If you are eager to understand the most complex machine imaginable—the human brain—Tel Aviv University’s MSc in Neuroscience offers a rigorous, research-driven program at the intersection of biology, psychology, medicine, engineering, computation, and many other fields. Designed for ambitious students ready to tackle some of neuroscience’s biggest questions, this program provides unrivaled opportunities for interdisciplinary research. Applications are open until March 20, 2025.  

Prof. Aya Meltzer-Asscher, a neurolinguist and a psycholinguist, and the Head of the Sagol School of Neuroscience, explains what makes neuroscience an exciting field of study.  

“Our students do research from their first day at TAU—they get to work in the best labs and are exposed to some of the most cutting-edge research.” 

Why Neuroscience Matters More Than Ever: Aging, AI, and the Mysteries of Cognition 

According to Prof Meltzer-Asscher, new medical challenges people face with the growing life expectancy and the AI revolution are among the key drivers of modern neuroscience.  

“The children born today are expected to live beyond 120 years, meaning that people could live with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s for 50 years instead of 10, so understanding and addressing neurodegenerative diseases is critical.” 

The use of AI can help achieve significant progress in early-stage diagnostics. For instance, special AI tools can analyze video footage from a patient’s home for early-stage Parkinson’s detection. Such technology is already being developed at one of the TAU labs at Ichilov hospital. For Alzheimer’s diagnostics, TAU researchers are working on identifying early biomarkers in blood samples.  

“Since we know that the brain starts changing decades before cognitive decline becomes noticeable, having the diagnostic tools will be a game-changer.” 

Prof. Aya Meltzer-Asscher

Another fascinating intersection is between neuroscience and the arts. Examples of such research include studying how different filming techniques influence audience perception or the ways VR and neurofeedback can help individuals regulate stress.  

And then there is one of the biggest unanswered questions of how cognition—memory, emotions, and consciousness—is implemented at the cellular level. 

Prof. Meltzer-Asscher’s research aims to reveal the neural and cognitive mechanisms behind our ability to speak and understand language. “What seems so effortless and trivial is arguably the most complex cognitive mechanism humans have!” she comments. 

Choose Your Research Path, Piece by Piece 

While all students are required to complete several core courses, the majority of the curriculum is built from a vast pool of elective courses. Starting in 2025, the MSc in Neuroscience will offer three distinct study tracks, enabling graduate students to tailor their study path at the Sagol School of Neuroscience.

• Molecular, Cellular & Systems Neurobiology track focuses on researching the fundamental building blocks of the brain in health and disease with the use of optogenetics, calcium imaging, electrophysiology, and other molecular biology tools. 
• In the Cognitive Neuroscience track graduate students explore how memory, emotions, attention, language and other cognitive processes work and how they can be impaired due to developmental or acquired causes.  
• Neural Computation & Brain Modeling track involves using deep learning and AI tools for computational modeling of brain structure and functioning. 

Notably, students in each track can take electives from other tracks, allowing them to build a personalized curriculum that best aligns with their research interests. 

From Lab Work to Career Success in Neuroscience 

MSc in Neuroscience is defined by its flexibility and breadth, offering students a wide array of opportunities. With around 150 researchers spanning all nine faculties at TAU, the Sagol School of Neuroscience provides unmatched options for selecting a research lab and supervisor.  

“The diversity and interdisciplinarity of the school give our students a broad understanding of all the different worlds that are part of neuroscience—this is something that will serve them well into the future.”

The school also maintains strong clinical collaborations, partnering with leading institutions such as Ichilov and Tel HaShomer hospitals, as well as research centers specializing in music therapy, psychedelic medicine, sleep studies, and more.  

This ensures that every graduate student can find the perfect fit at the School—whether it’s studying the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s, understanding the role of cognitive biases in anxiety disorder, developing new spectroscopy methods, working in neuro-marketing, studying cerebral palsy, or pursuing any other exciting and promising research avenue. 

