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Undergraduate Studies at Tel Aviv University Boost Unicorn Founder Odds by 260%

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

New Stanford research places TAU among the world’s leading universities for entrepreneurial impact and the only one outside the U.S.

 
A study published by Prof. Ilya Strebulaev of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business finds that undergraduate studies at Tel Aviv University increase the likelihood of becoming a founder of a unicorn company by 260% – the highest rate among all universities included in the study, which also examined leading U.S. institutions.

As part of the study published last week, Prof. Strebulaev, entrepreneurship researcher from Stanford University’s examined the impact of leading academic institutions on the success prospects of entrepreneurs who founded venture capital–backed companies.

The study is based on data from 2,781 founders of U.S. based unicorn companies, alongside 2,188 founders of venture capital–backed companies, randomly selected for comparison. The comparison group was matched by the year of the company’s first venture capital round, to enable an accurate comparison between the groups.

Alongside Tel Aviv University, the top tier of the index includes leading American universities. Undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) increase the odds of becoming a unicorn founder by 90%, while Stanford University and Yale University show an increase of 60%, and the University of California, Berkeley, and Cornell University show an increase of 30%. In terms of the absolute number of unicorn founders, Stanford University ranks first, with 139 founders, representing 5.0% of the total sample.

Tel Aviv University, the only institution outside the United States included in this index, ranks eighth among the world’s top ten universities in producing unicorn founders, immediately after Princeton University and ahead of the University of Washington, and stands out with the highest relative advantage of a 260% increase in its graduates’ likelihood of founding a successful unicorn.

The accompanying chart presents the top ten universities, ranked by the number of unicorn founders who earned their undergraduate degree at each institution.

Credit: Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Venture Capital Initiative

Prof. Moshe Zviran, TAU’s Chief Entrepreneurship and Innovation Officer at Tel Aviv University and former dean of the  Coller School of Management, said: “The new Stanford University study reinforces Tel Aviv University’s unique position as a leading institution that provides its graduates with a significant advantage in the world of entrepreneurship. The high increase in the likelihood of our students becoming unicorn founders reflects a combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and the strengthening connection between education, research, and innovation.”

The index was conducted with the support of the Venture Capital Initiative of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

Why We Sometimes Avoid the Truth and Other Times Can’t Stop Looking for It

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

A new TAU study reveals the emotional logic behind how we choose what information to face and what to avoid

A new study by Prof. Yaniv Shani of the Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University and Prof. Marcel Zeelenberg of the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences reveals a surprising insight into how we deal with information. Contrary to the common view that “willful ignorance” is primarily a way to avoid moral responsibility toward others, the study offers a much broader explanation: at times we avoid information — and at times we deliberately seek painful information — to regulate our own emotions and manage psychological overload.

According to the findings, many people delay receiving important information because they fear its emotional consequences. For example, many prefer not to check their medical test results before a vacation, or avoid looking at their investment portfolio during a market downturn. This avoidance does not stem from indifference, but rather from a desire to postpone the moment of emotional confrontation.

Why We Sometimes Seek Painful Information

But alongside avoidance, the study points to an opposite behavior that serves the same emotional regulation mechanism: in situations of uncertainty, people actively seek painful information, even when it offers no benefit. For instance, consumers often check the prices of products they have already purchased, just to know whether they lost money — despite the fact that their initial decision cannot be undone. This phenomenon was especially evident after the October 7 attack in Israel, when many families sought to learn the fate of their loved ones, even when they knew the information might be devastating. In such cases, the pain of uncertainty seemingly outweighs the pain of knowing.

The study was published in the journal Current Opinion in Psychology. It presents a broad literature review in which the researchers examine recent empirical studies, alongside their own research on avoiding useful information and seeking information that serves no practical purpose. By comparing these patterns, they constructed a simple model based on two questions: Am I able to bear uncertainty? and Am I able to bear the truth? Their findings show that both behaviors — avoidance of information and information seeking — stem from the same emotional mechanism that attempts to regulate and balance between the fear of knowing and the pain of not knowing.

Moral Choices, Responsibility, and the Cost of Not Knowing

The researchers emphasize that this dynamic arises not only in social contexts, but also in moral situations in which individuals have to confront themselves. Sometimes people prefer “not to know” how their actions affect others, in order to avoid guilt. However, when avoiding information risks causing serious harm to others, it is the very inability to bear uncertainty that compels them to confront the truth.

The study offers a new way to understand the decisions people make in an information-saturated world: the desire to know and the desire not to know are not opposing forces, but two psychological tools intended to help us emotionally cope with threatening situations. For healthcare systems, public institutions, and organizations, this insight underscores the importance of how information is delivered — not only what is conveyed, but also how and when. We constantly navigate between the desire to know and the need to protect ourselves, weighing which option will hurt less: the truth or uncertainty. In an era where information is always within reach, the study highlights that what we know is not the only thing that matters — equally important is how we feel when we choose to know, or decide to remain in the dark.

From AI Week to Your Degree: Shaping What Comes Next at Tel Aviv University

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

Discover international undergraduate and graduate programs where research connects knowledge to action

 
Each year, AI Week and Cyber Week bring global researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and students to Tel Aviv University to explore how artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are reshaping the world.

This year’s events highlighted something even more significant: the way these technologies cut across disciplines, from neuroscience and medicine to creativity, business, law, and global policy.

At TAU, research leads the conversation, and ideas move from theory to real-world impact.

As applications open for TAU’s international programs, the insights shared during AI Week and Cyber Week offer a glimpse into the academic environment students can join.

AI Is Changing How We Understand the Human Brain

One of the most striking sessions at AI Week examined how the brain responds differently to human versus AI-generated music. Dr. Neta Maimon, a TAU neuroscientist and accomplished cellist, showed how listening shifts the brain between states of alertness, focus, and creative drift.

Her key insight was both scientific and intuitive: AI-generated music is often too polished.

Dr. Neta Maimon presenting at the AI Week 2025. 

