Month: September 2024

The fellowship, amounting to $3,000, supports the career development of outstanding doctoral students through international travel, networking opportunities, and more. According to the Academy’s statement, “The fellowship recipients are the cutting edge of Israel’s future researchers in the fields of natural sciences, life sciences, engineering, mathematics, data science, and computer science.”

 

The fellowship award ceremony took place on Sunday, September 29, 2024, as part of the annual Adams Seminar, with the participation of a family representative, Mr. Sylvan Adams, and former Academy President, Prof. Nili Cohen.

 

 

The Technion recipients are:

Jonathan Somer from the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Somer completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science at Tel Aviv University and a bachelor’s degree in medicine at the Technion, both summa cum laude. He is currently a PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Shie Mannor from the Technion and co-supervised by Prof. Uri Alon from the Department of Molecular Biology at the Weizmann Institute. Somer is enrolled in the MD/PhD program, which trains physician-scientists at the Technion’s Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and has published seven academic articles so far. His research focuses on developing computational tools for cancer research and treatment using machine learning and principles from physics and control theory.

 

Evgenii Zheltonozhskii from the Faculty of Physics. Zheltonozhskii was born in Russia and immigrated to Israel at the age of 14 as part of the Na’aleh program. After his military service, he was accepted into the Technion Excellence Program, completed a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude (in computer science and physics-mathematics), and continued to a master’s degree in computer science, which he also completed summa cum laude under the supervision of Prof. Alex Bronstein and Prof. Avi Mendelson. Currently, he is working on the theory of material phases, primarily in the context of topological quantum computing, aiming to improve the performance of “traditional” quantum computing.

 

Ron Ruimy from the Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Ruimy completed a dual bachelor’s degree in physics and electrical and computer Engineering at the Technion, during which he began working in Prof. Ido Kaminer’s lab. Even during his undergraduate studies, which he completed summa cum laude, he was a lead author on a paper published in the prestigious journal Physical Review Letters. In his direct-track PhD, he focuses on electrons, electron microscopy, and possibilities for creating new types of quantum technologies.

 

Majd Machour from the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering. Machour completed a dual bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and medicine at the Technion summa cum laude after which he was accepted into the MD/PhD program and began his research in Prof. Shulamit Levenberg’s lab at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering. His doctoral research involves 3D bioprinting of multi-layered tissues containing blood vessels, and developing new printing methods and materials that can serve as bio-inks for printing thick and mechanically stable tissues intended for implantation. During his PhD, Majd co-authored nine scientific papers and three patents and won the 2023 Rappaport Award for Outstanding Doctoral Students.

 

Michael Birk from the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology program. Birk completed a dual bachelor’s degree in physics and electrical and computer engineering as part of the “Psagot” military-academic program and is currently a PhD student under the joint supervision of Prof. Ido Kaminer (AdQuanta) from the Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Prof. Oren Cohen from the Faculty of Physics. His doctoral research focuses on the theory and application of quantum optics. According to Prof. Kaminer, “Michael’s contributions were crucial to our publications in Nature Physics and Nature Photonics last year, where he was one of the lead authors. Together, these two papers laid the foundation for a new research field—quantum optics of strong fields—which has already begun to engage researchers worldwide. In a third paper, published in the Journal of Optics, Michael led the Technion’s contribution in an international collaboration, demonstrating impressive leadership and teamwork skills.”

 

The Adams Fellowship Program, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a joint initiative of the Academy and Mr. Marcel Adams from Canada. Each year, the Adams Fellowships are awarded to around eight young researchers starting from the second year of their PhD studies, for a period of up to four consecutive academic years. The fellowship amount is currently 100,000 NIS per year. In addition, the Adams Fellowship Program allocates up to $3,000 annually to each fellow for active participation in scientific conferences and workshops abroad, scientific collaborations, or travel to interview for postdoctoral positions overseas. Participation in the fellowship program greatly contributes to the professional advancement of the fellows. Adams Fellows have the opportunity to form connections with each other and build a young scientists’ community through meetings at the Academy for students from all cohorts.

 

The founder of the fellowship program, the late Mr. Marcel Adams (1920–2020), was a passionate Zionist. He was born in Romania and, during World War II, was imprisoned in a labor camp established by the Nazis. He managed to escape, immigrated to Israel, and even fought in the War of Independence. In 1951, he emigrated to Canada, and seven years later, founded a real estate company, which grew and expanded over the years. Mr. Adams established the fellowship program as a way to give back to the country where he found refuge. He passed away in the summer of 2020 at the age of 100.

 

16 Technion graduate students together with a similar number of German students from Aachen and Jülich research center participated in a series of lectures and seven different hands-on laboratory sessions. The lectures covered fundamental principles of electron microscopy, and applications in material science, life science and quantum physics. The experimental part introduced the students to some of the most advanced electron microscopy systems worldwide.  Social events for the students and staff were also included in the program. The Technion delegation was headed by Professor Gadi Eisenstein, director of RBNI. Two Technion faculty members, Professor Yeshayahu (Ishi) Talmon and Professor Ido Kaminer were among the lecturers. 

The school was a late follow up of a very successful RBNI winter school on the same topic held in 2018 in Kfar Bloom. 

Prof. Michael (Miki) Elad received the prize for his research in engineering, which has led to practical developments, including reducing radiation levels in CT scans and shortening MRI scan times.

Distinguished Professor Mordechai (Moti) Segev received the prize for his pioneering contributions in photonics and nonlinear optics, and the innovative research paths he developed. His groundbreaking work in optical communications has had a global impact, advancing new technologies to improve wireless communication and the Internet.

The Rothschild Prize has been awarded by Yad Hanadiv, the Rothschild Family Foundation, in ten academic fields, since 1959. Yad Hanadiv also contributed to the construction of the Knesset, the Supreme Court, and the National Library.

Photographed by: Yoni Kelberman

Technion Update

Saturday, November 30, 19:00

 

Dear Technion Family,

According to the Home Front Command guidelines for the Haifa area which were published this evening, the restrictions on educational activities have been lifted, and the campus defense level has been updated to Level 1.

We will resume all teaching and work activities on all Technion campuses starting tomorrow, Sunday, December 1, 2024.

• Lectures, tutorials, projects, studios, labs, and sports courses will take place tomorrow in person on the campuses according to the usual schedule. You can find your teaching schedule in the online course catalog:

https://portalex.technion.ac.il/ovv/?sap-theme=sap_belize&sap-language=EN&sap-ui-language=EN#/studyfields

• Please remain vigilant and alert for potential warnings. If a siren sounds, go immediately to the protected space closest to you. Protected spaces are signposted throughout the campus. Please take the time to locate your nearest protected space.
• Work on campus will resume tomorrow under regular conditions.
• Please note, the Nesher gate will continue to operate from 06:30-16:30 on weekdays, and will return to a standard schedule starting December 8th.

We wish you a successful and peaceful remainder of the semester and look forward to seeing you on campus.

 

 

Thursday, November 28, 2024, 19:00

Home Front Command instructions, valid until the evening of Saturday, November 30, state that activities in the Haifa area will operate under Defense Level 2.

We continue to maintain ongoing communication with representatives from the Home Front Command, and we are preparing for a full return to classes and work on the campuses starting Sunday, December 1, 2024. We expect to receive an update from the Home Front Command on this matter.

Please prepare for a full return to the campuses on Sunday, December 1. We will provide further updates as soon as possible.

Wishing you a peaceful and safe weekend.

 

 

Wednesday, November 27, 17:15

Good evening Technion family,

This morning the ceasefire in the north came into effect; we continue to follow the mandatory instructions of the Home Front Command. The guidelines for the Haifa area remain unchanged, and we are still in Defensive Mode 2.

