Month: November 2023

Prof. Ido Kaminer of the Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering won an ERC Consolidator grant from the European Research Council.

ERC Consolidator grants support select scientists who propose pioneering, ground-breaking research ideas. The grant will be used by Prof. Kaminer’s research team to develop a theory and innovative experimental platform for a new field in electron microscopy: Q-in-PINEM. The research will focus on creating new quantum states and identifying unique quantum properties for materials.

“The goal of the project is to research new quantum phenomena that haven’t been observed and access them for the first time thanks to our ability to control the wave properties of free electrons,” Prof. Kaminer explains. “We are planning to produce the first-ever many-electron entangled states and measure the quantum correlations produced on extremely short periods of time, occurring for electrons moving at a big fraction of the speed of light.”

The physics of free electrons is a field that has been studied for many years and has already led to many applications such as microwave ovens, particle accelerators, and free-electron lasers. However, breakthroughs by Prof. Kaminer’s research group prove that even in this old/established field, there is still a great deal to be discovered, and in recent years his team made new discoveries and unprecedented observations involving the interaction of material, light and free electrons.

This month, Prof. Kaminer was also awarded the Lem Prize, named for the science fiction author Stanislav Lem. The Lem Prize is awarded annually to a young researcher whose creative work in science or engineering has the potential to positively impact the future of civilization. Stanislav Lem, who wrote classic novels like Solaris, is considered the Polish writer who is the most famous around the world. The prize in his honor was established two years ago to mark 100 years since his birth, and it is dedicated to the principal aspects of his literary heritage: human beings, science, technology, progress and the future. Prof. Kaminer is the third scientist to win the prize.

Prof. Kaminer pursued all of his academic degrees at the Technion: a double B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and Physics and a Master’s and PhD at the Department of Physics under the supervision of Distinguished Prof. Moti Segev. He joined the Technion’s Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2018, following a post-doctoral fellowship at MIT, and established the AdQuanta Lab in the Faculty. Prof. Kaminer is a member of the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI), the Helen Diller Quantum Center, and the Solid State Institute.

In 2020, Prof. Kaminer made the list of TheMarker’s Most Promising Young People. In 2022, he won the $2.5 million Polymath Prize awarded by the Schmidt Futures Foundation to “outstanding people who are improving the world.” He also won the Lomb Medal, Krill Prize, Blavatnik Award, and other prizes bestowed by the Israeli Physics Society and the American Physical Society.

This morning, the Technion hosted a rally to support the release of the abductees and to show solidarity with their families. Displayed prominently on the Elishar Central Library at the Technion were photographs of the abductees, accompanied by the caption: “We must bring them home now – #BringThemHomeNow.”

The rally, attended by the Technion’s administration, along with hundreds of students, administrative, and academic staff, was MC’d by Prof. Lihi Zelnik-Manor of the Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. She stated, “Forty-seven days have elapsed since that fateful and horrific Shabbat, a day that has forever changed us. During these forty-seven days of shock and mourning, our thoughts have constantly been with the murdered victims and the hundreds of abductees forcibly taken to Gaza. This rally and the exhibit at the Central Library serve as a reminder to ourselves, the Technion community, the citizens of Israel, and the entire world that abducting civilians violates not only legal but also moral principles.”

Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion, addressed the rally, saying, “This event is not just ‘another round of fighting’ in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but a heinous crime against humanity perpetrated by terrorists who have forsaken their humanity. The barbaric acts of these murderers will be indelibly recorded in Jewish history, alongside the Holocaust, and will be forever etched in the hearts of all civilized people. These acts must be recognized for what they are – unforgivable crimes against humanity.”

“We are all deeply saddened and grieving, yet among us are those who have been personally affected by this tragedy – the families of the murdered, the abducted, and the wounded. These are parents, children, siblings, and friends. As a parent and grandparent, I can only begin to fathom their anguish. Yet, none of us can truly understand the anxiety, worry, and yearning that keeps them awake, haunting every moment. Our hearts go out to them. We look into their eyes and into the eyes of the other abductees and their families, vowing that we will not rest until each abductee is safely returned to their loved ones.”