Without the subtle variations introduced by human performers, the brain works harder to stay engaged. To make this tangible, Dr. Maimon projected her brain activity live while performing a cello piece, offering a vivid illustration of how neuroscience, creativity, and AI intersect.

Study It at TAU

  • MSc in Neuroscience: Hands-on training in neuroimaging, EEG, fMRI, and computational modeling. Students work in TAU’s interdisciplinary labs and in hospitals affiliated with the university.
  • MSc in Medical Sciences: For students interested in the biological and clinical foundations of brain research, with opportunities for hospital-based and lab-based projects.

Medicine Is Becoming Data-Driven, Interdisciplinary, and AI-Powered

AI & Health Day focused on how artificial intelligence is transforming diagnostics, clinical decision-making, and translational research, with a strong emphasis on responsible pathways from academia to industry.

Prof. Shomron  is an expert in expert in gene expression and translating data for clinical settings

Prof. Noam Shomron, Head of TAU’s Digital Medicine Research Team and Academic Head of the MSc in Digital Health, presented AI-driven approaches to biopsy diagnostics and clinical decision-support systems.

Biomedical innovation was further represented by Dr.Eric Shifrut, TAU Assistant Professor at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, whose research on CRISPR discovery platforms bridges computational biology and immunotherapy.

TAU students in the medical sciences benefit from close collaboration across research labs, affiliated hospitals, and industry partners

Study It at TAU

Creativity and AI Are Not Opposites—They Are Collaborators

The Future of Creativity in the Age of Generative AI panel brought together musicians, producers, technologists, and legal experts to examine how AI is reshaping artistic work.

Oded Davidov showed how voice generation tech helped Andy Bar Ilan from Rimon School of Music, a talented musician whose disability affects his ability to speak and sing, record an album in his own voice.

Panelists spoke about creativity as an inherently human process, where AI serves as a tool for experimentation, access, and expansion. Demonstrations showed how AI-assisted music production can support artists with physical limitations and open new creative pathways.

One recurring idea stood out: the “spark” behind creativity cannot be automated, but it can be supported.

Study It at TAU

Entrepreneurship Is Becoming AI-Native

Alongside AI Week, the Startup Exhibition brought together startups from across the ecosystem, including the Coller Startup Competition, which supports student- and alumni-led ventures at early stages. The exhibition reflects TAU’s broader entrepreneurial impact: ranked #1 globally among non-US universities for producing unicorn founders.

The winning team of the Sofaer Global MBA startup competititon with Prof Jackie Goren (left): Ohad Gev, Liu Liu, and Ilya Kolin (left to right)

Insights from the competition emphasize a practical shift in AI-driven entrepreneurship, where success depends less on standalone tools and more on integrating large AI models strategically. As the competition representative put it, “it’s not a question about prompts, but how to leverage AI to achieve your goals.”

Study It at TAU

  • Sofaer Global MBA: Strategy, innovation, and direct engagement with Israel’s startup ecosystem
  • Coller Deep Tech MBA: Designed for founders and professionals working at the intersection of advanced technology, AI, and commercialization

AI, Cybersecurity, and Society Are Deeply Intertwined

The Cyber Week turned the campus into a global hub for discussions on cybersecurity, disinformation, AI governance, and national resilience. Sessions examined how AI reshapes threat models, public discourse, and legal responsibility.

Panels on online disinformation, AI and law, and critical infrastructure explored how societies can balance innovation with accountability. A shared theme across both weeks was trust: how to build it, protect it, and regulate systems that increasingly shape public life.

Prof. Ariel Porat, President of Tel Aviv University, speaking at the main plenary session of the Cyber Week 2025 (Photo credit: Chen Galili)

Research presented by TAU’s Prof. Wasim Huleihel illustrated how algorithms influence beliefs and how statistical tools can audit these effects, a clear example of how engineering and social science intersect at TAU.

Study It at TAU

  • Jewish Studies MA: Offering historical, textual, and cultural perspectives essential for understanding identity, narrative, and misinformation in contemporary discourse.
  • Parasol LL.M. (Law & Technology track): Regulation, ethics, intellectual property, and digital rights.

Global Challenges: Climate, Policy, and Data-Driven Decision-Making

Discussions during AI Week and Cyber Week also pointed to a broader reality: many of today’s most urgent challenges, from climate change to social resilience, are increasingly shaped by data, modeling, and policy decisions informed by technology.

AI tools now support climate modeling, environmental risk assessment, and public policy planning, while questions of equity and governance remain central.

Alexa Goldner, graduate of Sustainable Development MA, with students of Nakuru High School in Kenya.

Study It at TAU

  • MA in Environmental Studies: Combining environmental science, sustainability, and policy analysis, with a strong focus on real-world challenges.

Where Technology Is Built: Engineering at the Core

Many of the breakthroughs presented during AI Week, from medical imaging and computational genomics to AI-driven diagnostics and cybersecurity, are rooted in engineering research. At Tel Aviv University, this work begins at the undergraduate level.

Study It at TAU

  • BSc in Mechanical Engineering: Strong foundation in mechanical systems, robotics, materials, and applied engineering, with early exposure to research, laboratories, and industry-linked projects.
  • BSc in Electrical Engineering: Focused on electronics, signal processing, communications, and systems that underpin AI, medical technologies, and cybersecurity.

Both programs offer olim integration tracks, allowing students to begin in English and gradually transition to Hebrew, supporting integration into Israel’s academic environment, local job market, and startup ecosystem.

Why This Matters, and Why TAU

Across AI Week and Cyber Week, one message emerged clearly: at TAU, the future of AI touches every discipline across the university.

Tel Aviv University’s strength lies in addressing that reality through research leadership, interdisciplinary programs, and real-world engagement.

International students at TAU gain:

  • access to leading researchers and extensive lab infrastructure
  • opportunities to work in affiliated hospitals and research centers
  • exposure to global conversations through major campus events
  • degree programs that reflect how technology actually shapes society

Applications Are Now Open

Whether your interests lie in neuroscience, healthcare innovation, engineering, creative technologies, entrepreneurship, cyber policy, or diplomacy, Tel Aviv University offers the academic foundation to shape what comes next.

