Tag: General

TAU’s Vice President for Research and Development has been awarded the Founders Award in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to drug delivery science.

The international Controlled Release Society (CRS) announced that Prof. Dan Peer, Vice President for Research and Development at Tel Aviv University, has been awarded the Society’s Founders Award. The Founders Award of the Controlled Release is the highest honor and recognition given to a scientist whose research made a groundbreaking, lasting impact on the field of drug delivery science.

A Pioneer in RNA Therapeutics

Prof. Dan Peer, Vice President for Research and Development, is one of the pioneers of mRNA drug development worldwide and Head of the Laboratory of Precision Nano-Medicine at the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at TAU’s  Wise Faculty of Life Sciences. Prof. Peer is a trailblazer and among the pioneers in the use of RNA molecules as molecular therapeutics. His research focuses on the development of RNA-based molecular medicines for a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, blood cancers, brain cancer, ovarian cancer, and rare genetic diseases. In addition, Prof. Peer studies the use of RNA molecules as vaccines for viral diseases, bacterial diseases, and cancer, and develops nanometric drug carriers with the ability to selectively target specific cells.

Breakthrough Achievements in Drug Delivery

Among his groundbreaking achievements, Prof. Peer and his laboratory were the first in the world to demonstrate that mRNA molecules can be delivered to produce therapeutic proteins in animals, to use short RNA molecules for gene silencing in immune system cells, and to perform gene editing using nanoparticles that home to their target cells when injected into the bloodstream. In addition, Prof. Peer and his team were the first in the world to develop an mRNA-based vaccine against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In recognition of his achievements, Prof. Peer was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, the U.S. National Academy of Inventors, and the Israeli Young Academy. He has also received numerous awards, including the Rappaport Prize, the Landau Prize, and the Litwin Prize for Breakthrough Research. The inventions to which he has contributed (more than 160 patent applications) have been commercialized by several companies. In addition, Prof. Peer has founded several startup companies in Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States, some of which are already in clinical trials.

Prof. Dan Peer: “The Founders Award of the Controlled Release Society is the highest recognition in the field of drug delivery and controlled release research, and I am excited by the recognition and honor given to the contribution of my laboratory and the team that works with me to the field.”

New funding will strengthen the Colton Consortium for Autoimmunity, a research network running across UPENN, NYU, Yale, and TAU

The Colton Consortium for Autoimmunity based at the University of Pennsylvania, last week announced a new $15 million, three-year investment from the Colton Foundation to strengthen scientific leadership, expand faculty expertise, and advance collaborative research to accelerate breakthroughs in autoimmune disease across its partner institutions at New York University, Tel Aviv University, and Yale University.

Autoimmune diseases affect millions worldwide and remain among the most complex conditions to diagnose, treat, and prevent. While advances in immunology have deepened our understanding of disease mechanisms, many conditions still lack effective therapies. At the same time, converging progress across academia, clinical research, and biopharma has created an ecosystem with transformative opportunities—one where coordinated investment and collaboration can translate discovery into meaningful advances for patients.

A Global Partnership for Autoimmune Research

The Colton Consortium for Autoimmunity is a global, multi-institutional research partnership uniting leading academic medical centers—including the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Yale University, and Tel Aviv University—in a coordinated effort to transform the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of autoimmune diseases. Through sustained philanthropic investment and a highly integrated collaborative model, the Consortium advances high-impact science that spans discovery research, translational studies, and clinical application, with the shared goal of improving outcomes for patients worldwide. The Consortium is made possible through the generosity of the Colton Foundation, led by Judy and Stewart Colton.

Strengthening Collaboration Across Institutions

This investment strengthens the Consortium’s ability to operate as an integrated, high-performing research network—supporting work that no single institution could accomplish alone. This new investment supports three core pillars: advancing faculty recruitment across institutions, accelerating cross-consortium research collaboration and strengthening leadership and research infrastructure. As the Consortium enters its next phase with this new $15 million investment, Colton investigators are well positioned to capitalize on a strong foundation and lead new advances in autoimmune research.