Shalom,

In light of the Home Front Command’s instructions, which remain unchanged, the activities tomorrow, Tuesday, 21.11.23, will continue as planned.

On Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 11:30 AM, we will gather to advocate for the release of the abductees. This event will be held at the Central Library Square. Due to the Home Front Command’s regulations on public gatherings, registration is required to participate.

Please register at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/grhJBL05tH

Wishing you a pleasant evening.

Israel’s research universities continue to stand strongly with those serving in the army, as well as their partners, and offer them and all Israelis assistance and support through a myriad of local and nationwide initiatives.

In order to support the community of students – which includes army reservists and their partners – as well as residents of the conflict zones who were evacuated from their homes, and families whose loved ones were murdered, kidnapped, or injured, the heads of the research universities have announced that the start of the academic year will be postponed until reservists start to be demobilized, and not earlier than December 24, 2023. The two weeks prior to the start date will be devoted to preparations and assistance with returning to a normal academic routine.

This message applies to the following seven research universities: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Bar-Ilan University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa University, and Ariel University.

Different arrangements apply to the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Open University. Those institutions will communicate any relevant information directly to their students.

Following a request from the Ministry of Health, and in order to ensure continuity in Israel’s healthcare system, special arrangements will be made for medical students engaged in clinical studies.

Our goal is for the academic year to proceed as a complete year, with two full semesters. If necessary, the academic year will spill over into the summer. Specific decisions about the structure of the academic calendar will be made separately by each university.

Israel’s just and unavoidable response to the massacre of October 7^th spawned a wave of anti-Israel and antisemitic protests around the world. These vile reactions are based on denialism and false information about the horrible crimes committed by the Hamas terrorists against babies, children, adults and the elderly.

“Unfortunately,” says Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, “faculty members from many universities in the West joined this wave, as did student organizations and professional associations. Given the feeble responses of quite a few presidents of leading universities in North America, Europe and Australia, many Jewish and Israeli students and researchers currently face physical and verbal threats that cause them to think twice about everything they do and prevent them from participating in academic activities in those institutions. As a result of this situation and given the Technion’s important role in the history of the Jewish People during the last 100 years, we have announced a program for the rapid integration of students and faculty members from around the world looking for an academic refuge during these difficult times.”

Last week, the Technion published a Call for Proposals inviting faculty and students from around the world to join the Technion and pursue their studies, teaching and research activities on the Technion’s campuses in Haifa.

• Faculty members (all ranks) are invited to come to the Technion for a period of teaching and research.
• Researchers with a PhD degree are invited to join Technion’s post-doctoral program under the guidance of Technion faculty or joint guidance with a mentor from their home institution.
• Students are invited to join research projects in Technion’s labs under the guidance of Technion faculty for a period of two months to a year, by joining the Student Exchange or Study Abroad programs that offer a wide range of courses, mainly for graduate degrees. These courses are taught in English in numerous Technion faculties.
• Suitable students are invited to apply for a full research degree (Master’s or PhD) under the guidance of Technion faculty or joint guidance with a mentor from their home institution.

The Technion has already received a number of inquiries from students and faculty interested in this opportunity.

“The Technion will continue to serve as a supportive and safe research university for everyone,” summarizes the President of the Technion, “and I invite undergraduate and graduate students and faculty from all over the world to join us during this difficult time, and to be part of our academic community at the forefront of global research and education.”

Right after the outbreak of the war, a “Give Help, Get Help” was established at the Technion to assist the Technion community and their families, the residents of Israel’s border towns, and the IDF soldiers. Dozens of initiatives now operate under this framework, in addition to a broad range of activities by ASAT volunteers. Here is a sampling of their activities:

Hosting on campus: Dozens of internally displaced people, families and individuals, are staying on campus. On their first Shabat dinner here, Technion President Uri Sivan was there to welcome them.

Taking care of Technion’s children: With schools closed, the Human Resources Department and the workers’ unions opened a daycare on campus for pre-school and primary school-aged children. The daycare was active until schools in Haifa reopened.

Also in Rambam: Students from the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine volunteered at the daycare center for workers’ children in Rambam Health Care Campus.

Everything you need: The Technion’s second-hand shop provides evacuees with everything they need, free of charge.

