspire us and make the world a better place.

Prof. Yosef Shiloh Elected as International Member of US National Academy of Sciences

Written by AUFTAU on 18 May 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

Professor Emeritus Yosef Shiloh from TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine was elected an international member of the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The Academy includes approximately 2,500 American scientists from all fields of science and another approximately 500 foreign scientists from all over the world. Prof. Shiloh is the 43rd Israeli researcher elected to NAS, alongside Nobel laureates Prof. Ada Yonath, Prof. Dan Shechtman and Prof. Aaron Ciechanover. Prof. Shiloh is the Incumbent of the David and Inez Myers Chair for Cancer Genetics in the Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry in the Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University.

Prof. Shiloh received the exciting news while attending a conference in Boston. He has been the recipient of the EMET Prize, the Israel Prize, and the Clowes Award for Outstanding Cancer Research – the most important prize awarded by the American Association for Cancer Research, which has thousands of cancer researchers as members. Being elected to the Academy is a particular honor, as it reflects widespread recognition by all the members of the Academy, from a variety of scientific fields. The acceptance bar for non-American members is particularly high, adding to the prestige of “international” members.

The US National Academy of Sciences advises the American government and nation on matters of science, engineering and medicine, based on a charter granted to it by Congress and signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Membership in the Academy is lifelong, and up to 120 scientists from the USA and up to 30 foreign scientists are elected to the Academy each year.

Prof. Shiloh: “It is a great honor and I thank the Academy members for recognizing our work. NAS is a body whose opinion is heard and given consideration and I hope that the opinion of the Israeli Academy of Sciences and Humanities, of which I am a member, will be heard here in a similar way. In the US, the president, the administration and the public listen to what the Academy says, and hence the weight that the Americans attribute to membership in this institution.”

Prof. Karen Avraham, Dean of the Sackler Faculty of Medicine:” This is a tremendous honor for us in the Department and the Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. Prof Yosef Shiloh’s research has made a seminal and remarkable contribution in the area of a rare but devastating genetic disease, ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), with far-reaching implications for DNA repair and cancer. Most compelling, what drove Prof. Shiloh every step of the way was his compassion for the patients. The main theme of his work can be summarized in the title of a lecture that he has delivered to numerous audiences over the years: “Investigation of Rare Genetic Disorders: A Mission for Human Welfare and a Steppingstone in Understanding our Biology”. Prof. Shiloh continues to explore the connection between A-T, neurodegeneration and aging in search of new treatment modalities for A-T, as well as to devote his efforts to educating the public about the medical and social implications of the genome revolution.”

Next year Prof. Shiloh will participate in a ceremony in honor of the members selected this year, which will be held at the Academy House in Washington, DC.

Empowering Israeli-Arab Students in Humanities

Written by AUFTAU on 17 May 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

The Cohn Family in collaboration with The Lester and Sally Entin Faculty of Humanities and the Commission for Equity, Diversity and Community at Tel Aviv University inaugurated the Cohn Program for Israeli-Arab inclusion in the Humanities during the University’s annual Board of Governors Meeting this week. The Cohn Family has supported the Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Ideas along with individual departments in the Humanities at TAU for decades. The current program is aimed at centralizing and expanding the existing efforts to attract Arab students to enroll in the Humanities at TAU.

As part of the 2023 Board of Governors meeting at TAU, Dan Cohn, the Entin Faculty of Humanities and the Commission for Equity, Diversity and Community are holding a study tour in Lod, a mixed Jewish-Arab town. The tour will focus on The Lowy International School’s Gap Year Program and the archeological excavations in Lod, which will be presented by Prof. Yuval Gadot, Head of TAU’s Jacob M. Alkow Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures.

WATCH: The inauguration ceremony of the Cohn Program for Israeli-Arab Inclusion in the Humanities at Tel Aviv University

Prof. Neta Ziv, TAU Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Community: “Tel Aviv University sees great importance in promoting equity and diversity on its campus. I would like to thank the Cohn Family for their generous gift and the decision to centralize the efforts to promote equity in the Humanities under a unified program. I believe that such a program can help to increase the opportunities for Arab students in Humanities.”

Dan Cohn: “My family has supported the study of the Humanities at TAU for almost half a century. While STEM subjects have attracted substantial support from funders, it has been more difficult to attract that funding in the Humanities. In addition, Arab students have, for a number of reasons – language, role models and critical mass – gravitated to the STEM world. For some time, in initiatives sponsored in specific departments at TAU, efforts have been made to attract Arab students to study Humanities at TAU, to help fill certain gaps in their educational background (e.g., Hebrew), facilitate the creation of a sense of community and open opportunities for graduate fellowships. With the arrival of President [Ariel] Porat and others, the opportunity has been presented to centralize and expand these efforts under the direction of the President and the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Community. By providing this opportunity at TAU, my family can make a contribution to increasing equity in Israeli society.”