Uri Nevo, PhD, Director of the Colton Center for Autoimmunity at Tel Aviv University: “This generous donation enables Tel Aviv University, together with its clinical partners in hospitals and healthcare organizations across Israel, to establish collaborative partnerships with Colton institutions in the United States. Together, we will lead innovative research initiatives aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of autoimmune diseases. The approved projects will include not only clinical and biological research, but also data-driven studies and studies designed to build the engineering and computational infrastructure necessary for improved diagnosis and treatment”.

Tel Aviv University reaches a major sustainability milestone, with approximately 45% of campus electricity consumption powered by renewable energy

Tel Aviv University’s Green Council is proud to announce that, as part of the implementation of the strategic plan for climate change and sustainability, approximately 45% of the campus’ power consumption already comes from green energy sources. This means that nearly half of the power consumed on the TAU campus is no longer based on fossil fuels. This is another significant step that positions TAU at the forefront of sustainability among Israel’s institutions of higher education.

From Rooftop Solar Panels to Campus-Wide Transformation

Members of the Green Council explain that TAU annually consumes approximately 75 million kWh of electricity -about 4 million of which originate from 17,000 square meters of solar systems installed on the rooftops of various buildings across campus, including: the Dan David, Buchmann-Mehta, Mitchell, Sharett, De Botton, Goldschleger and Health Professions buildings, and lecture halls of the Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. A vast solar roofing system will soon be installed on the Smolarz parking lot as well.

A Roadmap to 100% Renewable Energy

The remaining green power consumption, totaling about 29 million kWh, is supplied by off-campus solar energy sources. The Council emphasizes that its multiannual plan involves a shift to 100% green power within the next few years, including construction of a large energy storage center on campus.  According to the agreement signed with Shikun & Binui Energy, an advanced energy storage facility with a capacity of more than 30 MWh will be built on campus – one of the largest projects of its kind in central Israel and the first in an Israeli academic institution.

A Campus-Wide Sustainability Strategy

The ambitious strategic plan was launched about three years ago by TAU’s Green Council, led by President Prof. Ariel Porat and CEO Gadi Frank. Following extensive preparatory work, the Green Council set a series of additional goals, including: shifting to sustainable energy, saving energy and water, waste minimization and smart use of resources, sorting waste and reducing transportation emissions, fostering and preserving flora and fauna, and more. All this, alongside climate change adaptations such as shading and planting trees across campus.

Rooftop solar panels at the Law Library building

Turning Commitment into Action

Dr. Judi Lax, Head of Sustainability, Engineering and Maintenance at TAU: “Until recently, our use of renewable energy amounted to just a few percent. In a short time, we were able to make a dramatic change and reach 45% green power on campus. This is not just an environmental statement – it is a real operational revolution that significantly reduces TAU’s greenhouse gas emissions. We see the campus not only as a place for research and teaching, but also as a cradle for meaningful change. Our goal is clear: to turn TAU into a campus that leads the way in rapid, drastic emissions reduction. It is important to understand that these initiatives result from broad collaboration within the university – connecting science, data, operations and field personnel, consultants, management, students, and faculty – as well as a great deal of daily work on the campus itself. Change of this kind only happens when an entire system rallies and works together toward a shared goal.”

From Research to Real-World Impact

Prof. Marcelo Sternberg, a leader of the program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on campus and a researcher at the Wise Faculty of Life Sciences: “Alongside research and teaching that address the climate-ecological crisis, TAU also sees great importance in the practical implementation of sustainability principles within the campus itself. As a center of knowledge, innovation, and public influence, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to also lead environmental change through direct action. TAU’s rapid rise to 45% renewable energy demonstrates how science, vision, and good management can turn environmental commitment into reality on a significant scale. This is an important message to our students, to Israeli society, and to other institutions both in Israel and worldwide: meaningful action is both possible and necessary – and the time to act is now.”

“Space is no longer a distant destination; it is humanity’s next arena of activity, and we are proud to be among those shaping its future.”

A small step for humanity, a giant leap for Tel Aviv University.

The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering this week inaugurated the Space Engineering Center (SEC), a new initiative that will bring together research, development, and training in the fields of space and satellite engineering, while serving as a focal point for collaboration between academia, industry, and the defense sector.