On the Home Front: Students from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering helped clear out bomb shelters in Nesher, as part of the “Shelter City” initiative. Students from the Wolfson Department of Chemical Engineering, led by the faculty dean, cleared shelters in Haifa.

Challah Engineering: Members of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering rolled up their sleeves, quite literally, and set to baking 300 challahs (so far) for reserve servicemen.

Shabat shalom: Technion staff members baked challahs for the displaced families staying on campus.

Music helps: The Department of Public Affairs organized a musical meeting to offer the families staying on campus a relaxing afternoon.

Part of the blood drive: Students Sivan Schwartz and Nohar Marcus organized a large group of students to assist at blood donation points.

Shave and haircut: Yara Tzachen, the hairdresser at the ASAT hair salon, went out into the field to offer soldiers free haircuts.

Education goes on: Technion Youth Program Centre organized activities for children evacuated from southern border villages, who are now staying at the Dan Panorama hotel in Haifa.

Giving: Students from the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine organized a donation collection center for soldiers and for families from the Gaza Envelope.

Painting hope: children from the Na’amat preschool made large paintings, hung around the campus.

Nurseries needed: Faculty members from the Biotechnology and Food Engineering Faculty helped establish a nursery in Eilat for toddlers evacuated from the Gaza Envelope villages.

Fun Panorama: Technion volunteers organized activities for the displaced children staying at Dan Panorama hotel in Haifa.

Computing a way forward: computers were donated to displaced children.

Packed joy: Technion volunteers made packages of toys, books (donated by the central library), crafting materials, stationery, and more, for displaced families.

Just dance: Amnon Vilinger from the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Sapir, a SAP instructor, gave displaced families a dance lesson.

Bringing in the harvest: as the farming sector lacks working hands, hundreds of volunteers, students, faculty and staff, go out to help farmers bring in the harvest and prepare for new planting.

Packaged with love: many items have been donated, packed and sent to displaced families through ASAT’s donation center.

A room with a view: Technion workers helped clean and order rooms in the Lev Chash Association’s Home for Cancer Patients, to house now the families of the wounded.

Visiting the wounded: gift packages were prepared and given out in the Haifa hospitals.

One heart: various equipment has been collected and sent to soldiers, with the help of “One Heart” organization.

New classroom: thanks to a donation of 30 desks and 60 chairs from the School of Practical Engineering, a classroom was built for the displaced children housed in Dan Panorama hotel.

Comfort food: in the first days of the war, the businesses of the Student Union Building’s food gallery sent packaged meals to  the assembly areas in the north and the south.

Laundry’s on us: ASAT provided displaced families staying on campus with cards for free use of all the washing and drying machines in campus dormitories.

Not a dull moment: ASAT organized afternoon activities for displaced children in the Student Union’s building.

Squeaky clean: “Give Help / Get Help” volunteers are doing the laundry for displaced families staying in hotels.

Staying with the children: “Give Help / Get Help” volunteers are also babysitting for reservists’ families.

For our soldiers at the front: a large group of academic reserves at the Technion volunteered to pack field rations, make bulletproof vests, and more.

For the soldiers: Human Resources Department sent gift packages to Technion students, faculty and staff called up for reserve service.

 

A big thank you to all of you! Your commitment is heartwarming. If we forgot an initiative, please email us and we’ll add it.

 

Good evening,

• In view of the current assessment of the situation, which remains unchanged, the Technion campuses will continue to operate under the emergency routine established over the past week. We are adhering to the Home Front Command’s guidelines and are allowing flexibility for remote work, subject to approval by supervisors as necessary.
• This week, our various academic departments and units will complete emergency drills for accessing protected areas, under the guidance of the Security and Emergency Unit. Please be aware of the drill schedules in your building.
• The Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, in collaboration with the Mutual Responsibility Center and with the support of numerous Technion staff volunteers, prepared, packaged, and delivered approximately 300 parcels of challah and cakes to our reserve soldiers in celebration of Shabbat. We commend everyone involved!
• Next week, we will continue to focus on activities that foster social engagement. The Mutual Responsibility Center remains open for ongoing volunteer opportunities. For more details, visit (Hebrew): https://technion.my.canva.site/
• The Office of the Dean of Students has established the “Technion Resilience Center” under the Center for Student Counseling and Support. This center offers professional assistance to students dealing with stress, emotional challenges, and academic preparation. We encourage you to reach out to us at 077-8874112 or via email at counsel@technion.ac.il.