“The program definitely gives the necessary knowledge and skills to make the choice that suits you best by the end of your studies.”—Nivedha Mohan Raj, a program graduate and doctoral student in neuroscience.  

Nivedha Mohan Raj, MSc Neuroscience alum’24

“After graduation, it is certainly possible to stay in academia with many postdoctoral positions, but a lot of alumni also choose to work in the industry.”   

Read more about student experiences here 

An extensive alumni network is another major strength of the program—its graduates go on to work in international high-tech or biotech companies, open their startups, or continue research in top universities worldwide. The strong connections students build during their studies provide valuable career opportunities in neuroscience, whether in academia, industry, or innovation-driven fields. 

Who Is the Program for 

MSc in Neuroscience invites applications from students with strong scientific backgrounds and high academic achievements who are ready to commit to rigorous research and study.  

“The program is intensive, and our students benefit from a full-tuition exemption and an enhanced living scholarship. This way, they can concentrate on their research and studies.” 

Ready to Learn More?

Read more and apply now to shape the future of neuroscience. 

Contact program coordinator Orly Segev for more information on the program and the application process at [email protected] 

Legendary physicist Richard Feynman famously said, “There’s plenty of room at the bottom.” For Dr. Riccardo Rampado, an international postdoctoral fellow at Tel Aviv University (TAU) working at the cutting edge of nanomedicine (and specifically mRNA drug delivery), this quote—originally about manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular levels—has become a guiding principle.

Like Feynman, Rampado truly believes that nanotechnology is more than just science; it is the key to unlocking new frontiers in medicine—from targeting diseased tissues with unprecedented precision to pioneering new ways of delivering genetic therapies.

From Padua to Tel Aviv: Expanding Nanomedicine Horizons

Rampado’s fascination with nanomedicine began during his time at the University of Padua in Italy, where he originally studied pharmacy but soon realized that his passion lay in research rather than traditional pharmaceutical practice. Immersing himself in the world of drug delivery, he explored biomimetic nanoparticles, or how particles derived from cell membranes could be designed to target inflammation.

Yet, a pivotal moment arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world witnessed the unprecedented success of mRNA vaccine technology. This real-world demonstration of nucleic acid therapeutics captured Rampado’s imagination, prompting him to seek out an opportunity that would allow him to contribute to this cutting-edge field on a global stage.

“I turned my eye towards a postdoc that was first of all international, in order to expand my horizons and try to set up a network for my future career and at the same time that involved this technology.”

That search led him to TAU, where he joined Prof. Dan Peer—a recently elected fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors and TAU’s vice president of research and development—in his lab on precision nanomedicine. Rampado’s decision to join Peer proved to be transformative, placing him in an environment that offered not only vast resources but also an unparalleled collaborative spirit.

“At the very beginning, it was quite challenging. I found myself in a much bigger lab, with far more means at my disposal than in my previous university,” he recalls. “This required me to learn a lot, but with the help of Prof. Peer’s group, I was able to integrate into the team and get familiar with all the new techniques.”

A Breakthrough in mRNA Drug Delivery

Once Rampado gained his footing in Peer’s lab, his research then turned to demonstrating that by modifying the composition of lipid nanoparticles mRNA-based drugs could bypass the liver and be delivered directly to the inflamed gut. The advancement has profound implications for the treatment of conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases. “It was a sort of surprising finding,” Rampado admits, reflecting on the initial observation that different nanoparticle compositions resulted in altered biodistribution.

“By tweaking the lipid nanoparticle composition, we found that we could direct the delivery of mRNA to inflamed areas in the colon, something that could significantly improve treatment selectivity.”

This breakthrough was then published in Advanced Science. However, for Rampado, this is only the beginning. Now, his research is evolving in two critical directions: refining the precision of these nanoparticles to target other inflamed organs and unraveling the underlying mechanisms behind their selective biodistribution. “We are keeping all the particle components the same—just in different proportions. And somehow, that changes everything,” he says with enthusiasm. “Understanding why this happens could enable us to design even smarter drug delivery systems in the future.”