Updates:

• Tomorrow (Thursday): Classes will continue to take place online, in a remote learning format.
• Exams scheduled for special dates, including those for students on reserve duty, will proceed as planned on campus.
• Return to Routine: We are preparing for a potential return to full, on-campus academic activities starting this coming Sunday, December 1st. Updates will be shared as soon as this is approved by the Home Front Command. Once regular activities resume, all in-person learning, including lectures, tutorials, projects, studios, laboratories, and sports courses, will follow the original format. Teaching schedules can be accessed via the online study catalog:

‏ https://portalex.technion.ac.il/ovv/?sap-theme=sap_belize&sap-language=EN&sap-ui-language=EN#/studyfields

• Midterm Exams: As previously announced, midterm exams will not be held during the Winter 2024-2025 semester.
• Work Arrangements: Tomorrow, work at the Technion will continue in the same format as in recent days, in accordance with Home Front Command instructions. Preparations are underway for a full return to campus work starting this Sunday.
• Defense Situation Updates: We will provide further updates if there are any changes to the defense situation or the Home Front Command’s guidelines.

 

Wishing you a quiet evening.

 

 

 

Monday, November 25, 2024, 18:20

Good evening Technion family,

Following the Home Front Command’s announcement on guidelines for the coming days in the Haifa area, and at the end of the assessment of the situation held this evening by the Technion administration, here are a few updates:

• Teaching for the next three days (Tuesday to Thursday, inclusive) will take place in an online format. Classes in all courses will move to Zoom. Teaching labs that were planned for the rest of the week will be postponed and held at a later date. Over the next three days, we will organize the teaching schedule for next week.
• Useful tips for online learning during an emergency can be found here: https://promoteach.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Learning-Tips-Nov-2024.pdf
• Work at the Technion will take place physically on campuses tomorrow, provided that it is possible to reach a protected space within a minute. In cases where it is not possible to reach a protected space within a minute, and in other cases approved by the head of the unit, work will take place in a remote format.
• If there are further changes in the defense situation and Home Front Command guidelines, we will update you.
• Please continue to follow the Home Front Command’s defense guidelines, they save lives.

Have a quiet and safe evening.

 

 

 Thursday, November 21, 2024, 20:15

Good evening Technion family,

Following a situation assessment held this evening by the Technion’s management, here are some updates:

• The directives of the Home Front Command for the Haifa region for the next week remain unchanged. Activity will continue at defense level 2. Studies and work will take place next week on the campuses in the format in which we have operated so far. Please continue to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions, they save lives.
• Due to activity continuing at defense level 2 and the full occupancy of the classrooms at the Technion, the mid-semester exams will not take place.
• Please note, Nesher gate will continue to operate on weekdays from 06:30 – 16:30 only.
• Assessments of the situation will now take place on a weekly basis, unless there are changes in the directives of the Home Front Command. Updates will be published after assessing the situation, and as needed.

 

Wishing everyone a quiet and safe weekend.

 

 

Saturday, November 16, 2024, 21:30

Technion Family Shalom,

Following the rocket barrage on the northern region and Haifa this evening, we are providing a short update.

• In coordination with the Home Front Command and Haifa Municipality’s Emergency Headquarters, the guidelines regarding tomorrow’s activities remain unchanged.
• We will continue the Technion’s activities tomorrow in the same format as last week, while exercising extra caution. Please adhere to the Home Front Command’s safety instructions – they save lives.
• Whether you are in classrooms, laboratories, offices, or public areas, locate the nearest sheltered space and ensure you can reach it within one minute. During an alarm, enter the sheltered space and stay there for 10 minutes. On your way to the sheltered space, remain attentive to those around you and provide assistance as needed.
• After exiting the sheltered space, keep away from areas of impact or debris and avoid touching fragments. If you encounter any, please report them to the security unit.

 

Wishing you a quiet and safe evening and a good week.

 

 

Thursday, November 14, 2024, 20:20

Good evening Technion family,

We have concluded the first week of the academic year on campus. The week passed successfully and without unusual events, despite some red-alert sirens.

•  Tomorrow, the last of the second-round exams (mo’ed bet) will be held on campus.
•  The directives of the Home Front Command for the Haifa region for the weekend and the beginning of next week remain unchanged. Activity will continue at defense level 2.
•  Studies and work on the campuses will take place next week in the format in which we have operated so far. For an explanatory video and instructions: https://youtu.be/WGld9StL_OA?si=HQlRKoJX3BGHf0_V
•  Due to the situation and the campus security guards’ ongoing reserve duty, Nesher gate will be closed at the weekend and will operate next week between 06:30 – 16:30.
•  On Saturday night (16.11.24), we will not publish another update message, unless necessary.

 

Wishing you a quiet and safe weekend.

 

 

Sunday, November 10, 2024, 20:30

Good evening, Technion family,

Today we successfully started the 2024-25 school year without any unusual events. It’s great to see the campus busy again.

• The Home Front Command directives for this week in the Haifa region remain unchanged. Activity will continue at defense level 2. Work will take place this week near protected areas on the campuses, in the format in which we have been operating so far.
• Second round exams (mo’ed bet) – will be held tomorrow and later this week as planned on campus and in Nesher High School. The exam locations appear on the undergraduate  studies website. (https://ugportal.technion.ac.il/moad-b-2024/).
• Please note, in view of the situation – Nesher gate will continue to operate this week from 06:30 – 16:30.

In coordination with the Home Front Command, we will continue to monitor developments. We will only publish additional update notices from now on if necessary.

Wishing everyone a successful school year!

 

 

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 19:20

Good evening, Technion family,

• The directives of the Home Front Command for the Haifa area for next week remain unchanged, with the continuation of activity at defense level 2. Work and exams will take place tomorrow and next week in the format in which we have been operating since the beginning of the week.
• The academic year will start this coming Sunday, November 10, 2024. In light of the security situation, some lessons will take place on campus and some will be taught online. On the certification studies website you can find the list of courses that will be held on campus.
• You are invited to watch a short explanatory video about the return to campus: https://youtu.be/WGld9StL_OA?si=gtAKNu1ThVYKHB71
• On Saturday night (9.11.2024), we will not publish another update message, unless necessary.

Wishing everyone a quiet and safe weekend, and a successful school year.

We are waiting for you on campus!

 

Wednesday, Nov 6, 20:00

Good evening Technion family,

• The Home Front Command’s guidelines for the Haifa area remain unchanged for tomorrow, maintaining activity at Defensive Level 2. Work and exams will proceed on Technion campuses as they have since the beginning of the week.
• We are preparing for the start of the academic year on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Due to the security situation, on-campus, face-to-face instruction will occur part-time, with the remaining courses offered online. A list of courses scheduled for face-to-face instruction is available on the Undergraduate Studies website, organized by course numbers.
• Ahead of the new academic year, we have installed 14 additional shelters across the campus, primarily in dormitory areas and central campus locations. Additionally, we are finalizing the preparation of protected areas in the stairwells of the Ullmann Building and other designated spaces in various academic department buildings.

Wishing everyone a safe and quiet evening.

 

Monday, November 4, 2024, 20:00

Good evening, Technion family,

The Home Front Command’s instructions for the Haifa area remain unchanged for tomorrow, directing us to continue operating at Defense Level 2. Work and exams will be held on campus tomorrow in the same format we have followed since the beginning of the week.

Wishing everyone a quiet and safe week.