Wishing you all a great week ahead

Thirty high school students who were forced to evacuate from their homes in northern Israel due to the current war recently arrived at the Technion for a week of academic studies and enrichment activities, and enjoyed a fulfilling experience on campus under full-board conditions. It is the first cycle of the Robophysics program offered by the Atidim NGO that was adapted to the current situation. The participants are 11^th and 12^th graders from schools in Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi and Kibbutz Dafna who were evacuated from their homes as a result of the fighting near the Lebanese border.

Prof. Idit Keidar, Dean of the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, told the participating students: “These are not the ideal conditions for learning, and it’s hard for all of us to concentrate these days, but I hope this program will give you a chance to take a break from the news and to gain important knowledge in an immersive and enriching manner. Graduates of the program receive academic credit points, and of course we would be delighted if you decide to continue your studies here in our Faculty as the result of the program.”

Robophysics is a scientific field that explores the physical principles of how robots move in the real world. The Technion’s program uses this field to teach software, hardware, artificial intelligence, physics, and other related fields, in an experimental and enjoyable way. The program is recognized by the Ministry of Education and Yale University in the U.S.

The Robophysics program was founded a decade ago by the entrepreneur Ofer Danino, who completed two degrees at the Technion (Electric and Computer Engineering, and Education in Science and Technology), and is sponsored by the Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. When the current war broke out, the program’s management decided to make it accessible to students who were displaced from their homes. The Atidim NGO, which is devoted to maximizing the potential of the human capital in Israel’s geographic and social periphery, agreed to head the project.

According to Meital Shaked, director of the Atidim Youth program, “In just four days, Atidim and the Technion designed an emergency program in response to an urgent need affecting the population with which Atidim has been working for over 20 years. The ultimate goal is for outstanding students from communities that were evacuated to achieve their full potential with regards to their high school matriculation exams and the positions they will have in the army – despite the current crisis and the difficult situation we are all facing these days. The cohort we are currently hosting includes the maximum number of students – 30. In the next few days, we will finalize a second cycle, also consisting of evacuees from the north, and we are working on recruiting additional cycles that will also include students evacuated from communities near the Gaza Strip. The Technion has opened its heart and its campus, enabling the program’s participants to enjoy everything that this excellent institution has to offer, and we greatly appreciate this partnership. I have no doubt that we will continue to collaborate in the future.”

Shalom,

Given the Home Front Command’s instructions, which remain unchanged, the activities tomorrow, Thursday, 16.11.23, will continue as planned.

In light of a need for blood donation, MDA and ASAT will hold a blood donation event next Sunday (19.11.2023) between 10:00-15:30, in the Student Union Building. If you wish to give blood, please register here >> https://bd.mda.org.il/#/org-schedule/ac765063-6f96-46b5-b36e-fbed3a675d58

Wishing you a pleasant evening!

The Technion has announced a series of adjustments to the academic calendar for the upcoming academic year that will benefit the entire student body, as well as more extensive adjustments for students who were mobilized and are taking part in the war. Currently, 30% of the Technion’s students (both men and women) are serving in the army reserves, as are many members of the academic and administrative faculty and the teaching staff. This morning, the presidents of Israel’s research universities announced that the 2023-24 academic year will be postponed until soldiers in the reserves start to be demobilized, but not earlier than December 24^th, 2023.

The events of October 7^th and the subsequent war have impacted all Israelis, including the entire student population. The Technion is committed to supporting its students in a variety of ways during these difficult times, such as financial assistance for rent for dorm rooms, special financial aid, scholarships, and personal academic support.

The 2023-24 academic calendar will consist of two semesters, and the summer semester will be cancelled. Final exams for the spring-summer semester will take place near the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year. During the two weeks that precede the opening of the current academic year and during the first week of classes, a “getting back on track” program will enable students, and especially those serving in the reserves, to return to a normal routine and readjust to civilian life as seamlessly as possible.