The launch comes amid rapid growth in Israel’s space industry and increasing demand for engineers and researchers in the field. According to the center’s director, Prof. Meir Ariel, its mission is “to make a significant contribution to Israel’s security, the Israeli space industry, and the advancement of human knowledge.”

Bringing Together Science, Engineering, and Technology

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Tel Aviv University President Prof. Ariel Porat; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Noam Eliaz; and the Space Engineering Center research team, including Prof. Meir Ariel, Prof. Ofer Amrani, Prof. Viacheslav (Slava) Krylov, Dr. Lior Medina, and Prof. Ronen Verker.

In his remarks, Prof. Porat praised the Faculty of Engineering and its contributions to Israel’s security, emphasizing the importance of the new center to the university as a whole.

“There is no field on campus that cannot, in some interesting way, connect to space,” he said.

Alongside his remarks on the future of Israel’s space sector, Prof. Porat also reflected on a personal connection to the center’s founding. He spoke about Dan Ariel, the son of Prof. Meir Ariel, who was murdered at the Nova music festival on October 7.

“He loved space and was fascinated by it,” said Prof. Porat. “It is possible that he himself would have become a researcher in the field.”

In his address, Prof. Eliaz highlighted the center’s activities and ambitions.

“The common denominator of all this research is its potential to transform groundbreaking ideas and discoveries into actual space systems and satellites built here at the Faculty of Engineering,” he said.

Prof. Eliaz also noted that former NASA astronaut and current NASA Deputy Administrator Robert Cabana recently described the Faculty of Engineering as “among the leaders in the field in global academia.” He added that Uri Oron, Director General of the Israel Space Agency, has emphasized that many countries still lack technological capabilities that have already been developed in Israel.

“We do not conduct research for the sake of research alone,” Prof. Eliaz said. “The outcomes of our work ultimately find their way into operational systems.”

Prof. Meir Ariel, Head of the Space Engineering Center, and Prof. Noam Eliaz, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering

No Shortcuts in Space

According to Prof. Ariel, the new center, described as “a very important institution within Israel’s space sector”, includes advanced infrastructure that provides a complete academic and technological ecosystem, supporting projects from the earliest research concept all the way to operational space systems.

“The standards we, as an academic institution, must meet are no lower than those of a company like SpaceX, because in space there are no shortcuts.”

Some of the satellites and technologies developed by the Space Engineering Center

In addition to testing space systems and nanosatellites, the center enables researchers to carry out most stages of development and validation under one roof. Its capabilities include:

• Building satellites up to ten times larger than those previously constructed at Tel Aviv University.
• Simulating extreme space environments, including severe temperature and pressure fluctuations.
• Operating an independent ground station that communicates with satellites, sends commands, and receives scientific data.

The center emphasizes multidisciplinary research spanning electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, materials science, and related fields. Current research includes:

• Advanced communication and cybersecurity technologies, including encryption systems designed to withstand future computing capabilities.
• In-space manufacturing and large-scale 3D printing of structures directly in orbit—a unique area of expertise at Tel Aviv University.
• Smart sensor systems capable of processing data before transmission to central computing systems.
• Sensing technologies that capture and analyze the electromagnetic spectrum—including visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light—for applications ranging from pollution detection and precision agriculture to space exploration.

“The laboratory’s motto is: things are impossible, until they aren’t.”

From the Periphery to Mars

Beyond research, the Space Engineering Center plays a central role in education, supporting students from high schools across Israel through advanced academic training.

As part of the Faculty of Engineering’s mission to make science and technology more accessible, Tel Aviv University has established approximately 15 clean rooms and ground stations in communities across the country, including Sha’ar HaNegev, Ma’ale Adumim, Givat Shmuel, Tayibe, Kafr Qara, Ein Mahil, and Yarka.

At these centers, outstanding high school students build nanosatellites as part of the Israel Space Agency’s Tevel 2 initiative, developing systems for both scientific and operational purposes. As part of the project, students successfully built an observation satellite capable of capturing images of Earth from space.

On the international stage, students participating in the center’s TAUverIL program are currently competing in a global rover-design competition in Poland that simulates the terrain and challenges of Mars exploration.