 

 

Sunday, November 3, 2024, 21:20

 Good evening, Technion family,

Following a situational assessment conducted this evening by Technion management, here are the updates:

• The Home Front Command’s guidelines for the Haifa area for the upcoming week remain unchanged, instructing continued operations under Defense Level 2.
• The academic year will commence next Sunday, November 10, 2024, with physical attendance as much as possible within the limitations. Classes are partially scheduled on campus per Home Front Command guidelines, prioritizing lab sessions for all academic years, first-year courses, and core courses in each faculty. All campus-based courses have designated paths from classrooms to nearby sheltered areas. Classes not scheduled for in-person attendance will be held online in a format determined and announced by the course instructor.
• This coming week, extensive construction work will take place on campus to reinforce stairwells in the Ullman building and other areas across faculties. Preparing additional sheltered spaces will help ensure that students can safely attend campus.
• Work at the Technion in the upcoming week will be conducted on campus, provided that staff can reach a standard shelter within one minute. In cases where this is not possible, or as approved by the department head, work will be conducted remotely.
• Tomorrow, Monday, November 4, and throughout the coming week, exams will take place as scheduled on campus. The exam schedule is available on the undergraduate studies portal (https://ugportal.technion.ac.il/moad-b-2024/).
• The Student Counseling and Support Center is providing support for students injured during their service. For academic support accommodations, please contact Sigal Blum at sigal.blum@technion.ac.il. Support for their partners studying at Technion is provided by faculty advisors at the Student Counseling and Support Center via email: counsel@technion.ac.il.

 

Please note: Due to the current situation, the Nesher Gate will operate next week from 06:30 to 16:30.

 

Wishing everyone a calm and safe week.

 

 

Thursday, October 31, 2024, 20:20

Good evening, Technion Family,

Following a situational assessment conducted today by the Technion management with representatives from the Home Front Command, here are the updates:

• The Home Front Command guidelines for the Haifa area for the coming week remain unchanged, instructing continued operation at Defense Level 2.
• Work at the Technion next week will take place physically on campus, provided that a proper shelter can be reached within one minute. In cases where reaching a shelter within a minute is not possible, or in other cases approved by the unit head, remote work will be implemented.
• Tomorrow, Friday, 1.11, and throughout the coming week, exams will take place as scheduled on campus. Exam schedules are available on the Undergraduate Studies portal (https://ugportal.technion.ac.il/moad-b-2024/).
• Make-up exams (“Moed Bet”) – We are working with the faculties to advance exam dates in cases where the next exam date is scheduled for the Spring 2024-25 exam period. The registration system for upcoming exam dates will open after the completion of the current make-up exams.
• Orientation days for new students will be held next week at the faculties on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, November 5, 6, and 7, 2024, in accordance with the Home Front Command’s guidelines.
• Please note: Due to the situation, the Nesher Gate will be closed on Friday and Saturday and will reopen on Sunday at 06:30.
• On Saturday evening (2.11.2024), we will not publish an update notice unless it is necessary.

Wishing you a quiet and safe weekend.

 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 19:00

Good evening, Technion family,

Despite the sirens heard today in the Haifa area, the workday and exams proceeded without incident. Please continue to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions and stay updated on any changes.

• As we mentioned yesterday, we are preparing for the possibility that the winter semester 2025 may need to begin under Defensive Level 2 protocols. The undergraduate studies team is developing alternative arrangements for labs, lectures, and exercises on campus, aligned with Home Front Command guidelines. On-campus priority for in-person activities will be given to labs across all study years, first-year courses, and core courses. For classes that cannot meet on campus, online tools and accessible study materials will be available to support students.
• Exams on Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1, will proceed as scheduled. Exam room assignments can be found on the Undergraduate Studies website: https://ugportal.technion.ac.il/moad-b-2024/.
• Technion will continue in-person operations on campus tomorrow, provided there is access to a standard protected space within a minute’s reach. Where this is not possible, or in other cases approved by the unit head, work will be conducted remotely.
• Please note that due to the current situation, the Nesher Gate will close daily at 16:30 and remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

We wish everyone a quiet and safe evening

 

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 8:00 PM

Dear Technion Family,

It is with great sorrow that we share news of the death of Master Sergeant (res.) Shmuel (Sammy) Harari from Safed, a platoon commander in the Carmeli Brigade, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon last Saturday. He was 35 years old. Shmuel immigrated to Israel from the U.S. in 2010 and was a Technion graduate with a master’s degree in real estate management.

We share in his family’s deep sorrow.

May his memory be a blessing.

 

• We are preparing for the possibility that the Winter Semester 2024-2025 may need to begin at Defense Readiness Level 2. The undergraduate academic team is arranging alternative scheduling for labs, lectures, and tutorials on campuses, following the Home Front Command’s guidelines. Priority for on-campus activities is given to labs in all study years, first-year courses, and core courses. For classes that cannot be scheduled for in-person sessions, we will use online tools and make study materials accessible.
• Second round (Mo’ed Bet) exams resumed yesterday on campus with a strong student presence. We are very proud of those who attended and wish good luck to those who still have exams.
• We are working in collaboration with the faculties to reschedule exam dates in cases where the next exam is scheduled for the Spring semester exam period.
• Exams tomorrow, Wednesday, October 30, and later this week will continue as planned. Exam room assignments are available on the Undergraduate Studies portal: https://ugportal.technion.ac.il/moad-b-2024/
• Work at the Technion will continue in person on campuses tomorrow, provided that there is access to a standard protected shelter within one minute. In cases where access to such a shelter is not possible, or in other instances approved by the unit head, work will take place remotely.
• Please note, due to the current situation, the Nesher Gate will close at 4:30 PM daily and remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

 

Wishing everyone a peaceful remainder of the week.

 

Monday, October 28, 2024, 19:45

Dear Technion family,

Following an assessment this evening by Technion management, in coordination with the Home Front Command’s directives, here are the latest updates:

• Home Front Command Guidelines: For the Haifa area, the current guidelines remain unchanged, requiring continued activity at Defense Level 2.
• On-Campus Work: The Technion will hold on-site work tomorrow, provided that a standard protected space is accessible within one minute. Where this is not feasible or in other cases approved by the department head, remote work will be permitted.
• Exams: Exams scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 29, will proceed as planned on campus.
• Winter Semester 2025: Classes for the winter semester will begin on November 10, 2024, and will span 12 teaching weeks. Orientation for new students will be held next week at the academic departments on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, November 6, 7, and 8, 2024, in accordance with Home Front Command instructions. Invitations will be sent to students soon.
• Nesher Gate Hours: Due to current conditions, the Nesher gate will be open only from 06:30 to 16:30 for the coming week.

 

Wishing everyone a peaceful week ahead.

 

 

Sunday, October 27, 2024, 20:15

Shalom to the Technion Family,

This morning, we were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Captain (res.) Amit Chayut, 29, from Haifa. Amit, a platoon commander in Battalion 8207 of the Alon Brigade, fell in southern Lebanon. He graduated this year from the Taub Faculty of Computer Science. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.

 

Today, a memorial ceremony was held at the Technion to honor those who were murdered in the terrorist attacks of October 7 and fell during the Iron Swords War. Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan’s speech at the ceremony can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/hbRWFQ6PQwQ.

 

• Home Front Command Guidelines for the Haifa area remain at Defense Level 2, and activity on campus will continue accordingly.
• Technion Campus Work will continue in person tomorrow, provided that a standard protected area can be reached within one minute. In cases where this isn’t possible, remote work may be permitted with departmental approval.
• Exams will proceed as scheduled on campus on Monday, October 28. Exam locations are available on the Undergraduate Studies website: https://ugportal.technion.ac.il/moad-b-2024/.
• Nesher Gate Hours: Due to the current situation, for the coming week the Nesher Gate will open at 06:30 and close at 16:30 and remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

 

Wishing everyone a safe and quiet week ahead.

 

 

Saturday, October 26, 2024, 22:00

Good evening Technion family,

It is with great sorrow that we share news of the passing of Captain (res.) Alon Safrai, age 28, from Jerusalem. Alon, an officer of the 8th Armored Brigade’s 89th Battalion fell yesterday in southern Lebanon. He was a third-year medical student at the Technion’s Rappaport Faculty of Medicine. We extend our deepest condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing.

