Eleven Technion faculty members to receive the Yanai prize for Excellence in Academic Education

The Yanai Prize for Excellence in Academic Education has been awarded for the fifth consecutive time through a substantial donation towards the promotion of academic education at the Technion, “In appreciation of faculty members, who set an example through their endless contributions to teaching and learning and for their efforts to improve student involvement and sense of belonging to the Technion.”

The eleven faculty members awarded the prestigious Yanai Prize for Excellence in Academic Education are: ·

• Professor Joseph Avron, from the Faculty of Physics · Associate Professor Ran El-Yaniv, from the Faculty of Computer Science ·
• Associate Professor Shlomo Bekhor, from the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering ·
• Professor Joseph Ben-Asher, from the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering ·
• Assistant Professor Ayelet Baram-Tsabari, from the Faculty of Education in Technology and Science ·
• Assistant Professor Moran Bercovici, from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering ·
• Associate Professor Mark Talesnick, from the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering ·
• Professor Daniel Lewin, from the Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering ·
• Professor Ilan Marek, from the Schulich Faculty of Chemistry ·
• Professor Ross Pinsky, from the Faculty of Mathematics ·
• Professor Danny Raz, from the Faculty of Computer Science

“Yanai Prize winners are exemplary individuals, and they embody the close ties between research excellence and teaching excellence,” said Technion President Prof. Peretz Lavie in his speech at the award ceremony. “The Yanai Prize for Excellence in Academic Education was established in order to improve the quality of teaching at the Technion. A change was apparent from the very first year that it was awarded, and ever since it became a brand synonymous with excellence in teaching.

Technion’s 2016 Yanai Prize award winners are role models; the phrase ‘Yanai Prize winner’ has evolved into a desirable standard for excellence in teaching.” In her speech, Prof. Hagit Attiya, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, said, “Yanai Prize winners are the torchbearer leading the way for others to follow. They are exemplary individuals worthy of imitation. This is the most important and significant award given by the Technion for excellence in teaching, and clearly illustrates and defines the value Technion places on teaching.”

“You don’t view teaching as a burden, but as an opportunity,” said Omar Amit, the Chairman of the Technion’s Student Union (ASAT) at the ceremony. “Studies at the Technion are not easy. Technion students come here to study, not just to pass the time or to please their parents. You understand the power you have in your hands and you give them what they need most – inspiration.”

Moshe Yanai, a global pioneer in the field of information storage, in making his generous contribution, sought to give back to the institute in gratitude for the life skills that he gained during his studies here 40 years ago. Looking back he recalls the years of study at the university had been hard and difficult, and to this end decided together with Technion President Prof. Peretz Lavie, to contribute 12 million dollars to award lecturers who have demonstrated teaching excellence – a gift that would in turn also greatly benefit Technion students. The prize, which awards 100,000 ILS to each prize winner, will be given over a period of ten years.

In his closing remarks Yanai thanked the Technion for allowing him to meaningfully and effectively contribute to Israeli society. “The Technion helped build the foundations of the State of Israel and has had a tremendous impact on the country’s economic strength; I for one can say that the institute has had a far-reaching influence on my life and I have a lot to be grateful for. It is commonplace that academic institutes rely most on research and publications with teaching taking on a backseat. The significance of this prize is that it places a spotlight on teaching and educating and brings it out to the forefront. Although research and publications are very important, the value of teaching and academic education at the strategic level supersedes them. I would like to thank the Technion President as well as all of the staff members who invested great efforts in turning this dream of mine into a reality. I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of tonight’s award winners who have selflessly placed the interests of the community above their own.”

2015 Yanai Prize for Excellence in Education Award Ceremonies Program

Technion President Prof. Peretz Lavie with 2015 Yanai Prize for Excellence in Academic Education award winners (from right to left): Prof. Danny Raz, Assoc. Prof. Ran El-Yaniv, Assoc. Prof. Shlomo Bekhor, Assoc. Prof. Mark Talesnick, Asst. Prof. Ayelet Baram-Tsabari, Prof. Daniel Lewin, Prof. Joseph Avron, Technion President Prof. Peretz Lavie, Prof. Joseph Ben-Asher, Prof. Ross Pinsky, Prof. Ilan Marek, Asst. Prof. Moran Bercovici, with Omar Amit, the Chairman of the Technion’s Student Union