Explore TAU’s international programs and apply today.

FAQ

Who are TAU’s international programs designed for?

TAU’s international programs are designed for students who want a research-led education with real academic depth and practical relevance. Programs suit students interested in AI, engineering, health, neuroscience, social sciences, policy, business, humanities, and global challenges.

Do I need a technical background to study AI-related topics at TAU?

Not necessarily. While engineering and science degrees focus on technical foundations, many AI-related topics are explored through social sciences, humanities, law, business, and policy programs. TAU emphasizes interdisciplinary learning across fields.

Which degrees are available in English?

Tel Aviv University offers a wide range of English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in Engineering, Neuroscience, Digital Health, Biomedical Engineering, Business (MBA), Cyber Politics & Government, Security & Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution, Environmental Studies, Jewish Studies, Literature, Film, and more.

Some programs also offer integration tracks that begin in English and gradually transition to Hebrew.

Can undergraduate students study engineering at TAU?

Yes. International students can apply to BSc programs in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, both of which offer olim integration tracks. These tracks support students who are new to Israel by starting in English and integrating into Hebrew-taught courses and the local job market over time.

Do TAU students gain hands-on experience during their studies?

Yes. Students benefit from access to research labs, affiliated hospitals, industry partnerships, startup initiatives, and major campus events such as AI Week and Cyber Week. Many programs include research projects, applied coursework, and internships

Can international students work or intern during their studies?

Opportunities vary by program and visa status, but many students engage in research assistant roles, internships, and industry-linked projects during their studies, particularly in engineering, health sciences, business, and policy programs.

How do I apply to Tel Aviv University as an international student?

Applications are submitted online through TAU’s international admissions portal. Each program page includes admission requirements, deadlines, and contact details for program advisors. You can start your application by filling in the form here.

Where should I start if I’m not sure which program fits me best?

Start by exploring TAU’s international undergraduate and graduate programs by field of interest. Admissions teams and program coordinators are available to help you identify the best academic path based on your background and goals.

How Tel Aviv University’s Psychedelic Research is Revolutionizing Trauma Care

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

Inside Israel’s first center dedicated to psychoactive medicine and brain-informed therapy

 
As Israel grapples with the aftermath of October 7th and the ensuing war, it is facing a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions. The demand for treatment has quickly outpaced what traditional therapy can deliver and the need for innovation is urgent. At Tel Aviv University’s Institute for Psychedelic Research (IPR), scientists and clinicians are developing a bold alternative grounded in a simple premise: healing depends on restoring the connections that trauma erodes. 

“The loss of connection is the silent wound that lies at the core of trauma, depression and addiction. It is the feeling of being cut off from yourself, from others, from the world,” says Prof. Talma Hendler, Director of the Institute and a member jointly of TAU’s Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences and the School of Psychological Sciences. “Our work is about helping people reconnect in a real, lasting way.”

Founded two years ago under the auspices of TAU’s Sagol School of Neuroscience, and embedded within Ichilov Hospital, the IPR is the first in Israel to explore the use of psychoactive medicine for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, chronic pain and other conditions at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry. The launch of the project was made possible by the generous contributions of TAU supporters Jeremy Coller, Dr. David B. Katzin, and Dr. Dmitry Repin. Moreover, a dedicated laboratory is being built for psychedelic research at the Miriam and Moshe Shuster Building for the Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience, now nearing completion.

Closing the Gap Between Neuroscience and Therapy

Despite decades of research on how trauma affects the brain, most therapy still relies entirely on conversation and assessments based on subjective report and impressions. After two decades of neurobiological research on human stress and trauma, Prof. Talma Hendler’s team is trying to bridge the translation gap between neuroscience and therapy with an approach they call Brain-Informed Psychotherapy.

Using technologies such as Prism*, pioneered by Hendler’s lab, patients learn to regulate the deep emotional circuits involved in fear and stress. These sessions are paired with psychotherapy that helps them reinterpret traumatic memories, rebuild trust, and restore agency.

“There’s a moment when a patient realizes, ‘I can actually influence my own brain state,’” says Hendler. “That moment can change everything.”

Providing a Window for Change

Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin (hallucinogenic mushrooms), MDMA and ketamine are gaining attention worldwide because they can temporarily make the brain incredibly flexible, a state scientists call a “window for change.” 

“Think of the brain as a complex traffic system with multiple hubs. Each hub is a network of regions with its own role: one helps with control and regulation, another detects threat, yet another provides memory and context. In a healthy brain, traffic moves flexibly, and there are many open routes between the hubs.

In PTSD, these routes become rigid. When the alarm network activates as a response to a trauma trigger, the control and memory networks are blocked from sending information that the person is actually safe, so the alarm keeps escalating,” Hendler explains.

Psychedelic substances temporarily change this maladaptive flow. Over one to three weeks, new routes open and blocked networks begin exchanging information again. “In that window of renewed plasticity, psychotherapy can gently redirect the system — helping the brain relearn safety, rebuild balance, and reconnect with oneself and others in reality,” Hendler says. “The goal is to use that brief period of biological malleability to create a lasting, positive change in the neural underpins of mental health.”

To achieve this mission, the IPR team — an interdisciplinary mix of clinicians, neuroscientists, and psychologists — is developing a new model of mental health care, one that combines cutting-edge brain science with individual-centered, brain-informed psychotherapy. “The drug opens the door,” Hendler notes, “but lasting recovery depends on the steps that follow: patient involvement, brain-informed clinical approach and the supportive community that lead toward wholesome healing.” 

Early Results: Hope Returning 

One of the Institute’s first major successes came from a seven-day ketamine-assisted protocol for chronic PTSD, developed in partnership with Yale University. The early results were groundbreaking: out of 35 participants, 80 percent experienced a meaningful reduction in PTSD symptoms. “Out of the group that received Ketamine (vs control drugs), 40 percent no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD three months after the treatment”, says Dr Jacob Nimrod Keynan, the scientific manager of IPR. 

“For the first time in years, I felt like I could get better,” one participant said. “It gave me energy to keep fighting for myself.”