The new academic adjustments announced by the Technion are intended for four groups:

1. The general student body;
2. Students currently serving in the reserves who will be demobilized by the beginning of the academic year;
3. Students who will continue to actively serve in the reserves after the start of the academic year;
4. Students who were affected by the war in a substantial and concrete manner, such as those who were harmed or were evacuated from their homes or whose loved ones were affected.

The initiative was headed by Senior Executive Vice President Prof. Oded Rabinovitch, Dean of Undergraduate Studies Prof. Hossam Haick, and Dean of the Graduate School Prof. Uri Peskin, together with faculty deans and associate deans, Dean of Students, undergraduate studies teams, and the Technion Student Association.

Adjustments for the entire student body:

• For undergraduate students: a grade of 55 or more can be converted to a “Pass” grade for two subjects studied during the spring and summer semesters of the 2022-23 academic year. In addition, individual consideration will be given in cases when this is the last grade of the degree.
• For graduate students: additional dates for English exams; the option to waive one course in their final transcript instead of the requirement to improve a grade; and the option to replace a grade of 65 or above with a “Pass” grade in one subject studied during the spring or summer semesters of the 2022-23 academic year.

Additional academic adjustments for students serving in the reserves and for students who have children and whose spouse is serving in the reserves:

• Option of receiving more credit points for military service than what was customary until now.
• Converting a numeric grade into a “Passing” mark for courses studied during the spring or summer semesters of the 2022-23 academic year; for four subjects for those serving in the reserves who are demobilized before the beginning of the new semester, and for an unlimited number of courses for those demobilized after the start of the new semester.
• Concessions regarding the attendance requirement during the week prior to testing during reserve duty.
• Extra classes to catch up and reinforce the material, offered by the teaching staff.
• Special time extensions of 25% for all exams.
• For students in advanced degree programs: postponing the semester to complete the English exam requirement.

These academic adjustments join a series of benefits that the Technion already offers students serving in the reserves during the last month since the war broke out:

• A NIS 6,000 grant to every student serving in the reserves, intended for tuition, rent in the Technion dorms, or other expenses related to tuition.
• A complete exemption from rent for the months of October and November 2023, for students in the reserves living in campus dorms, as well as for their partners.
• Emotional aid and counseling to provide relief and support.
• Special financial aid to students serving in the reserves and their families (in addition to deferring tuition payments and continuing to receive scholarships for advanced degrees).

The academic departments, Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Office of the Dean of Students will provide support and solutions on a personal basis for students who were significantly and concretely affected by the war; those who were harmed or whose loved ones were harmed, those who were evacuated from their homes, etc., as well as those who continue to serve in the reserves after the start of the new semester and require additional assistance.

Click here for the complete list of adjustments for undergraduate students.

Shalom,

Given the current assessment of the situation, which remains unchanged, the Technion campuses will continue to operate under the emergency routine protocol, which was established in the past week. We are adhering to the Home Front Command’s guidelines, while also allowing flexibility for the approval of remote work by supervisors as necessary.

As a result of the “Iron Swords” War, the Technion has today announced a set of academic accommodations for the 2023-2024 academic year, aimed at supporting all students on campus. This includes extended provisions for reservists who have been called up under Order 8. Additionally, the academic calendar for 2024 will consist of two semesters, and the summer semester is cancelled. At the start of the academic year, we will implement a “Back to Track” program designed to assist students, particularly reservists, in smoothly transitioning back to their routine. This program aims to provide an opportunity for students to reacclimate and bridge any gaps in the process of returning to studies.

Wishing you a pleasant evening.

Shalom,

In light of the recent events in the Krayot area earlier tonight, we have engaged in comprehensive situation assessments. Adhering to the ongoing directives from the Home Front Command and considering the typical activity in the Haifa region, we confirm that the Technion will operate tomorrow, Monday, 13.11.23, following the same procedures as today.

We will maintain flexibility for remote work, to be granted on a case-by-case basis by managers, in the event of specific circumstances that necessitate such arrangements.

Should there be any new developments this evening, we are committed to providing further updates promptly.

Wishing you a pleasant evening.