Prof. Ariel and Prof. Amrani also announced the launch of a new Space Engineering specialization within an interdisciplinary research-based master’s degree program. The specialization will integrate studies in electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials engineering.

Students in the program will complete dedicated space-related coursework and conduct a research thesis in the field. Upon graduation, they will receive both their master’s degree and a certificate recognizing their specialization in space engineering.

Together, these initiatives position the Space Engineering Center not only as a platform for research and innovation, but also as a national center of excellence in science, engineering, and technology.

As Prof. Eliaz concluded:

“Space is no longer a distant destination. It is humanity’s next arena of activity, and we are proud to be among those shaping its future.”

Watch highlights from the Space Engineering Center over the years:

 

Prof. Judith Berman joins one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions, becoming the sixth Tel Aviv University researcher to receive the honor

The U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has announced the election of Prof. Judith Berman of Tel Aviv University as a member. The Academy currently comprises 2,750 American scientists and an additional 557 international members representing all scientific disciplines. Prof. Berman is the 47th Israeli researcher to be elected to the NAS, and the sixth from Tel Aviv University over the past 50 years. The Academy’s membership includes some of Israel’s most distinguished scientists, including approximately 200 Nobel Prize laureates.

Advancing Our Understanding of Drug Resistance

Prof. Judith Berman, of the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research at George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, is a leading scientist in the fields of microbiology and genetics. Her research focuses on cellular response mechanisms to drug treatment and the effects of genetic mutations on these mechanisms, which enable drug tolerance in the pathogen Candida albicans, a yeast that causes infections in humans. Prof. Berman has published extensively in leading international scientific journals. She also was elected to membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AmAcadA&S) this year and was elected a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) in 2019. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and has been a member of the American Society for Microbiology since 2007 and is an Emeritus Professor of the University of Minnesota in the US and an Honorary Professor at Exeter University in the UK.

One of Science’s Highest Honors

Established under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences advises the American government and nation on matters of science, engineering, and medicine. Membership in the Academy is for life, and each year up to 120 new scientists from the United States and up to 30 foreign scientists from around the world are elected to its ranks. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences is also the publisher of the prestigious scientific journal PNAS.

Prof. Judith Berman said: “I am grateful for this recognition of the importance of my research and contributions.”

Prof. Dan Peer, Vice President for Research and Development at Tel Aviv University, said: “Prof. Judith Berman is an outstanding researcher in the fields of microbiology and genetics. Her election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences is a source of great pride for Tel Aviv University and a recognition of her achievements at the highest international level.”

 

Tel Aviv University brought together female alumni to connect, learn, and work toward gender equality

“If it weren’t for the brave women before us who fought for the right to study, choose, work, build careers, and have financial independence, we would not be where we are today. Therefore, we do not have the privilege to stop. We owe it to our daughters, and to all who will come after us.”  

So said Dafna Meitar-Nechmad, a key initiator of Tel Aviv University’s annual Feminist Leadership Conference, organized by TAU’s Alumni Organization. Last week, the third conference entitled “Functional Feminism” was held at ANU: Museum of the Jewish people on the TAU campus. Audience members heard from impactful speakers, most of them women and TAU alumni, who are advancing gender equality through research, political activism, industry and art. 

The Gender@TAU Initiative 

Ms. Meitar-Nechmad, TAU’s Board of Governors Chairwoman and an activist for women’s equality herself, opened the conference outlining the state of women in Israel and TAU’s efforts to improve it. She highlighted Gender@TAU, a new initiative for empowering women on and off campus with four goals:  

• Funding female-driven and gender studies research 

• Influencing discourse and activism in the public sector by connecting research and policy advocacy 

• Creating connections and joint programs with civil society organizations that support women and girls 

• Building feminist leadership among University graduates—including those sitting in the audience 

Who Calls Themselves a Feminist?  

The conference’s keynote speaker was Eti Abadi, CEO of the Israeli chapter of McCann, one of the top advertising agencies in the world, and an alumna of TAU’s Coller School of Management. Ms. Abadi, as an advertising expert, showed through a 7-year research project and extensive data how a change in branding could help advance feminism. Because of prejudice, “feminism” as a label has accrued negative associations; further, in recent decades the movement has splintered into many different groups with different goals, making it hard to pin down what the word really stands for. As a result, the number of people who call themselves feminists has actually declined in recent years. 