The Impact of TAU’s International Research Environment

Beyond the lab, Rampado credits the international atmosphere at TAU for shaping his growth as a scientist. “I have to stress how the environment I found here in Tel Aviv was essential for me,” he emphasizes.

“The group I worked with was key in helping me learn, integrate, and really flourish as both a researcher and a person.” 

Moreover, the exposure to colleagues from around the world has provided Rampado with invaluable networking opportunities and a broader perspective on scientific collaboration. “I’ve had the chance to work not only with Israelis, but with people from many different parts of the globe,” Rampado reflects. “I really hope to keep in contact and collaborate with them in the future, so we can continue to do good science together.”

After his postdoc at TAU is completed, Rampado hopes to eventually bring his expertise back to Italy and to the University of Padua, specifically—though he emphasizes that he is also open to other options. “Maybe one day, I can establish my own small group working in this field,” he muses. “There is still not a lot of attention to this kind of technology at Padua University, and I hope I can bring it myself.”

Advance Your Research Career at TAU

Want to know about current opportunities for pursuing your research at TAU? Check out our database of open research positions.

Four professors from Tel Aviv University (TAU) have been named Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in a single year—an unprecedented recognition that underscores the university’s role as a global leader in innovation. With three honorees from TAU’s Faculty of Engineering and one from the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, this achievement places them among the just 715 distinguished inventors worldwide who have previously received this honor.

The NAI Senior Member designation is awarded to academic inventors with proven success in patents, licensing and commercialization, recognizing their contributions to real-world technological advancements. The four TAU researchers will be formally inducted at the 14th NAI Annual Conference in Atlanta in the United States in June 2025, joining an elite network of university-affiliated inventors dedicated to transforming scientific discoveries into meaningful innovations.

The Lowy International School caught up with each of TAU’s new NAI Senior Members to learn more about their research.

Rosen’s Clean Fuel Innovation is Powering a Better Future

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Head of the International BSc in Electrical Engineering, and the Faculty of Engineering’s Vice Dean for International Affairs

How would you describe your research?

My research is focused on designing catalytic materials for the production and conversion of green fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic methane. There is no single technology that can solve the electrification and decarbonization of our large industries; therefore, our lab works on multiple solutions in parallel, including several types of fuel cells for the conversion of fuels to electricity, as well as thermochemical and electrochemical reactors, to efficiently produce the fuels. 

Can you tell us about an invention or innovation that you are most proud of?

We are very proud to announce that our most recent invention is the basis for a recently founded Israeli startup, PyroH2.  At PyroH2, we are developing a reactor (based on research that started in our lab at TAU) designed to convert natural gas or biogas into clean hydrogen and graphite, without emitting carbon dioxide in the process.

What does it mean to be recognized by the National Academy of Inventors? 

I am very humbled to have been selected alongside such strong Israeli innovators, and excited to join the NAI where we can continue to promote deep tech startups in Israel and the USA. 

Adler-Abramovich Mimics Nature to Transform Bone Healing 

Prof. Lihi Adler-Abramovich, Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine

How would you describe your research?

My research focuses on the design and development of bioinspired materials that mimic natural materials and their function. At Tel Aviv University, I lead a multidisciplinary team that integrates medicine, chemistry, biology and engineering to create innovative biomaterials with applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug delivery and antimicrobial treatments. My overarching vision is to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into practical, real-world solutions that address critical challenges in healthcare, sustainability and beyond.

Can you tell us about an invention or innovation that you are most proud of?

I am particularly proud of developing an advanced hydrogel platform for tissue regeneration, with a special focus on bone healing. My inspiration came from studying the natural bone healing process—observing how, in young individuals or in cases of minor fractures, the inherent physical, mechanical, and biological properties of the tissue promote effective recovery. Drawing on nature’s sophisticated biomineralization and self-assembly processes, we designed and formulated the hydrogels. We then optimized its properties so that it also serves as a foundation for novel bio-inks used in 3D printing. This innovative approach enables the fabrication of patient-specific scaffolds, marking a significant leap forward in regenerative medicine and personalized healthcare.