Psilocybin appears to offer an even longer and more powerful window for therapeutic change. IPR is the first research center in Israel to administer synthetic psilocybin to humans, and the Institute is now running Israel’s first clinical and imaging study of psilocybin-assisted short-term psychotherapy for PTSD. According to Dr Keynan, the first two patients — both combat veterans— experienced substantial symptom relief and no longer met PTSD diagnosis criteria following the 3-week treatment. Importantly, they further reported meaningful improvements in depression, emotional openness and day-to-day functioning, even after three months. 

One described a shift he didn’t expect: “The treatment helped me understand how to reconnect with my daughter — and why I hadn’t been able to before.”

Where Trauma Care Is Heading

The next frontier, IPR researchers say, is combining psilocybin therapy with other brain-informed therapies such as neurofeedback or magnetic stimulation to strengthen the brain circuits that sustain recovery. In the long term, the IPR team is exploring AI-supported tools, as well as music and virtual reality, to help patients track insights, organize their emotional work, and carry therapeutic momentum into daily life.

Prof. Talma Hendler, Director of the IPR

“We aim to redesign trauma care from the ground up,” says Hendler. “Precise, measurable, deeply personal, and focused on restoring neural and psychological connections.”

As Israel continues to confront profound psychological wounds, IPR’s work offers a rare mix of scientific rigor and hope. It suggests that even in times of immense pain, the brain can reopen, the mind can reorient, and people can find their way back to themselves.
“Trauma disconnects,” Hendler reflects. “Our job is to help people feel connected again — to their emotions, their relationships, their lives.”

—————————————————————————————————————–

*Prism is a brain-training therapy. It uses brain scans to help people see what’s happening in their brain in real time and learn how to change it.

The therapy focuses on different areas of the brain, such as the amygdala, a part of the brain that controls emotions like fear and stress. By getting live feedback from brain signals, people can practice calming or adjusting this brain activity. Over time, this can help improve emotional control.

This approach is being explored for treating conditions like PTSD and major depressive disorder. In 2023, the Hendler lab’s spinoff company, GrayMatters Health, received FDA approval for the technique.

TAU and Google Israel Launch New Three-Year Program to Advance Core AI Research

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

Google.org will provide $1 million to support foundational research, student scholarships, and new educational initiatives in AI and data science at Tel Aviv University

Google and Tel Aviv University (TAU) are continuing their collaboration, now launching a new three-year program to promote research in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. The new program focuses on advancing foundational research in AI, including innovation in language models, AI for privacy, algorithmic efficiency, and more. The program will be led by the Center for AI & Data Science at Tel Aviv University (TAD), headed by Prof. Yishay Mansour from the Blavatnik School of Computer Science and AI. Google.org (Google’s philanthropic arm) announced it will provide $1 million in funding.

Supporting Research, Students, and Education in AI

The new program was launched at a festive event at Tel Aviv University (TAU), with the participation of TAU President, Prof. Ariel Porat, Google Vice President and Head of Google Research, Prof. Yossi Matias and Prof. Tova Milo, Dean of the Faculty of Exact Sciences. As part of the collaboration, Google will support research grants and scholarships for students in the core areas of AI. In addition, emphasis will be placed on new educational initiatives at the TAD Center: an honors program for graduate students in AI, as well as the BITS of AI program for teens from Israel’s social and geographic peripheries, in collaboration with TAU’s Youth University.

TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat said: “Our collaboration with Google began about five years ago, when Google supported interdisciplinary AI collaborations connecting researchers in Computer Science, Engineering, and Data Science, with those in the Life Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The newly launched program  focuses on core areas of AI and includes scholarships for PhD students. In addition, it enables scholarships for students from Israel’s periphery – thereby advancing the university’s strategy of supporting students who have not had the same opportunities as most of their peers.”

Advancing Science Through Academic–Industry Partnership

Prof. Yossi Matias, Google Vice President and Head of Google Research (the global research division): “Research and academic excellence are more important than ever. I believe in the benefits of mutual enrichment between outstanding academic research and the development of technological innovation —when researchers from different disciplines and different approaches come together meaningful advances emerge. Through our expanding partnership with academia, we are advancing science and technology in fields that are significant for humanity and the world.”

Prof. Yishay Mansour, Head of the TAU Center for AI & Data Science (TAD), thanked Google for their fruitful collaboration and continued support for research in AI.  “Promoting research in the core areas of AI is of utmost importance,” he said. “One of our central challenges is developing theories that explain AI’s meteoric success. A deep understanding of the processes involved in training large language models can open new directions and contribute to significant improvements in the algorithmic efficiency of learning processes. Moreover, many social challenges are linked to the advancement of AI, including the critical importance of safeguarding privacy.”

Building the Next Generation of Researchers

Prof. Avinatan Hassidim, Google Vice President and Head of the Research Group in Israel, Africa, and Australia: “Our longstanding relationship with TAU enables us to bring together resources and knowledge around research questions important to both sides. As part of the current collaboration, we will continue working together over the next three years to promote innovation and nurture Israel’s next generation of researchers and developers. Our joint work helps us contribute to the local ecosystem and strive for solutions to complex technological challenges.”

Dr. Shiri Stempler, Executive Director at the TAD Center, notes that the new program is a continuation of previous initiatives that focused on advancing AI research in sustainability, health, and education. These programs, jointly led by Dr. Stempler from TAU and Gal Weiss, Strategic Partnerships Development Manager at Google Research, included joint workshops of researchers from TAU and Google, and provided a platform to strengthen ties between academia and industry.

Additionally, over the past three years, Google has supported TAU’s ExactShe program led by Prof. Tova Milo, Dean of the Faculty of Exact Sciences, which aims to create a supportive community for women in research.

Israel’s First India Chair Established at TAU During Ambassadorial Visit

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

Indian Ambassador J.P. Singh meets students and leadership and signs landmark cooperation agreement

 
During the visit, Ambassador J.P. Singh met with Indian students and researchers from across the university and held discussions with Tel Aviv University leadership. The visit culminated in the signing of an agreement to establish Israel’s first India Chair at TAU.