Eti Abadi, CEO of McCann Tel Aviv, asks a tough question: what’s wrong with feminism? (Photo: Yael Tzur)

To remedy the problem, Ms. Abadi suggests a cultural rebrand and an effort to unify feminism around the most impactful issues. She identified four that need special attention at this moment: 

• Establishing equal paternity and maternity leave for fathers and mothers: Ms. Abadi helped implement such a policy at McCann, creating the opportunity for fathers to establish a close relationship with their children just as mothers do. This change ripples outward: when men are involved in caretaking from the beginning, both parents are seen as primary caregivers—which also means both parents have equal opportunities to return to work. 

• Closing the wage gap: Even today, when women are on average more educated than men, and just as qualified and successful in their jobs, they are paid less for equal work. Financial equality is one of the most potent tools for empowering women in every facet of society. 

• Getting women into leadership positions: Inequality in centers of decision-making leads to policies that do not take into account the diverse needs and circumstances of the many groups whom the policies affect. Additionally, research shows that women’s leadership empowers not only women but everyone around them. 

• Breaking down gender roles: Gender should not determine one’s opportunities. When prejudice about how each gender is “supposed” to act is eliminated, people will be more free, happier, and better at whichever role they choose to play. 

Making Change on the Ground 

Participants were also treated to two panels: “Women Generating Change” featuring experts in industry and activism, and “Art Creating Social Change”, featuring successful women in creative fields. Speakers included Ester Barak Landes, a seasoned leader, investor and entrepreneur, president of women’s leadership organization PROWOMAN, and alumna of the Buchmann Faculty of Law; Hanan Alsanah, a Bedouin activist, attorney, and social entrepreneur who has made important and tangible strides towards bettering the lives of Arab women, also a TAU Law PhD candidate; and Sari Golan, alumna of the TAU Katz Faculty of Arts and the Chief Curator of the Ramat Gan Museum of Art, the only museum in Israel focusing on Israeli art.  

Ms. Golan and her co-panelists pointed out that while art has the power to create social change, in much of the art world men are at the forefront of the business side—even though many of the artists themselves are women. Because of this, men continue to control art’s potential for impact. 

Conference participants were treated to a tour of ANU’s exhibition, A Lens of Her Own. (Photo: Yael Tzur)

Helping fight this aspect of inequity, ANU is currently running the exhibition A Lens of Her Own, featuring the photography of 20 contemporary Jewish women photographers and 20 from the post-WW11 era. The exhibit honors the women who pioneered the field of photography, and restores credit to their contributions which were largely erased as men took over the field.  

Conference-goers were treated to a tour of the exhibition. The viewing, talks, panels and connections contributed to each alumna’s ability to continue empowering women and others in their lives, working toward an overall more equal society. 

 

 

Future students, high energy, and new opportunities for the academic year ahead

Tel Aviv University was buzzing with excitement on Friday, May 29, as it opened its gates to thousands of prospective students eager to explore its undergraduate and graduate programs. After weeks of anticipation and preparation, the campus filled with smiles, festive energy, and countless visitors who arrived with curiosity and ambition—ready to think big about their future and take the next step in their academic and professional journey.

“We were thrilled to see the halls packed, especially after the tense days we’ve all been through,” said Sharon Ariel, TAU’s Marketing Director. “It only proves that the desire of the next generation to look ahead and build their future is stronger than anything.”

Opening event at TAU’s Open Day

Not Just Using Technology—Understanding How It’s Built

One of the main attractions this year was the university’s new Computer Science program with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Lecture halls were filled to capacity with young people eager to learn about the technologies already shaping the future—from large language models and machine learning to computer vision and computational biology.

“Our new program was designed precisely for those driven by curiosity,” said Ariel. “People who don’t want to be mere end-users of new technologies, but who want to understand how they are built. We’re looking for those who want to ask questions that don’t yet have answers and develop technologies that don’t yet exist.”