What does it mean to be recognized by the National Academy of Inventors?

Being recognized by the National Academy of Inventors is a profound honor that highlights the impact of my research and the dedication of my team to advancing science through innovation. This recognition strengthens my commitment to transforming academic discoveries into groundbreaking technologies that address real-world challenges and contribute to society. It also serves as a source of inspiration to continue mentoring the next generation of scientists and inventors, promoting a culture of creativity and scientific excellence that drives meaningful progress in both technology and societal well-being.

Tzvi Shaked Is Revolutionizing IVF with Label-Free 3D Imaging

Prof. Natan Tzvi Shaked, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (photo credit: Tel Aviv University)

How would you describe your research?

We are developing novel tools for biomedical optical microscopy and nanoscopy (imaging nano-scale objects) for clinical applications. Specifically, we are interested in label-free 3D imaging of biological cells, which is essential when chemically labeling the cells is not possible and therefore [the cells] cannot be well diagnosed. 

Can you tell us about an invention or innovation that you are most proud of?

We have invented and patented portable and mechanically stable modules and associated methods that can image biological cells in 3D without staining via optical interferometry, making this technology accessible for direct clinical use for the first time. A ‘killer application’ where chemical labeling of biological cells is not permitted is sperm selection for egg injection during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Today, embryologists select sperm cells for fertilization based on a subjective impression and cannot image well the sperm’s internal structure. Based on the technology developed in my research lab with the help of tens of graduate students that I supervised, I co-founded a startup company, QART Medical, which is now in advanced clinical trials on many tens of couples undergoing IVF in seven leading hospitals, two of them abroad, with the goal of significantly increasing IVF success rates, and with very supportive results so far.

What does it mean to be recognized by the National Academy of Inventors?

I am humbled to receive the prestigious appointment of a Senior Member in the National Academy of Inventors of USA. It is given to researchers with exceptional achievements as academic inventors and leading researchers in their respective fields of research, including notable success in patenting, licensing and commercialization, along with their persistence in developing technologies that create or aspire to create change in society. 

Golberg’s Electroporation Research Is a Game-Changer in Diagnostics, Treatment and Sustainability

Prof. Alexander Golberg (second from the right), School of Mechanical Engineering, School of the Environment and Earth Sciences

How would you describe your research, as well as your overall research vision?

I am a researcher specializing in bioengineering and biological manufacturing. My work focuses on developing non-thermal processes using high-voltage electrical pulses to induce membrane perforation in biological cells, a phenomenon called electroporation. I have applied this method to environmental and medical challenges, from molecular extraction in seaweed and agricultural waste to wound treatment and diagnostic applications. I have received multiple grants from national and international funding agencies to support this work, and currently lead the European MATISSE project, which advances electroporation-based molecular biopsy technology.

Can you tell us about an invention or innovation that you are most proud of?

I am proud of all my inventions both in the field of medical electroporation for scar treatment and non-invasive molecular sampling for diagnosis, and environmental application for seaweed processing.

What does it mean to be recognized by the National Academy of Inventors?

For me, this acknowledgment represents not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of my students, colleagues and partners who have contributed to advancing electroporation-driven diagnostics and therapeutics. The goal of our research has always been to bridge fundamental science with real-world applications, from non-invasive molecular biopsies for early disease detection to sustainable bioengineering solutions that address global challenges in healthcare and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, this recognition strengthens my commitment to fostering innovation, mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers, and continuing to push the boundaries of electroporation technology to improve precision medicine, bioengineering and resource sustainability.

Learn more about recent research discoveries at TAU.

Goethe University Frankfurt (GU) and Tel Aviv University (TAU) recently held a Winter School that brought together leading early career researchers (ECRs) from Germany and Israel for an engaging academic exchange on Adaptive Cognition in Noisy Environments. Hosted in the Brain Imaging Center building at GU, the event featured dynamic lectures, interactive group activities and ample networking opportunities.