At the outset of his visit, Ambassador Singh expressed condolences following a recent terrorist attack in Australia and underscored the close relationship between India and Israel.

“Whenever there is a crisis, India and Israel stand together,” he said, adding that his visit marked an important event focused on strengthening academic cooperation.

Strategic Dialogue with University Leadership

Ambassador Singh met with Tel Aviv University President Prof. Ariel Porat, Vice President International Prof. Milette Shamir, Director of Asia Engagement Konstantin Platonov, and senior faculty representatives to discuss the university’s long-term academic engagement with India.

Left to right: Prof Nir Ohad, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences; Prof Liora Sarfati, TAU Department of East Asian Studies; Prof. Noam Eliaz, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat; Ambassador J.P. Singh; Vice President International Prof. Milette Shamir; Director of Asia Engagement Konstantin Platonov, Sayali Narayan Mhetre, Director of the Indian Cultural Center in Israel (Photo credit: Chen Galili)

Welcoming the ambassador, Prof. Porat emphasized the strategic importance of India in TAU’s international outlook:

“Our ties with India are very important to us. I have been in India both as president and previously as a law professor, and I have seen firsthand the quality and potential of academic collaboration.”—Tel Aviv University President Prof. Porat

During the discussions, Prof. Porat proposed the establishment of a new Forum on Innovation and Education, envisioned as a platform for direct dialogue and collaboration between leading universities in Israel and India. The proposal received immediate support from Ambassador J.P. Singh.

TAU VP for International Affairs Prof. Milette Shamir during the meeting with the Ambassador of India to Israel. (Photo credit: Chen Galili)

Framing TAU’s broader vision, Prof. Shamir described the relationship as a two-way academic bridge:

“TAU’s mission is to serve as a gateway to Israeli science and academic expertise for Indian academic partners, and as a gateway to India for Israeli researchers and students in terms of cultural exchange and beyond,”—Vice President International Prof. Milette Shamir

She noted that TAU’s collaboration with India extends well beyond formal agreements. Over the past decade, TAU researchers have produced more than 1,000 joint publications with Indian colleagues, providing a strong foundation for expanded cooperation, including joint PhD and master’s programs and increased faculty mobility.

H.E. Mr. J.P. Singh, Ambassador of India to Israel, with Konstantin Platonov during a meeting with members of the Indian student community at Tel Aviv University. (Photo credit: Chen Galili)

Highlighting the campus dimension, Platonov pointed to the strength of the Indian research community at TAU.

“Indian research students are the second-largest cohort of foreign students at TAU and a thriving community. They feel comfortable and safe on our campus and build strong connections with our professors.”—Director of Asia Engagement Konstantin Platonov

From the faculty perspective, Prof. Nir Ohad, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and head of food security studies at TAU, focused on the long-term impact of sustained academic exchange.

“Our joint master’s program with Thapar University has created a clear pipeline of academic training. Students progress from graduate studies at TAU to PhDs, postdoctoral research, and faculty positions in India.”—Prof. Nir Ohad, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences

Representing the engineering faculty, Prof. Noam Eliaz, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, stressed that all graduate-level engineering programs at TAU are taught entirely in English, making them accessible to international scholars from India pursuing master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral training.

H.E. Mr. J.P. Singh, Ambassador of India to Israel, discusses academic cooperation with Tel Aviv University leadership and faculty members. (Photo credit: Chen Galili)

In the humanities, Prof. Liora Sarfati from the Department of East Asian Studies spoke about TAU’s contribution to education and cultural scholarship, citing the Faculty of Humanities’ extensive experience in education studies. She also noted that TAU is home to one of the world’s largest Sanskrit programs, whose graduates continue into advanced research and academic careers in Israel and abroad.

Ambassador J.P. Singh welcomed TAU’s multidimensional engagement with India and underscored the urgency of expanding academic cooperation.

“This is the right time to deepen collaboration in education through student and faculty exchange, joint research, and partnerships between universities, public and private.”—Ambassador J.P. Singh

Establishing the ICCR–TAU India Chair

A central highlight of the visit was the signing of an agreement establishing the ICCR–TAU India Chair, in cooperation with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). 

TAU President Prof. Porat and Ambassador J.P. Singh sign the ICCR–TAU agreement establishing the ICCR–TAU India Chair. (Photo credit: Chen Galili)

The first initiative of its kind in Israel, the ICCR-TAU India Chair will enable TAU to host leading Indian scholars annually across a range of academic fields, made possible through generous sponsorship from ICCR. 

“This chair will allow scholars of India to engage with Tel Aviv University on a regular basis.”—Ambassador J.P. Singh

“By inaugurating the ICCR–TAU India Chair at TAU and establishing the TAU India Hub in Delhi for permanent in-country representation, we are taking our engagement with Indian students, research partners, and other stakeholders to the next level,” commented Platonov. 

Meeting India’s Research Community at TAU

During his visit, Ambassador Singh also met with Indian students and postdoctoral researchers at TAU, representing disciplines including medicine, chemistry, life sciences, mechanical engineering, materials science, and plant sciences.

The meeting reflected the diversity of India’s academic presence on campus, with students originating from different regions across the country. “India is very well represented here,” said the ambassador.

Ambassador J.P. Singh (in the center) with Maureen Meyer Adiri, the Director of the Lowy International School, and Konstantin Platonov, Director of Asia Engagement (on the right). (Photo credit: Chen Galili)

He encouraged students to remain focused on their academic goals while making the most of their international experience: “You have come here for studies. When you achieve something, you will contribute to the development of India.”

At the same time, Ambassador J.P. Singh emphasized their broader role:

“You are our ambassadors. Through your daily interactions, your research, and your engagement with Israeli society, you help bring our two countries closer together.”

During the discussion, students highlighted the potential to build on Israel’s startup and innovation experience to help advance India’s growing startup ecosystem, pointing to potential collaboration between academia, industry, and entrepreneurs in both countries.