Tomorrow, Sunday, October 27, 2024, is a national day of mourning to honor the victims of the October 7 massacre and the Iron Swords War. At 11:00, we will hold a memorial ceremony in Kogan Auditorium at the Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Pre-registration was required, and the auditorium is full, so tomorrow a link to watch the ceremony on-line will be provided.

 

• Home Front Command guidelines for the Haifa area, allowing activities under Defensive Level 2, have recently been updated to support operations at institutions of higher education. These changes will be implemented at the Technion in the coming days.

• Work at the Technion will resume tomorrow on-campus, as long as a standard shelter is accessible within one minute. If this is not possible, or in other cases approved by the department head, remote work may be permitted with their coordination.

• No exams will be held tomorrow, Sunday, October 27. Exams will resume on Monday, October 28.

• The winter semester will begin on November 10, 2024, and will include 12 weeks of instruction.

 

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful week

 

 

Monday, October 14, 2024, 8:00 PM

Good evening, Technion community,

 

The Home Front Command’s directives for the Haifa area, which call for operating under Defense Level 2, remain in effect.

• The current routine will continue tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, 2024. On-campus work may proceed as long as a standard shelter is accessible within one minute. If this is not possible or in other cases approved by the department head, remote work will be permitted in coordination with the department head.

 

• Exams scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, will take place on campus as planned. The exam schedule can be viewed on the undergraduate studies portal: https://ugportal.technion.ac.il/moad-b-2024/.

 

• The Sukkot holiday break will begin on Wednesday. Exams will resume after the holiday on Friday, October 25, 2024. Regular work at the Technion will resume on Sunday, October 27, 2024. A national day of mourning has been declared for the October 7 massacre. On 27.10.2024, no exams will be held.

 

• The 2024–2025 winter semester will commence on November 10, 2024, with 12 weeks of instruction.

 

During the Sukkot holiday, updates will only be issued in the event of special circumstances.

Wishing you a peaceful evening and week.

 

 

Sunday, October 13, 2024, 19:45

Good evening to the Technion community,

Rocket and missile fire in the north continued throughout the day. We remain hopeful that the rest of the evening and the upcoming week will be quieter.

The Home Front Command’s directives for the Haifa area, which instruct operating under Defense Level 2, remain unchanged.

 

• The current routine will remain in effect tomorrow, Monday, October 14, 2024. On-campus work will continue, provided a standard shelter can be accessed within one minute. In cases where this is not feasible, or in other situations approved by the unit head, remote work will be allowed.

 

• Exams scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, October 14, 2024, and the following day, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, will proceed on campus as planned. The exam schedule is available on the undergraduate studies portal (https://ugportal.technion.ac.il/moad-b-2024/).

 

• Reserve Duty Plan for 2024–2025 – The Deans of Undergraduate Studies and the Graduate School have issued updated guidelines for reserve duty adjustments for the 2024–2025 academic year.

 

• Semester Start Postponed – To accommodate the rescheduled exam dates, the 2024–2025 winter semester will now begin on November 10, 2024, and will run for 12 weeks of instruction.

 

Wishing you a peaceful week ahead!

 

Saturday October 12, 2024, 21:00 

Dear Technion Family, good evening,

 

The rocket attacks in the north have continued through Yom Kippur. We hope for a quieter remainder of the evening and a peaceful week ahead.

The Home Front Command’s guidelines for the Haifa area remain unchanged, with the region remaining at Defense Level 2. Activities on the Technion campuses will continue accordingly.

 

• Following the same arrangements as last week, tomorrow, Sunday, 13.10.2024, work at the Technion will take place physically on campuses, provided that a standard protected area can be reached within one minute. In cases where it is impossible to reach a standard protected area within one minute, and in other cases approved by the head of the unit, work will take place remotely.

 

• In accordance with the planed exam schedule, no exams will take place tomorrow. Exams will resume on Monday, 14.10.2024, similarly to recent exam days. Scheduling for the exams planned for Monday and Tuesday can be found here: https://ugportal.technion.ac.il/moad-b-2024/

 

• The Deans of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies have shared the updated adjustments for students on reserve duty for the upcoming academic year.

 

• To accommodate postponed exams, the winter semester will begin on 10.11.2024 and will be shortened to 12 weeks of teaching.

 

Wishing you Chatima Tova and a peaceful week

 

 

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 20:15

Good evening,

The rocket fire towards the northern region and Haifa continued today, with no hits on the Technion campuses. The threat to Haifa, the Krayot, and the entire northern region has created a new reality. We all share concerns for our personal safety and that of our loved ones, compounded by the uncertainty and the length of the ongoing conflict. Some of us are facing severe difficulties, and we will continue to support them and do our utmost to ease their burden.

The Home Front Command’s instructions for the Haifa area have not changed, and the activity in the area remains at Defense Level 2.

• Tomorrow, Thursday, 10.10.2024, work at the Technion will take place physically on campuses, provided that a standard protected area can be reached within one minute. In cases where it is not possible to reach a standard protected area within one minute, and in other cases approved by the head of the unit, work will take place remotely.

 

• Exams tomorrow and on Friday will take place in the same format as today and in accordance with the Home Front Command’s guidelines. Exam rooms have been assigned so that it is possible to reach the standard protected area within one minute. Additionally, we are prepared for the possibility of a siren going off during an exam.

 

• Students who choose not to take the second round (Moed B) exam will be eligible for a special exam at the next regular date, without delaying their studies and exams in subsequent courses. The special exam option will only be available to students who chose not to take Moed B.

 

• Graduate students – deadlines for fulfilling academic requirements set for September 2024 have been postponed to the end of October 2024, as detailed by the Graduate School.

 

• Detailed and complete instructions regarding exams and schedules for fulfilling academic requirements have been sent by the Undergraduate Studies and the Graduate School. Please read them carefully.

 

• Reserve Duty accommodations for the coming academic year – The Dean of Undergraduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School distributed today the accommodations for reserve duty students for the coming academic year (attached). The accommodations were formulated together with all research universities, public academic colleges, academic colleges of education, and student associations, and it has been adopted by over fifty academic institutions across the country.

 

• Postponement of the start of the semester – In response to the need to complete exam days, the winter semester will begin on 10.11.2024. The exam schedule for the week of 3.11 to 8.11 will be published by the Undergraduate Studies.

 

We wish you all a quiet night.

 

 

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 20:00

Dear Technion Family,

According to the Home Front Command’s instructions, activities in the Haifa area remain at Defense Level 2.

• Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, work at the Technion will take place physically on campuses, provided that a standard shelter can be reached within one minute. In cases where it is not possible to reach a standard shelter within one minute, and in other cases approved by unit heads, work will take place remotely.

 

• Today we resumed the second round (Moed B) exams on Haifa campuses. Tomorrow’s exams will be held in the same format, and in accordance with the Home Front Command’s protection guidelines. The exam rooms have been assigned so that a standard protected space can be reached within one minute. In addition, we are prepared in case of a siren going off during an exam, for moving to protected space and for resuming the exam. Please see the guidelines issued by Undergraduate Studies for more details.

 

• Students who choose not to take the Moed B exam will be eligible for a special exam at the next regular opportunity without delaying their studies and exams in subsequent courses. The option for a special exam is limited to students who chose not to take Moed B.

 

• Graduate students – the deadlines for fulfilling academic requirements set for September 2024 have been postponed to the end of October 2024, as detailed by the Graduate School.

 

• Detailed instructions regarding exams and schedules for fulfilling academic requirements have been sent by the Undergraduate Studies and Graduate School. Please read them carefully!