A Platform for Collaboration, Learning, and Scientific Exchange

 “The school brought people together to discuss and meet face-to-face; this creates a real human connection that can lead to scientific collaborations,” reflects Prof. Tom Schonberg—a neuroscientist from TAU—who co-organized the event with his colleague Prof. Christian Fiebach, from GU’s Department of Psychology.

“It really was a heartwarming success.”—Prof. Christian Fiebach, GU’s Department of Psychology.

The success of this Winter School was made possible through the generous support of multiple institutions, including TAU’s The Lowy International School, as well as the German-Israeli Foundation, the German U15, and TAU’s Minerva Center for Human Intelligence in immersive, augmented and mixed realities.

The Winter School included 12 Israeli early career researchers and 13 German early career researchers, as well as more advanced academics who gave talks on their work.

The event attracted 12 ECRs from Israel and 13 ECRs from Germany, alongside distinguished faculty members who gave talks on areas of expertise like attention, language, and motor control methods utilizing cutting-edge research methods like virtual reality and mobile EEG. With thought-provoking discussions, hands-on sessions, and even research on primates and rodents, the program offered an expansive and immersive educational experience.

“Participation in the Winter School was a truly valuable and very inspiring opportunity. It enabled me to interact with experts in the field, create potential collaborations with researchers from diverse backgrounds, and acquire new insights into my own research.”—Tamar Ben David, a PhD student at TAU’s Sagol School of Neuroscience 

Cultivating Community in and Beyond the Classroom

Beyond academia, the Winter School featured an engaging social program, including a cooking class and local market tour, creating a relaxed environment for participants to connect beyond the classroom. The initiative also emphasized collaborative learning, with attendees divided into research teams and delivering a group presentation on the final day.

Winter School participants not only collaborated on academic matters, but in the kitchen, too.

Lea Alexandra Müller Karoza, a PhD student who attended from GU’s Scene Grammar Lab, said the whole experience was transformative. “I have honestly profited from it so much more than I ever thought possible,” Müller Karoza says.

“It was a unique experience, the atmosphere was open and collaborative and to meet people from all over Israel and Germany was so insightful.”—Müller Karoza, a PhD student at GU’s Scene Grammar Lab

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Future International Projects

Interested in creating a joint international project like the Winter School? Learn more about how The Lowy International School can support.

The winter weather, which decided to visit us in Tel Aviv for only a few hours, added to the festive atmosphere of the Open Day held on February 6th at our campus. Thousands of prospective students gathered to learn about admission requirements and the registration process, and to meet with academic and administrative staff as well as current students from the fields they are interested in. They found themselves congregating in the faculty buildings across campus and in the registration and counseling halls, where they were greeted with workshops, lectures, and panels—everything they needed to begin their academic journey.

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and discover information about the diverse study program combinations offered by Tel Aviv University.

“The university offers over 200 study programs, and is part of a movement to create innovative interdisciplinary programs”, says Sharon Ariel, the university’s marketing director.

She continues: “We encourage our students to choose unconventional combinations, believing they will find ways to integrate their different areas of interest throughout their professional and personal lives. For example, students can study Biology alongside Philosophy, combine Computer Science with Music, or deepen their understanding of Law and Film Studies. This approach allows each student to find their unique path and fully realize their academic and personal potential”.

This year, Tel Aviv University also introduced special conditions for reservists who were called up for extended periods, as well as for evacuees from war zones, offering a unique undergraduate admission track to help them succeed. Visitors to the Open Day participated in immersive tours through the faculty buildings and study departments, offering a taste of various fields of study and a glimpse into the different labs. The first 200 registrants at the event received a special surprise—a pair of Saucony running shoes as a gift.

Open Day at TAU. Photo credit: LENS Productions.