This Week: TAU’s Board of Governors Meeting 2023

Written by AUFTAU on 14 May 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

This week, Tel Aviv University is hosting its annual Board of Governors Meeting, with over 500 friends and supporters arriving from all over the world. The program is packed with a variety of exciting events: participants will be visiting some of the most innovative labs in the world, attending prize ceremonies, inaugurations, symposia and even gala events! And this year, we’re celebrating big time – not only Israel’s 75th anniversary, but also the smashing success – and visible, campus-wide impact – of the $1 billion TAU Global Campaign.

Here are a few highlights from the program, with a focus on the impact of TAU’s big ideas on the success of Israel and beyond:

Honorary Degrees

On Thursday, TAU will bestow its highest honour, the honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree to nine distinguished individuals making an exceptionally positive impact on the world.

The degrees will be awarded to: Prof. Antoine Compagnon, France; Prof. Barbara Engelking, Poland; Mr. Tamir Gilat, Israel; Mr. Morris Kahn, Israel; Mr. Attalla Mansour, Israel; Prof. Nicholas A. Peppas, USA; Prof. Pavel A. Pevzner, USA; Ms. Sandra & Mr. Vlad Shmunis, USA and Ms. Olga Tokarczuk, Poland (Writer, activist and public intellectual; Nobel Prize laureate). Honorary Fellowship in Israel will be awarded to: Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Singapore.

Tune in to our live broadcast to see the ceremony on TAU’s Facebook page or the University’s official LinkedIn page on Thursday, May 18 at 8:30 p.m.

This year’s honorary degree recipients

Kicking Off New Initiatives

The participants will get the rare opportunity to visit some of the most innovative laboratories in the world, and witness cutting-edge sicence in action; hear inspiring stories of students from all sectors of Israel society who benefit from TAU’s proactive strategy to boost equality on campus; learn about TAU’s uniquely cross-disciplinary research culture, and hear teams describe their fascinating approaches to research challenges.

They will also attend the inauguration of various programs, including:

Dan Launchpad for Startups – dubbed as “the missing link in TAU’s current ecosystem” by Prof. Moshe Zviran, Head of the Dan Launchpad and former Dean of the Coller School of Management.

Colton Center for Autoimmunity – Israel’s first multidisciplinary center for the study of autoimmune diseases – chronic conditions involving an abnormal response of the immune system within body tissues. The Center will collaborate with Israel’s medical centers and health services including HMO’s and Hospitals as well as selected scientists from other academic institutions to enable big data analytics of medical information and biological samples from patients with autoimmune diseases and promote understanding of the causes of morbidity and recurrent flareups and possible early diagnostics and treatments.

Irwin Cotler Institute for Democracy, Human Rights and Justice – the Institute, honoring the Hon. Irwin Cotler – 2018 TAU Honorary Doctor and TAU Governor, will be devoted to combating antisemitism, racism and Holocaust denial; promoting human rights; and advancing understanding of Israel in the global arena. These important topics are at the center of Prof. Cotler’s life work.

Prof. Irwin Cotler with Cotler Fellowship students on TAU campus

The Human Embrace: Cohn Program for Israeli-Arab Inclusion in the Humanities (at The Lester and Sally Entin Faculty of Humanities) – a unique program aimed at bringing greater numbers of Israeli-Arabs into the academic fold, offering them the tools and skills to successfully complete their degrees, and further incorporating equality, social justice and diversity into the culture and curriculum of the Entin Faculty of Humanities.

The Institute for Integrative Psychedelics Research – The investigation of how psychedelics alter the mind must take into consideration many other aspects of life that affect consciousness, emotions, social and motivation behavior. Thus, the future of psychedelics research lies in the integration of diverse disciplines that can illuminate blind spots and create a stronger and more cohesive body of scientific knowledge.

Participants from the TAU’s Board of Governors Meeting in 2022 visit TAU’s innovative laboratories.

Kadar Family Award for Outstanding Research

The Kadar Family Award for Outstanding Research at Tel Aviv University celebrates pioneering scientists and scholars who have reached the highest levels of excellence in both research and teaching. For the past eight years, the Award has been granted annually to four TAU researchers, two senior and two junior faculty members, from across the entire spectrum of faculties and disciplines on the TAU campus.

2023 Dan David Prize Award Ceremony

Dan David Prize, the largest history prize in the world, will be awarded this year’s winners – nine emerging scholars and practitioners, whose work illuminates the past in bold and creative ways. Each of the winners – who work in Kenya, Ireland, Denmark, Israel, Canada and the United States – will receive $300,000 (USD) in recognition of their achievements and to support their future endeavors.

For regular Board Of Governors Meeting updates and photos, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, hashtag #TAUbog23.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was hosted by Tel Aviv University