 

Wishing for peaceful days and good luck with your exams

 

 

Monday, October 7, 2024

Dear Technion Family,

Today the Technion community commemorated the victims of that terrible Saturday, October 7, and the fallen and deceased in the Iron Swords War.

In these difficult times, we wish to express our appreciation to all members of the Technion family for their dedication to maintaining and continuing activities at the Technion.

According to the Home Front Command’s instructions, activities in the Haifa area remain at Defense Level 2.

• Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, we will continue operating as we have since the beginning of the week. Work at the Technion will take place physically on campuses, provided that a standard shelter can be reached within one minute. In cases where it is not possible to reach a standard shelter within one minute, and with the coordination and approval of unit heads, work will take place remotely.

 

• We are prepared to resume exams tomorrow, adhering to the Home Front Command’s protection guidelines and ensuring the safety of all participants. Examination rooms have been assigned so that a standard shelter can be reached within one minute. Additionally, we are prepared for the possibility of a siren going off during an exam, with plans to move to shelters and then resume the exam. Please see the guidelines issued by Undergraduate Studies for more details.

 

• Students who choose not to take the second round (Moed B) exam will be eligible for a special exam at the next regular opportunity without delaying their studies and exams in subsequent courses. The option for a special exam is limited to students who chose not to take Moed B.

 

• Graduate students – the deadlines for fulfilling academic requirements set for September 2024 have been postponed to the end of October 2024, as detailed by the Graduate School.

 

• Detailed instructions regarding exams and schedules for fulfilling academic requirements have been sent by the Undergraduate Studies and Graduate School. Please read them carefully!

 

Wishing for peaceful days and good luck with your exams.

 

Monday, September 30, 20:30

Good Evening,

Following the guidelines issued yesterday by the Home Front Command, activities in the Haifa area will remain at tier 2 until tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 20:00.

 

• We were happy to welcome back hundreds of students and academic and administrative staff to campus today. Tomorrow, we will continue to operate as we did today, with in-person work taking place on campus, provided that a protected space can be reached within one minute. In cases where it is not possible to reach a protected space within one minute, and with the coordination and approval of unit heads, work will be conducted remotely.
• The first day of exams in Tel Aviv was very successful, and tomorrow, another exam day (for the first exam period) will be held there, adhering to the gathering limitations set by the Home Front Command, and according to the schedule sent by the Undergraduate Studies Office.
• As previously announced, the second exam period exams scheduled to take place tomorrow (Tuesday, October 1) on the Technion campuses in Haifa have been postponed to a later date. We are preparing to resume the exams on October 8, 2024 on the Haifa campuses in accordance with the guidelines of the Home Front Command. Please prepare accordingly.
• Educational activities can be held in locations where a protected space can be reached within one minute.
• Graduate students: The deadlines for meeting academic requirements set for September 2024 have been extended to the end of October 2024, as detailed by the Graduate School.

We hope for a swift return to peaceful days.

 

Saturday, September 28, 20:30

Good evening, Technion Family, Shavua Tov,

We regret to inform you that the second-round exams scheduled for Sunday (29.9), Monday (30.9), and Tuesday (1.10) at the Technion Haifa campuses will be postponed.

The first-round exams (which have already been postponed twice due to the security situation) scheduled for Monday (30.9) and Tuesday (1.10) at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Center will proceed as planned, following the new restrictions set by the Home Front Command. Further details on the Tel Aviv exams and the rescheduling of the second-round exams will be provided by the Undergraduate School as soon as possible.

Work on the Haifa campuses will continue remotely tomorrow. Physical access to the campuses will only be permitted for essential activities, provided that a protected space can be reached within one minute from the workplace. Arrival must be coordinated with department heads. We hope for a swift return to peaceful days.

 

Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 19:00

Good evening, Technion family,

In accordance with instructions from the Home Front Command, the status through 18:00 on Friday, September 27 will be Tier 3 (limited activity).

❤ Following the Home Front Command guidelines saves lives:

 ▶When a siren goes off immediately enter a protected area and remain there for at least 10 minutes.

▶  If you encounter unexploded ordnance or any suspicious object on campus, maintain a safe distance, warn others to do the same, and report it immediately to the Security and Emergency Unit Hotline, available 24/7 at 04-829-2222.

▶  The exams scheduled for today (25.9), tomorrow (26.9), and Friday (27.9) have been postponed to a later date.

▶  Work and physical presence on Technion campuses are permitted with the coordination and approval of unit heads, provided that a designated shelter can be reached within one minute. If it is not possible to reach a shelter within this time, work will be conducted remotely.

We hope for a swift return to peaceful days.

 

Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 10:00

Good morning,

Based on the current situation assessment and the forecast from the Home Front Command, the exams scheduled for today (25.9), tomorrow (26.9), and Friday (27.9) have been postponed to a later date.

We hope for quiet days.

 

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 19:30

Good evening, Technion family,

In accordance with instructions from the Home Front Command, the status for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25, until 18:00, will be Tier 3 (limited activity).

❤️ Following Home Front Command guidelines saves lives:

When a siren goes off immediately enter a protected area and remain there for at least 10 minutes.

If you encounter unexploded ordnance or any suspicious object on campus, maintain a safe distance, warn others to do the same, and report it immediately to the Security and Emergency Unit Hotline, available 24/7 at 04-829-2222.

• The exams scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25, will be postponed to a later date.
• Tomorrow, work at the Haifa campuses will be conducted remotely. Physical access to the campuses is limited to essential activities and only in areas where a protected space can be reached within one minute. Attendance should be coordinated with the head of your department.
• The deadline for dormitory returns has been extended from September 26th to October 13th. Dormitory staff are on campus and available during business hours.
• The Student Counseling and Support Center is available at all times. You can reach them via:

Email: Counseling-director@technion.ac.il

Email: counsel@technion.ac.il

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/MTWCFMOC3YN7B1

We hope for a swift return to peaceful days.

 

Monday, September 23, 2024, 21:15

Good evening, Technion family,

During the rocket attack earlier this evening, a fragment of an interceptor landed on the Technion campus. Thankfully, there were no injuries or damage.

Please follow the Home Front Command’s safety guidelines. Quickly moving to a protected area or shelter, and staying there for 10 minutes after the alarm ends, can save lives.  Emergency teams are currently on-site, and for any concerns, please contact the Security Unit’s 24-hour hotline at 04-829-2222.

Following the rocket fired in the Haifa area and in accordance with the Home Front Command’s announcement this evening, Defense Tier 3 (limited activity) will remain in effect until Wednesday, September 25, at 18:00. As a result:

• Exams scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25, have been postponed. New dates will be announced later.
• On Tuesday, September 24, all Technion campus activities in Haifa will be conducted remotely.
• Guidelines for Wednesday’s work format will be provided in a future update.

We remain hopeful for a swift return to peaceful days ahead.

 

Monday, Sep 23, 16:45

Shalom to the Technion family,

In light of the Home Front Command updated guidelines, the Technion has been operating since yesterday in defensive tier 3 (limited activity). As a result;

• The exams scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday, September 24) are postponed.
• Activities on the Technion campuses tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24, will be conducted remotely. Work on campus is permitted in areas where a standard security room can be reached within one minute, in coordination with the department head.
• Graduate students and research staff intending to come to the lab are required to inform the lab manager.
• The sports center is closed until further notice.
• Cable car operations have been suspended until further notice.
• Nesher Gate is closed until further notice.
• Please locate the protected spaces near you.

For a list of security rooms and shelters on campus: https://bit.ly/46HtZmi.

For a video tutorial on emergency behavior:  https://bit.ly/3rJjDmR.