Among the most popular sessions were those introducing Tel Aviv University’s innovative teaching methods, including virtual reality experiences and workshops on choosing a field of study from the Career Counseling Center at the Dean of Students’ Office. In addition, prospective students learned about the opportunity to spend a whole semester at leading universities abroad through the student exchange program, and participated in a workshop at the Campus Entrepreneurship Center, where they learned how to start advancing their startup dreams during their degree.

We were delighted to host everyone at our beautiful campus, and we hope that together with us, the prospective students will begin their journey toward the discoveries, innovations, and theories waiting to be uncovered.

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 >

In January, Tel Aviv University (TAU) hosted Nobel Laureate Professor Reinhard Genzel for a lecture on recent advancements in understanding black holes and their role in shaping galaxies, as part of TAU’s annual Ne’eman Physics Colloquium. Genzel visited under the auspices of the Lowy Distinguished Guest Professors framework, made possible by The Lowy International School.

During his visit, Genzel also participated in a podcast discussion with his host and longtime colleague Prof. Amiel Sternberg, from TAU’s School of Physics and Astronomy; the two delved into how Genzel’s research career developed, including what led him to ultimately discover a compact object at the center of the Milky Way and win the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics.

In the podcast episode, Genzel also details his long history of collaboration with his Israeli colleagues, reflecting, for instance, on a recent three-day symposium in December that brought together top German and Israeli science organizations and universities: “It was fantastic to see how much we appreciate each other,” he said.

Similarly, Genzel began his lecture, Massive Black Holes & Galaxies: Experimental Evidence & Cosmic Evolution, by emphasizing the decades-long connections he has had with Israeli research institutions. “I am absolutely proud, as a German and as a scientist, to have had that companionship,” said Genzel, who was officially representing the Max Planck Society. “In difficult times, I think it’s important to stand by your side.”

The Mystery of Black Holes

The focus of Genzel’s talk was the enigmatic nature of black holes, particularly the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy, called Sagittarius A*. He explained that black holes, first predicted by Einstein’s general relativity, were initially theoretical. However, through years of patient observation and technical innovation, scientists started to gather direct evidence of their existence. “The question was … do they really exist, and can we prove it?” Genzel remarked.

“It’s mind-boggling that three different techniques – observations with high resolution of gas and stars, gravitational waves and also very high-resolution short wavelength radio interferometric observations – have in the last 10-15 years really pushed this topic from pure speculation to scientific truth.”

Genzel highlighted, for instance, the breakthrough observations of stars orbiting Sagittarius A* at incredible speeds, reaching thousands of kilometers per second. These stellar orbits provided compelling evidence of a supermassive object. “We can see [these stars] moving night to night … and how they orbit,” he explained. “That’s incredible … and it gives us very precise information on the mass.”

The Galactic Center and Cosmic Evolution

The lecture also delved into the relationship between black holes and galaxy formation. Genzel discussed how black holes accumulate material and release energy, shaping the environments around them. By studying active galactic nuclei in distant galaxies, researchers have traced the growth of black holes and their co-evolution with their host galaxies, with the ratio of the black hole’s mass to the galaxy’s mass roughly constant.

He also shared intriguing results from gravitational wave astronomy, which has revealed new insights into stellar black holes, which suggest that black holes might grow faster or through additional processes than previously thought. “All of this is on the table right now,” Genzel stated. “Of course, that will be the goal of understanding the story in the next 10 years.”

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Genzel emphasized the need for more advanced instruments to probe black holes further. He described how future experiments with gravitational waves and next-generation telescopes, for instance, could help resolve some of the field’s most perplexing questions. As part of this, Genzel pointed to the recent discovery of a star orbiting in the vicinity of Sagittarius A*, something which suggests that a black hole’s gravitational force may not be as destructive as previously understood.

Genzel ultimately ended his talk by encouraging the future generation of researchers to take up the mantle, including those attending the colloquium: “Come on, join the crowd,” he told them. “This is exciting stuff.”

Interested in The Lowy Distinguished Guest Professors framework and how it helps to bring eminent scholars to TAU? Learn more here.