A Warm Welcome for Reservists: The “Iron Swords” Center

One of the most moving and popular areas on campus was the dedicated center for recently discharged combat soldiers, reservists, career military personnel, and disabled veterans. Similar to previous open days, visitors could sit down for coffee, receive personalized academic guidance, and even complete their registration on site.

Throughout the day, a special session explained in detail the university’s support framework and academic accommodations, providing participants with practical tools and peace of mind as they prepare for their studies.

“It was important for us to deliver a very clear message,” Ariel added. “We are here with you, and we will do everything we can to make the transition between service and academic life as smooth and successful as possible.”

Personal advising at the ‘Iron Swords’ Center

What Else Happened on Open Day?

• Special lectures on choosing a field of study and on student exchange opportunities through TAU’s International School.
• Personal guidance and information booths from every faculty and department, offering one-on-one answers to visitors’ questions.
• Campus tours showcasing libraries, collaborative study spaces, and research laboratories.
• Open panels with current students and alumni, sharing honest insights about student life and balancing studies with everyday responsibilities.
• Fast-track registration stations, allowing many applicants to complete their enrollment during the event and receive a special gift—a pair of Saucony running shoes.

Registering for studies 🙂

The campus was full of future students

Despite the uncertainty leading up to the event, the tremendous success of Open Day officially launched the registration season for the coming academic year.

Now is the time to join the leading university in Israel.

Visit the admissions website >>

 

Graduate TAU Student Develops System for Detecting Galaxies

From the very beginning of his undergraduate studies, Daniel Pakula entered the world of astrophysics research, and today, as a Master’s student in physics at TAU’s Faculty of Exact Sciences, he is developing systems that help identify faint galaxies that previous surveys failed to detect.    
Dwarf galaxies, dark matter, and highly sensitive telescopes—while most of us encounter these concepts in science fiction films —are part of everyday life for Daniel Pakula, a master’s student at the Faculty’s School of Physics and Astronomy.

At the start of his second undergraduate year, Daniel took a very unusual step: he decided to engage in active research. “The best way was simply to try,” he says. PhD students advised him that he should just “go door to door around the faculty, knock on offices, and ask supervisors,” even though he still felt he lacked the necessary background and experience.

Now, still at the beginning of his academic journey, Daniel uses the highly sensitive Dragonfly telescope to identify galaxies and test the ΛCDM cosmological model. To do so, he developed an automated galaxy-detection system that has already succeeded in identifying faint galaxies that previous surveys appear to have missed.

The Dragonfly Telescope, or “Dragonfly” (photographed by Dr. Shany Danieli and the Dragonfly team).

Mysterious, Beautiful, and Romantic: The Hidden Side of Astrophysics

Daniel says he has always been passionate about the field.

“There’s something mysterious and incredibly beautiful about astrophysics, and it’s very easy to romanticize,” he explains.

He notes that much of his inspiration came from science fiction films such as Interstellar, which revealed the beauty of the field beyond mathematics and equations. These films presented a world in which “science tries to predict what things would actually look like in reality, and that fascinated me.”

Before university, Daniel worked in cybersecurity research in both the military and industry, but he always wanted to continue learning and broaden his horizons. When he arrived at TAU, he chose a unique academic track combining physics with East Asian studies.

“I simply wanted to study what attracted me. I’ve been learning Japanese for six or seven years in a pretty hardcore way, and that developed a deep interest in the culture alongside physics.”

Daniel connected with his supervisor, Dr. Shany Danieli, after responding to an email she had published. His technological background proved crucial to their collaboration.

“She let me lead a broad project they had wanted to do for a long time with data from their Dragonfly telescope—a project that combined a significant technological challenge alongside the physics.”

He describes his work with Dr. Danieli as highly independent, though they meet once a week for an hour or two.

“She’s very hands-on, gives advice, and explains a lot about the physics behind everything,” he says. She also supports him with the logistical and bureaucratic aspects of working with the international research group.

What Is Daniel Searching for in the Universe?

arf galaxies are extremely small and faint galaxies, making them difficult to detect with ordinary telescopes. Precisely because of this, they are of great interest to researchers: they may provide clues about galaxy formation, dark matter, and the structure of the early universe.