• The security unit’s call center is available 24 hours a day at 04-8292222. https://bitahon.technion.ac.il
• The Office of the Dean of Students is available for all students.  Contacting consultants by email: counseling-director@technion.ac.il, Counsel@technion.ac.il,  or by WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/MTWCFMOC3YN7B1

We all remain hopeful for better days ahead.

 

Sunday, Sep 22, 16:00

Shalom to the Technion family,
In light of the Home Front Command updated guidelines, the Technion has been operating since morning in defensive tier 3 (limited activity). As a result;

• The exams scheduled for today (Sunday, September 22) and tomorrow (Monday, September 23) are postponed.
• The main graduation ceremony for the 95th graduating class and the ceremonies in the academic departments scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed. More details will be announced later.
• Activities on the Technion campuses tomorrow, Monday, September 23, will be conducted remotely, except for emergency teams. Physical presence on campuses is conditional on reaching a standard protected space within a minute.
• The sports center is closed until further notice.
• Cable car operations have been suspended until further notice.
• Nesher Gate is closed until further notice.
• Please locate the protected spaces near you.
  For a list of security rooms and shelters on campus: https://bit.ly/46HtZmi.  
  For a video tutorial on emergency behavior:  https://bit.ly/3rJjDmR.
• Please install the Technion app from the app store:
  For Android users > https://bit.ly/3LRgpEB
  For Apple users > https://bit.ly/3ZNRZBL
  Log in to the app and confirm “in Settings” to receive push notifications.
• It is recommended to install the Home Front Command app> https://did.li/HYfZH
• The security unit’s call center is available 24 hours a day at 04-8292222. https://bitahon.technion.ac.il
• The Office of the Dean of Students is available for all students. 
  Contacting consultants by email: counseling-director@technion.ac.il, Counsel@technion.ac.il,  or by WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/MTWCFMOC3YN7B1

 

Sunday, Sep 22, 13:30

Shalom to All,

Due to the current security situation and in compliance with the Home Front Command’s directives, we are required to postpone the graduation ceremony scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, September 23, 2024.

We deeply regret that we will not be able to celebrate the graduation of the 95th class alongside their families tomorrow as planned. Further details will be shared as soon as possible.

We all remain hopeful for better days ahead.

 

Sunday, September 22, 2024, 6:00

Good morning,

In accordance with the updated Home Front Command guidelines and the transition to Defense Level 3 (limited activity), the exams and other educational activities scheduled for today, September 22, 2024, are cancelled. The rescheduling of the exams will be announced soon. Work will be conducted remotely, except for emergency teams.

The materials, which are expected to lead to significant improvements in the quality of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and expand their usage, are presented in a newly published article by Prof. Aharon Blank and Dr. Itai Katz in Science Advances. The research, supported by the Technion Human Health Initiative (THHI) and the European Research Council (ERC), included contributions from Prof. Boaz Pokroy and Dr. Arad Lang from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering at the Technion, who worked on preparing some of the unique nature-inspired materials, and Dr. Benno Meier from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. 

MRI is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging technology used in diagnosing various clinical conditions. One of the limitations of conventional MRI devices is that they have trouble detecting metabolites, which have a very low concentration in tissues. Metabolites are small molecules involved in chemical process in the body, many of which serve as clinical markers indicating various health conditions, including malignant tumors, abnormal cell division, cell death, and cellular stress. This is the motivation for many research groups trying to find a solution that allows the identification of metabolites in non-invasive imaging scans. 

In their article, the researchers present a new method enabling the identification of metabolites in MRI. The method, called MMV, is based on new composition of metabolites characterized by two significant advantages in this context: a dramatic enhancement (by about four orders of magnitude) of the magnetic resonance signal and the preservation of signal strength for a relatively long time compared to existing metabolites – about ten minutes versus one minute. 

The practical implication of the findings is that the new materials will allow tracking metabolites in various tissues over time. Furthermore, due to the new qualities these materials provide to MRI scans, such tests could, in certain cases, replace expensive and radiation-intensive tests like PET-CT. 

According to Prof. Blank, “Our discovery is very exciting for us, as the new method will provide physicians with a broader time window to perform the scan, and we estimate it will expand the use of radiation-free MRI scans. These materials will improve the capabilities of medical and research teams in early disease diagnosis, tissue characterization, disease progression monitoring, surgery planning, optimal treatment selection, and informed decision-making.” 

Click here for the paper in Science Adva

In 2017, the Technion awarded Dr. Ciechanover an honorary doctorate “in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the international standing of the State of Israel; in recognition of his many and varied achievements as a jurist, economist and statesman; and as a sign of gratitude for his longstanding support for the Technion and its students as chair of the Dr Jacob Isler Foundation”. Distinguished Professor Aaron Ciechanover spoke at the honorary doctorate ceremony and said, “Words cannot describe my brother’s work on behalf of the State of Israel, and I too owe him so much. We lost our parents when I was a young boy, and Yossi [Joseph], who was 14 years my senior, supported me along every step of the way ever since. He brought me to where I am today. Without him, I would not be standing here before you.”

Dr Ciechanover was a diplomat, businessman and entrepreneur. He served as director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was part of the team that negotiated the peace accord with Egypt, worked as the defense establishment legal advisor, and was chair of the board of directors of El Al. In 2021 he was awarded the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement — special contribution to the state and Israeli society — “for his significant contribution to the State over many years in numerous areas of public life, the economy, security, diplomacy and jurisprudence — both within the public service and outside of it.”

May his memory be a blessing.

H2OLL has launched its first complete system for producing water from the air at Wadi Attir, a Bedouin community initiative in the Negev. The project, which started with an idea from Professors Eran Friedler and David Broday, faculty members in the Technion’s Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is in the midst of a crowdfunding campaign that has already raised more than 4 million shekels. The goal of the project is to solve one of the greatest challenges of our time – clean drinking water for all. Dr. Khaled Gommed from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering was also instrumental to the development of the technology.

Within a few years, the idea has turned into an alpha prototype at the Technion. Last week the first complete system was launched at Wadi Attir. The translation of the research into a practical system was made possible by H2OLL, led by Joab Kirsch (CEO), Ilan Katz (CTO), and Oded Distel (VP of Business Development).

According to a 2023 UN report, 3.5 billion people suffer from a lack of clean drinking water for at least one month each year. The issue of access to drinking water appears in many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN, including realizing every person’s right to clean water, health for all, reducing inequality, and addressing climate change and its consequences. The goal set by the UN is clean water for everyone by 2030.

The water crisis is not limited to the developing world. For example, about 60% of drinking water in Los Angeles is imported, and in Europe, rivers are becoming increasingly polluted. The bottled water market is currently worth $363 billion annually, and H2OLL intends to tap into this huge market, offering a better solution in terms of health, cost, and environmental impact.

The technology developed by Professors Broday and Friedler enables water extraction from the air even in dry and desert areas, while completely blocking chemical and biological contaminants. It is based on adsorption, unlike most companies in the field that operate on direct cooling technology. The difference is dramatic: while water extraction via direct cooling requires at least about 10 grams of water vapor per kilogram of air, H2OLL’s adsorption technology can produce water even when the amount of water vapor in the air is half that – about 5 grams of water vapor per kilogram of air.

The new water system in the Negev

The prototype that was built at the Technion more than four years ago produces 200 liters of water per day. On September 10, the company launched its first full commercial system, which will supply 1,000 liters of water per day in the Negev. The system will operate under the auspices of the Wadi Attir project, and the International Sustainability Laboratory, a non-profit organization based in New York. Wadi Attir, a Bedouin community initiative in the Negev, combines local and global innovation, the production of sustainable food, and education (a school & a learning center), all based on Bedouin tradition and a variety of technologies.