Future Directions in India–Israel Cooperation

The visit reflected a shared vision for the future of India–Israel academic cooperation, with education positioned as a key driver of innovation, cultural understanding, and long-term partnership.

Echoing Ambassador Singh’s remarks on expanding exchange programs, strengthening joint research, and exploring new models of institutional presence in India, Tel Aviv University continues to deepen its engagement through initiatives such as the ICCR–TAU India Chair and expanded research collaboration, reinforcing its role as a global hub for academic excellence and international exchange.

No Longer a Secret Garden

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

TAU’s Yehuda Naftali Botanic Garden now welcomes individual visitors

 
For decades, the Tel Aviv University Botanic Garden has stood as one of Israel’s leading living laboratories: an essential hub for plant sciences research, a sanctuary for native species, and a cornerstone of environmental education. Yet despite its scientific significance and rich biodiversity, the garden long lacked the resources needed to fully realize its vast potential. 

According to Kineret Shwartz Maneviich, the Garden’s Operational Manager, the turning point came with the transformative contribution of philanthropist Yehuda Naftali. 

“Yehuda’s support allowed us to leap forward in ways we’d only dreamed of,” she explains. “We were able to create new interactive learning experiences designed to spark curiosity-especially among children and teenagers. Our goal is to instill a sense of wonder and deepen appreciation for Israel’s natural world among new generations.” 

As a result of Naftali’s gift, the Garden has introduced a series of interactive experiential exhibits throughout its grounds, inviting visitors to explore plant diversity, ecological relationships, evolutionary processes, climate challenges, and conservation efforts through hands-on engagement. These exhibits now serve both as educational tools and as gateways into larger botanical knowledge. At the same time, entire sections have been revitalized and enhanced, such as the Wetland Habitat; the Succulent collection and the Greenhouse for Useful Plants.

Yehuda Naftali (left) with TAU Pres. Prof. Ariel Porat. (Photo: Chen Galili, TAU)

Opening to the Public 

In spring 2025, the Naftali Garden opened for a pilot period following significant renovations. A more extensive public reopening followed in October 2025, accompanied by expanded programming for families, school groups, and the wider community. Now, the Garden is preparing to welcome visitors once again for Hanukkah, continuing to grow into its role as a vibrant, accessible space for the wider community. 

Looking ahead, the garden’s academic and operational management follows a vision supported by three pillars: research, conservation and education. “We aspire to serve as a state-of-the-art research facility for plant scientists from TAU, other Israeli universities, and around the world. We are committed to protecting Israel’s unique plant diversity through conservation and the reintroduction of endangered species. And finally, we want to inspire the public-children, students, families, everyone-to discover the beauty and importance of plants,” Maneviich concludes. 

With continued growth, expanded research capabilities, and a renewed commitment to community engagement, the Tel Aviv University Naftali Botanic Garden is poised to achieve its full potential – both as a scientific powerhouse and as an essential cultural and environmental resource for Israel. 

Tickets for the Naftali Botanic Garden’s Hanukkah programs and tours can be purchased via the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History website here>> 

Yehuda Naftali Botanic Garden’s Hanukkah 2025 activities:

Dates & Times 

Activity 

Time / Opening Hours 

Dates (Hanukkah-season 2025) 

Guided “Flowers & Pollinators” tour 

09:45 

Tue 16 Dec · Wed 17 Dec · Thu 18 Dec · Fri 19 Dec · Sun 21 Dec · Mon 22 Dec  

Guided lantern-lit (evening) garden tour 

16:30 

Mon 15 Dec · Tue 16 Dec · Wed 17 Dec · Thu 18 Dec · Sat 20 Dec · Sun 21 Dec · Mon 22 Dec  

Independent garden visits 

10:00–16:00 (on Fridays until 14:00) 

Tue 16 Dec · Wed 17 Dec · Thu 18 Dec · Fri 19 Dec  

Note: Entrance is by pre-booked ticket only, and a ticket to the garden does not include access to the adjacent Steinhardt Natural History Museum. lifesci.tau.ac.il+1 

Dreams and Dreaming in the Theatre

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

Students Curate a Collaborative Exhibition on Theatre Histories

 
Dreams and Dreaming in the Theatre: Curating Theatre Histories is a new Israeli–German exhibition at the Genia Schreiber University Art Gallery. Created by theatre research students from Tel Aviv University’s Department of Theater Arts and the Institute of Theatre and Media Culture of the University of Cologne, it draws on rich archival collections to examine how dreams have shaped Israeli and German theatre for more than a century.

The exhibition grew out of months of joint study, workshops, and hands-on archival work led by Prof. Sharon Aronson-Lehavi and Dr. Ruthie Abeliovich from TAU and Prof. Dr. Peter W. Marx from the University of Cologne, with support from the Lowy International School. The project was brought to life by the students: Julian Becker, Marianna Damaskinidou, Kristina Elbaz, Ariella (Lally) Flint-Goor, Charlene Fündgens, Emma Gebbeken, Bella Litvak, Sona Petrossian, Anastasia Pütz, Natan Skop, Afif Shlewet, and Einat Tamir.

Prof. Sharon Aronson-Lehavi (on the left), associate professor of theatre and performance studies at the Department of Theatre Arts. (Photo credit: Tami Shaham)

A Shared Investigation: Why Dreams?

The topic “Dreams and dreaming in the theatre” was chosen as a guiding theme because theatre and dreaming share a powerful connection, both unfolding in the space between imagination and reality.

Dreams in the theatre are constructed through material, auditory, and visual elements, revealing how a culture imagines hope, fantasy, fear, or escape at a particular moment in time.

Like dreams themselves, performances are ephemeral, but archives offer a way back through sketches, notes, photographs, programs, and design materials that preserve the creative processes of vanished productions.

Three Plays, Three Perspectives on Theatre and History

To guide their research, the project teams selected three plays with rich archival documentation. Each one offered a distinct lens on how dreams intersect with history and imagination.

Together, these works trace a journey from older narrative traditions to contemporary realities, showing how dreamscapes help cultures navigate memory, identity, and survival.