L-R: Ilan Katz, Dr. Khaled Gommed, Ben Gido and Prof. Eran Friedler

After registering a patent, winning prestigious awards, and receiving a special grant from the Innovation Authority and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, H2OLL launched a crowdfunding campaign, raising more than 4 million shekels to date. The goal is to expand international marketing efforts, build the brand, connect the technology to solar energy, and develop a system that will produce about 10,000 liters of water per day. The company’s managers emphasize that the Negev climate is not unique but is similar to the climate in many areas, including the southwestern U.S., northern Mexico, and northern India. The company believes that H2OLL’s technology can help reduce the global water accessibility problem.

At the system’s launch on September 10, speeches were given by Dr. Muhammad Al-Nabari, founding member and co-chairman of the Wadi Attir project management committee, Prof. Eran Friedler from the Technion, and H2OLL CEO Joab Kirsch. The event included a ceremonial “opening of the tap,” distribution of branded bottles to guests, and a guided tour of Wadi Attir.

The couple, currently in the midst of their internships at the Rambam Health Care Campus, were awarded PhDs last week during a ceremony at the Technion. Both completed the challenging MD-PhD program, which trains physician-scientists at the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion. After finishing their internships in a few months, they will also receive their medical degrees.

 

 

Tamar and Jonathan, now the proud new parents of nine-month-old Naomi, met at the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine in 2013 and became a couple shortly after the start of their first year. Tamar, a gifted violinist, came to the Technion after graduating with honors with a bachelor’s degree in music from the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University. She joined Prof. Asya Rolls’ lab, which studies the physiological mechanisms underlying the connection between the brain and the immune system. In her PhD study, led by Prof. Rolls, and published in Cell (2021), they demonstrated that in cases of inflammatory processes, a brain region called the insula accumulates substantial information about the dynamics of inflammation. Moreover, targeted reactivation of the insula can reignite the inflammatory response, broadening the concept of “immune memory” beyond the immune system to the brain itself.

 

Jonathan Gross grew up in Tel Aviv, studied a scientific track (physics, electronics, and computer science), and thought he would focus on physics in the future. “But during the last months of my military service, I had time to read and reflect. I used that time to read several different books describing the experiences, memories, and insights of doctors from various fields. After being discharged, I was exposed to the activities of the open clinic run by Physicians for Human Rights, which provides medical care to people without access to the public healthcare system (refugees and asylum seekers). I started volunteering there. That was the first time I saw doctors working up close, and I decided I wanted to study medicine. That’s how I ended up at the Technion Faculty of Medicine, where I met Tamar and asked her to study calculus together. She agreed — and the rest is history.”

 

Jonathan’s doctoral research, under the guidance of Prof. Ruth Hershberg, continues the research initiated by postdoctoral fellow Dr. Sarit Avrani. It is known that many species of bacteria can survive for decades in food from which they have extracted resources. Previous studies conducted in Prof. Hershberg’s lab demonstrated that E. coli bacteria can genetically adapt to extreme and prolonged starvation conditions. In evolutionary experiments and whole-genome sequencing, the researchers in the lab deeply characterized these processes.

 

 

“In my research,” says Jonathan, “we wanted to better understand the dynamics of bacterial evolution under prolonged starvation conditions. We did this by making changes in the experimental design, such as changing the volume of bacterial cultures or using a different bacterial species. In this experimental setup, we examined how these changes affected both the overall dynamics of the adaptation observed under these conditions as well as the specific genes involved in this adaptation. We found that many aspects of the genetic adaptation dynamics of ‘starved’ bacteria remained fairly consistent, even when significant parameters in the experimental design were altered. However, certain aspects of this dynamic are sensitive to the experimental design. In particular, we observed that the identity of the genes accumulating adaptive changes is highly dependent on the specific conditions of the experiment and the bacterial species chosen (Genome Biol Evol. 2020; Genome Biol Evol. 2024).”

 

Tamar and Jonathan have experienced both research and medical studies, and they hope to be able to combine the two fields, as well as family life and parenting, as they continue their careers — a challenging task. Tamar continues to perform research with Prof. Rolls in addition to her internship, intending to bring their insights to the medical treatment world through clinical trials. Jonathan estimates that he will specialize in radiology, “because it is a field that touches on many branches of medicine — internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and more.”

 

 

Twin brothers Amiel and Eitan Gorbonos have developed an innovative chip for image enhancement. The project, conducted at the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering and supported by Apple, was supervised by lab engineer Goel Samuel.

 

In recent years, Apple has funded student projects in the VLSI lab at the Faculty, aiming to provide students with the opportunity to experience the industry process from concept to design, and testing the physical chip after production.

 

 

Dalia Haim, a director in the silicon group at Apple Israel, explains that Apple’s involvement is intended to expose students to the vast potential in the hardware field and thus develop the next generation of chip engineers. Students participating in these projects receive personal guidance from Apple engineers, and upon completing the design phase, Apple funds the chip’s production in relevant factories. After production, the chips are returned to the lab, and students test them and their performance. This gives them experience working in a development team similar to the reality in the high-tech industry.

 

 

The new chip developed by the students is designed to filter image noise. The students began with the general design (architecture) of the chip. The chip was manufactured according to the plan in a factory and returned to the Technion for testing. This was the first product in the VLSI lab produced using the TSMC65 process for manufacturing nanometric chips.

 

 

On Wednesday, September 4, a festive ceremony was held at the Technion to award doctoral degrees to 258 new doctors from 12 countries. 47% of the recipients are women. The youngest recipient is 25 years old, and the oldest is 68. The ceremony, held at the Kellner Amphitheater, was attended by Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, Senior Vice President Prof. Oded Rabinovitch, Dean of the Jacobs Graduate School Prof. Uri Peskin, deans of faculties, faculty members, and the families of the degree recipients. The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Irad Yavneh from the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science.

 

 

In addressing the recipients, President Sivan said: “This evening, it is important to acknowledge not only your academic achievements but also the values that guided you and us on this journey – the pursuit of excellence, equality, tolerance, and inclusivity, the moderating role of the Technion, which unites all who come through its doors, and the social mobility that the Technion offers its graduates.

 

“Today, as you receive your PhD, the next phase of your life journey begins, a journey in which every breakthrough, every innovative idea, holds the potential to change lives, address global challenges, and pave the way for a better future. Remember, with your capabilities comes great responsibility. Remember that the professional dilemmas you will face will always have social, environmental, and ethical contexts, and it is your responsibility to ensure that these are taken into account. Go forth and succeed – and do good.”

 

 

The faculty with the most graduates is the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, with 44 new doctors, followed by the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (23) and the Taub Faculty of Computer Science (22). The dissertations of the 258 new doctors cover a wide range of topics, including smart concrete structures, tissue engineering, deep neural networks, the psychosomatic mechanism, blockchain technology, planetary dynamics, co-working spaces, the barn owl’s navigation system, ways to improve teaching, stress-monitoring patches, and many more diverse subjects.

Dean of the Jacobs Graduate School, Prof. Uri Peskin, first addressed the international students who received their doctoral degrees and said, “I am very happy to congratulate you, your families, and your friends on receiving your degrees. This cohort at the Technion has been blessed with 31 international students who came from India, the United States, China, Russia, Germany, Spain, Austria, Albania, Brazil, South Korea, and Costa Rica. We are very proud of you. The trust you placed in us and your support, during these difficult times, are not taken for granted. Your standing by our side strengthens us, and we greatly appreciate it. I hope we have provided you with the appropriate training and the tools you need to create the future you seek for yourselves.” He continued in Hebrew and said, “At this time, we are all in pain in one way or another—whether directly or indirectly affected by the war and its horrors. We are worried and anxious about the near and distant future. Despite this, and without ignoring the extreme situation, tonight we will focus on what we have and what is good. Because despite everything, we have much to be proud of, and we also have much to be grateful for.