  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare, 1595/6)

The classic comedy allowed the teams to examine how both cultures adapt canonical works to reflect contemporary concerns. Israeli productions featured European theatre artists who arrived fleeing the Nazi regime: Julius Gellner, Paul Loewi, Gertrud Kraus, Teo Otto. Their artistic languages shaped the foundations of Israeli performance.

(Photo credit: Tami Shaham)

Juxtaposed with German postwar productions, the material shows how the same play becomes a mirror for different societies searching for escape, renewal, and fantasy.

  • Jacob’s Dream (Richard Beer-Hofmann, 1918)

Written in 1918, this biblical drama sits between tradition and modern history, following Jacob as he struggles to accept his destiny. It premiered in Vienna and Berlin, then appeared in Hebrew in 1925 in Moscow and Tel Aviv.

(Photo credit: Tami Shaham)

Students discovered how the play weaves together myth, personal crisis, and the emerging Zionist vision. The questions of political awakening and homeland echoed through both Israeli and German theatre communities a century ago and still resonate today.

  • The Child Dreams (Hanoch Levin, 1993)

Written and directed by Hanoch Levin, with set design by Roni Toren, this poetic play explores displacement, cruelty, and the trauma of war through the eyes of a child.

(Photo credit: Tami Shaham)

Archival materials from the Israeli premiere and a Berlin production in 2023 show how the play crosses borders, offering a shared language for processing trauma and imagining compassion.

Between “Traum” and “Trauma”

By examining the three plays together, the students uncovered how dream imagery often surfaces in moments of historical rupture. The exhibition places these works in dialogue, revealing how dream sequences illuminate national anxieties, war, migration, and the search for hope. Together, they create an intercultural landscape that highlights both distinct theatrical traditions and shared artistic concerns.

During their archival research, the students identified an unexpected visual pattern: when designing dream-like spaces, artists in both Israel and Germany repeatedly turned to deep greens and purples.

This recurring palette served as the inspiration for the exhibition’s visual design, developed in collaboration with the Roni and Roni Studio.

A Collaborative Process Across Borders

The project began with a series of online meetings, where students from Tel Aviv University and the University of Cologne studied the plays together and shaped the curatorial principles for the exhibition. These early conversations laid the groundwork for a joint research language.

On study tour in Cologne (Photo credit: Tami Shaham)

A turning point came in November 2024, when the groups gathered in Cologne for a study tour and workshop at the Theaterwissenschaftliche Sammlung (TWS).

During this intensive week, they examined archival materials firsthand, visited major museums, and held critical discussions about how theatre history is curated and interpreted. It was in Cologne that the teams selected the objects now displayed in the exhibition.

Researching the Archives: Physical and Digital Worlds

Students worked in mixed German–Israeli teams to locate, study, and interpret materials from several major institutions such as the TAU’s Israeli Center for the Documentation of Performing Arts, Theaterwissenschaftliche Sammlung (TWS), University of Cologne, the “Habima” National Theatre Archive, The Yehuda Gabai Theatre Archive, and the Akademie der Künste in Berlin

(Photo credit: Tami Shaham)

All items on display are facsimile reproductions. The exhibition also includes video documentation from The Child Dreams and student-created digital clips exploring new ways to engage with archival materials.

Visitor Resources for Research and Reflection

To expand the exhibition’s learning and exploration opportunities, the team produced archival binders, annotation cards, English-language catalogs, and QR codes linking to extended materials.

(Photo credit: Tami Shaham)

These tools invite visitors to experience the exhibition not only as observers, but as researchers.

Part of a Broader International Ecosystem

This exhibition joins a wider network of international theatre initiatives supported by the Lowy International School, including [six!], a global summer school in theatre studies led by six universities on five continents, among them TAU and the University of Cologne.

Like [six!], Dreams and Dreaming in the Theatre emphasizes collaborative learning, shared inquiry, and cross-cultural dialogue. Both projects show how international partnerships expand the study of theatre by bringing together diverse perspectives and creating learning communities that continue well beyond a single program.

Main Why Pursue an Undergraduate Degree at Tel Aviv University?

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

It’s your launchpad to a truly global career

 
Your undergraduate years shape your academic direction, personal growth, and future opportunities. At Tel Aviv University, you’ll study at a globally respected research institution while living in the heart of Israel’s most dynamic city. You’ll learn alongside students from around the world, engage deeply with your field of study, and take part in a campus experience that connects learning, culture, and innovation.

World-Class Education Recognized in the US and Beyond

A degree from TAU is not just globally recognized, it’s also a respected credential for students planning to pursue graduate studies or a career in the US. Many of our alumni have gone on to top graduate programs in the US and around the world, and we count among our academic partners universities like Columbia and Northwestern.

“At TAU, you have the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful and still get the education that you’re looking for—with all of the aspects of the American-style education of having so many classes to choose from and a great community.”—Kayla Goldberger, BA in Management and Liberal Arts

TAU alumni are also thriving at Google, Meta, Alphabet and other industry leaders. This university isn’t just a stepping-stone; it’s a launchpad for a truly international career. 

“Tel Aviv University is very well recognized. I’m glad to have this degree behind me.”—Tyla Shur, BA in Management and Liberal Arts

Affordable Education and Federal Aid Options

One of the most attractive aspects of studying at TAU is the significantly lower tuition. Compared to US-based universities, TAU’s tuition offers savings without sacrificing quality, making it an ideal choice for American students seeking to study for their bachelor’s in Israel.

Plus, in addition to the many scholarships you can apply for, students from the US can use their 529 college savings plans, federal loans or even Veterans’ benefits to pay tuition at TAU, making it even easier to fund an international bachelor’s degree in Israel.

Shorter Program Duration = Faster Career Launch

Why wait four years when you can complete a bachelor’s degree in Israel in three? TAU’s accelerated program structure allows you to complete your English-language undergraduate studies in Israel in less time than most US universities, while at the same time being fully equivalent (i.e., a three-year program at TAU = a four-year program in the US).

The graduation ceremony of the Liberal Arts BA program

And if you’re ambitious, TAU offers options to transition directly into a graduate program, meaning you could potentially complete both degrees in only four years. 

Real-World Experience in a Thriving Tech Hub

Israel is known for its tech innovation, and Tel Aviv is at the center of this exciting scene. TAU’s unique position in one of the world’s leading tech hubs opens doors to internships and networking opportunities.

“I was equipped through various university courses to be able to build my connections, improve my LinkedIn profile, and find internships.”—Kayla Goldberger, BA in Management and Liberal Arts

The university’s close ties with industry leaders mean that students benefit from a smaller, more intimate academic ecosystem while still gaining access to world-class opportunities. With direct pathways to internships and a strong presence in the tech and business sectors, studying at TAU gives you a competitive edge in the global job market and unlocks academic opportunities in Israel that extend far beyond the classroom.

A Vibrant, Coastal Place to Discover

Nestled along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv offers a unique blend of rich history and lively and inclusive cultures (New York Times called us the “capital of Mediterranean Cool”). No matter your interests and background, there’s a place here for you if you want to live in Israel and study in English.

TAU students enjoying a day at the beach not far from the TAU campus

At TAU, moreover, you’ll quickly find a community of like-minded people, world-class facilities (like our Olympic-sized swimming pool and spa amenities) as well as a team of community leaders dedicated to supporting you during your time with us.

Unique Program Flexibility and Admission Pathways

At TAU, you’re not limited to a single program when applying. The university allows students to apply to multiple programs simultaneously, including our dual degree programs with Columbia University and our International BA in Liberal Arts or International BA in Management and Liberal Arts. 

Our dual degree program with Columbia also means you spend half your time in Israel and half your time in the US, resulting in a diverse academic background with global experiences. 

“The dual degree program is a perfect combination—starting at Tel Aviv University and continuing at Columbia gives an excellent international academic experience. I learn so much from other students in the classroom.”—Chloe Katz, Dual Degree with Columbia University

Need a little extra time before diving into your studies? TAU also offers a one-year deferral option for accepted students, giving you the flexibility to plan your educational journey.

Curious About TAU? 

TAU offers more than just an undergraduate degree—it provides top undergraduate programs in Israel and an experience that combines global recognition, affordability and unrivaled opportunities in a vibrant, high-tech city. Plus, by doing an international degree in English at TAU through The Lowy International School, you’ll find a community of global, like-minded people here to support you and cheer you on, every step of the way.

“When I decided to go to college in Israel I definitely expected it to be at a different level than what an American University experience would be like both academically and just socially but I’ve been so pleasantly surprised from my first day arriving on campus—it’s just blown away my expectations of what an Israeli college experience could be like.”—Joe Block, Dual Degree BA with Columbia

If you’re exploring the best degrees to study abroad for your bachelor’s, Tel Aviv University may be the perfect fit.

Explore program websites for more information and send your application online.

Helping Heal a Hurting Generation

Written by Raphael on . Posted in Student News.

TAU trains staff to spot and respond to student distress

 
A young woman sits in the back row of a large lecture hall. As the professor glances up from his presentation, he notices the student’s head drop into her hands and her awkward attempt to hide her tear-streaked face. He pauses mid-sentence, not knowing how to react, then turns his attention quickly back to the large screen and resumes his lecture.  

These scenarios are likely taking place across Israeli campuses as students face the aftermath of two years of war. At Tel Aviv University, staff and faculty have been recruited to help struggling students through a series of online workshops on recognizing emotional stress. Run by the TAU Student Success Center‘s (SSC) Psychological Services Unit, the workshops equip participants to reach out to students and colleagues and direct them to University resources.

It Takes a Village 

“After a prolonged state of heightened alert, of being in survival mode, students are just now truly grappling with all the pain and grief they suppressed,” said Dr. Liat Sorski, a clinical psychologist, researcher in the field of psychoneuroimmunology, and the Mental Health Awareness Coordinator at the SSC. “After two years of repeated trauma, we’re in the post-trauma stage, and it’s a critical stage.” 

She believes that academic and administrative employees, who often see students daily, should have the ability to identify warning signs of traumatized students and be trained in how to handle sensitive situations and conversations. As adults who serve as mentors, teachers and role models, University employees have a responsibility for the well-being of students, and that includes their emotional state, emphasized Dr. Sorski.  

Participants in the online workshops have included administrative assistants, student coordinators, lecturers, senior faculty, department heads, and heads of schools.  

The feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive. “Many expressed how much they needed this kind of training and how detailed and helpful the workshop was,” said Dr. Sorski. 

Professor or Therapist?  

The training, led by Dr. Sorski since the beginning of the academic year, focuses on recognizing common reactions to all forms of distress and trauma, addressing both overt and hidden signs, responding in various ways while still respecting students’ privacy, and appropriately handling situations such as crying or other emotional outbursts.  

“It’s ok to stop the class and allow the student to step out and gather themselves,” said Dr. Sorski. “And it’s ok to address the entire class and acknowledge the situation – we all went through a difficult period. We have to normalize the expression of our feelings.” 

Just as important to understand is what not to do in these situations. Dr. Sorski acknowledged the urge to share personal experiences in an attempt to identify with a student but stressed that this is not an appropriate response. Also not recommended is attempting to provide advice or counseling.  

“You are not a therapist, that’s not your role,” she said. Instead, staff should make the student feel seen and acknowledge their hardship, then direct them to appropriate resources.  

Dr. Sorski also highlighted populations at higher risk of experiencing difficulties, such as foreign students who lack a support network, and reviewed in depth the University’s support mechanisms: the Student Success Center’s Psychological Services Unit, the network of faculty advisors, and the National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience; as well as national mental health resources outside the University.  

The lectures are part of a wide array of services the Psychological Services Unit provides to students and staff. In the coming weeks, Dr. Sorski will be leading workshops for students this time, teaching coping strategies for stress and anxiety.  

For more information on the Student Success Center’s mental health services, go to https://deanstudents.tau.ac.il/psychological-services.  

Victoria

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Email: office@aftau.asn.au

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Western Australia

Phone: :+61 0418 46 5556
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