 

“I want to thank each and every one of you. The work you put in, your results and publications, and the conferences and workshops you participated in, are now an integral part of the Technion’s achievements and legacy. The excellence of the Technion, which is ranked among the world’s best, is built on your excellence, our research students, and we are what we are thanks to you. For that, thank you very much!” Prof. Peskin also thanked the academic committees at the Technion’s units and faculties, the coordinators of graduate degrees, the deans and vice deans, and the professional staff of the Jacobs Graduate School.

 

 

Eight of the students who received their degrees at the ceremony worked on their theses under the supervision of Prof. Yael Yaniv from the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering. They are: Dr. Ido Weiser Bitoun, currently an intern in internal medicine at the Rambam Health Care Campus, who spoke on behalf of the graduates; Dr. Sofia Segal, a senior R&D team leader and head of biomedical engineering at EFA Technologies; Dr. Vadim Galiner, head of R&D at Biosense Webster; Dr. Aviv Abraham Rosenberg, a scientist and senior engineer at startup company Sibylla; Dr. Limor Arbel Ganon, a research and algorithms engineer at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems; Dr. Moran Davoodi, an algorithm developer; Dr. Savyon Samia, a senior researcher at Novocure; and Dr. Noam Keidar, a postdoctoral researcher at the Taub Faculty of Computer Science, who recently received a doctorate in medicine.

 

Dr. Ido Weiser Bitoun spoke on behalf of all the new doctors and shared, “Twenty-nine years ago, when I was five years old, I attended the doctoral diploma ceremony here at the Technion and witnessed my mother, Dr. Rivka Weiser Bitoun, receiving her doctoral diploma from her supervisor, Prof. Yitzhak Apeloig, then dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and later president of the Technion. It was a great privilege for me to study at the Technion, continue my mother’s path in research and teaching, and receive my doctoral diploma today. To the five-year-old I was at that ceremony, I say: ‘Dream, work hard, and with God’s help, you will achieve.’”

 

Four researchers from the Technion were recently awarded the ERC Starting Grant: Dr. Yonatan Belinkov from the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science, Dr. Yaniv Romano from the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science and the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Dr. Ari Glasner from the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, and Dr. Menahem (Hemi) Rotenberg from the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering. In 2024, the European Commission will fund 494 ERC Starting grants, with a success rate of 11%. The overall funding for these grants is €780 million.

 

Dr. Yonatan Belinkov was awarded the ERC for developing novel methods for elucidating the internal mechanisms of large language models (LLMs) to allow controlling LLMs in an efficient, interpretable, and safe manner. LLMs play a central role in many artificial intelligence (AI) systems, yet they operate like a black box – we do not understand their inner workings. The project aims to overcome the flaws of LLMs, such as biased behavior, out-of-date information, confabulations, flawed reasoning, and more.

 

Dr. Yaniv Romano was awarded the ERC for developing protective ecosystems that can be seamlessly plugged into any black-box machine learning (ML) model to monitor and guarantee its safety. Using statistical tools, Dr. Romano aims to put precise, interpretable, and robust error bounds on ML predictions, communicating what can be honestly inferred from data. In other words – he seeks to build trust in black-box predictions that affect people’s lives, opportunities, and science.

 

Dr. Ari Glasner aims to better understand the interactions between the tumor microenvironment and immune cells. The project will comprehensively map interactions between stromal (connective, supporting tissue) cells and immune cells in the tissue microenvironment to elucidate the roles and programs carried out by each cell type. The findings will lay the foundations for identifying novel therapeutic candidates and strategies.

 

Dr. Hemi Rotenberg aims to develop an electro-mechanical bio-interface for neuronal tissue engineering. The interface will combine leadless electrical biomodulation induced via optical illumination of semiconducting silicon micro- and nanostructures, and mechanical perturbation using spatially defined iron microstructures manipulated via spatially homogenous magnetic fields. The new interface will allow researchers to apply electrical and/or mechanical modulation with high precision so that different parts of the same cell can be addressed simultaneously. This new tool has applications ranging from fundamental brain research to future translational clinical interventions.

 

 

 

Technion graduate Dr. Anastasia Braginsky is a professional dancer, high-tech professional, mother of two, lecturer on operating systems, and ballroom dance instructor – not necessarily in that order

 

Dr. Anastasia Braginsky’s daily schedule is divided into half-hour slots, with a task appearing in her app every thirty minutes. Unusual but not surprising, as Dr. Braginsky is a high-tech professional, a dance instructor, a Technion lecturer, and a mother of two young children.

 

Dr. Braginsky was born and raised in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova. At age 14, she immigrated alone under the Naale program, or “Youth Aliyah before Parents.” She was placed in a boarding school in Bustan HaGalil and studied at Bosmat, a high school for scientific and technological education, established by the Technion in 1928.

 

At the age of six, she was exposed to ballroom dancing, “and I immediately knew this was what I wanted to do,” she shared. However, she only danced as an amateur before she began studying at the Technion. “After I arrived at the Technion in 2000, I discovered the ballroom dancing club led by Margarita Polyakov.”

 

As with everything she does, Dr. Braginsky approached ballroom dancing with utmost seriousness and dedication. During her studies, she became a professional dancer, completed a ballroom dance coaching course at the Wingate Institute, and began participating in international competitions. Today, she dances professional Latin ballroom with her dance partner Sergey Olovarenko.

Ballroom dancing began as social dancing and became institutionalized in Europe – mainly in London – at the beginning of the 19th century. Gradually, a standard was established, comprising five dance genres: slow waltz, tango, slow foxtrot, Viennese waltz, and quickstep. Influenced by Latin American dances, five more genres were added to the European standard: cha-cha, samba, rumba, pasodoble, and jive. The standardization of ballroom dancing allowed it to become a professional field with local and international competitions, and in some countries – Denmark, for example – these dances are part of the school curriculum.

 

The Technion club turned into the Dance Spirit Club for Ballroom Dancing and was held in various venues in Haifa. In 2022, Dr. Braginsky teamed up with Polyakov to bring Dance Spirit back to the Technion. Last semester, the club was held for the first time as an academic course, granting participants academic credit points. According to Dr. Braginsky, “For the students, it’s a bright spot within their demanding studies, a few hours where they move and exercise their bodies like in other sports. Ballroom dancing has many additional benefits, including improved coordination, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and self-confidence. Today, there are also such clubs for Parkinson’s patients, after it was proven that dancing halts motor deterioration.”

 

Dr. Braginsky completed all her academic degrees in the Taub Faculty of Computer Science: a bachelor’s degree with an average grade of 89 and a master’s degree that turned into a direct track to a Ph.D. under the supervision of Prof. Erez Petrank. Between finishing her bachelor’s degree and starting her master’s, she worked at the IBM research labs in Haifa. Like in dance, she steadily advanced in the high-tech world. Dr. Braginsky worked at Yahoo! for more than seven years and now works in the research department of Red Hat, where she delves into all aspects of parallel and distributed computer systems.

 

Another of Dr. Braginsky’s pursuits, which began at the start of her master’s studies and continues to this day, is teaching. “Dr. Leonid Raskin, one of the veteran teaching assistants in the faculty (now the lecturer for the operating systems course), suggested I become a teaching assistant for the course. I was a head teaching assistant for many years and became a lecturer, and I continue to do so today alongside my work and dancing. I really, really love teaching, and it seems the students love learning from me.”

 

Alongside her many pursuits, Dr. Braginsky got married, and together with her husband Alexander Pevzner, raises two daughters: Sarah, nine years old, and Sophia, five years old. How does she combine all these things in a 24-hour day? “Proper time management, without movies, TV, and other distractions,” she said. “I love everything I do and don’t want to give any of it up, so I need to be focused and efficient on all fronts. I have no doubt it’s worth it.”