To detect them, Daniel uses the Dragonfly telescope, which is capable of identifying exceptionally faint objects, along with an automated system he developed himself.

Daniel’s research is based on a major cosmological model known as ΛCDM, which describes how galaxies and dark matter evolve throughout the universe over billions of years.

By comparing the model’s predictions with galaxies that are actually observed, researchers can test how well we truly understand the structure of the universe.

Finding the Galaxies Nobody Sees

This is where Daniel’s research comes in. First, he aims to discover as many dwarf galaxies as possible using the Dragonfly telescope. By analyzing telescope images, his system automatically flags objects suspected of being galaxies. Ultimately, Daniel’s goal is to build a census of dwarf galaxies and statistically assess their completeness.

After identifying galaxies, Daniel analyzes their properties and compares them to the predictions of theoretical models. During this process, he developed a system that automatically identifies and highlights galaxy-like objects. So far, the system has already succeeded in detecting faint galaxies that likely escaped previous surveys—another step toward a more accurate mapping of the universe’s structure.

While some of the algorithms Daniel uses were originally developed within the Dragonfly research group, he is the first researcher to combine them on such a large scale and apply them to extremely large datasets, while also improving and correcting existing issues.

“Get Involved as Early as Possible”

For younger students who are hesitant to take their first step into the world of research, Daniel stands by the advice he himself received:

“My advice is just do it. It’s worth getting involved in research as early as possible, without pressure, because it’s simply fun to be exposed to cutting-edge fields.”

At the same time, he acknowledges that rejection is part of the process: “Most supervisors will say ‘no’ at an early stage, but usually they’re not saying you’re not good enough—they’re simply saying, ‘Come back in another year.’ You only gain from those meetings: you learn about research fields and begin to understand what truly interests you.”

TAU-launched startup Remilk’s cow-free dairy is poised to change milk production forever

Can we build a dairy industry that does not rely on cows? This is the ultimate goal of Remilk, a company producing real “cow” milk–not on a farm, but in a lab. The product is truly innovative: it uses real milk proteins as its foundation, meaning that at the microscopic level it is genuinely milk—but produced at a fraction of the environmental and industrial cost. After getting its start at Tel Aviv University’s Entrepreneurship Center, the milk hit supermarket shelves in Israel this year. It offers higher nutritional value than regular milk, with lower sugar content, no lactose, and full kosher pareve certification.  

“We are not trying to become another alternative milk,” says founder Aviv Wolff. “We are reimagining the dairy industry in a kinder, more responsible way.” 

Since its inception in 2019, Remilk has raised over $150 million from international backers including the US, UAE, Japan, Europe, and Australia, and it operates production plants across multiple countries.  

Remilk hit shelves this year partnering with Gad Dairy.

Back to the Farm 

Before Remilk, Wolff spent eight years in an IDF special forces unit as an officer. After his release, he chose to forgo college and jump straight into entrepreneurship, where he found success in the cybersecurity sector. Yet something was missing. 

“After two years, I realized that I needed to do something more impactful than just building a big company,” he says. “I needed to make a positive impact on society, on the planet. So, I went back to the drawing board to figure out where I could make a difference, and I landed on the dairy industry.” 

To Wolff, the dairy industry is familiar ground: his grandfather was a dairy farmer and much of his family grew up in Israel’s agricultural north. His insider’s perspective has allowed him to understand where and why there is need for innovation.  

Dr. Ori Cohavi: “My degree at TAU trained me to think critically, approach complex problems methodically, and connect theory with real-world application.”

To pursue his plan to liberate milk from the udder, Wolff partnered with biochemist Dr. Ori Cohavi, who is a graduate of TAU’s Wise Faculty of Life Sciences. Of his time at TAU, Dr. Cohavi adds: “My bachelor’s degree in biology at Tel Aviv University gave me a strong scientific foundation and, more importantly, trained me to think critically, approach complex problems methodically, and connect theory with real-world applications–skills that have been essential in my role as CTO and co-founder of Remilk.”

The two knew they needed guidance to bring a product to market, and at just the right moment, they discovered the JumpTAU startup accelerator program at TAU’s Entrepreneurship Center. 

Jumping into Action 

JumpTAU is one of several startup accelerators at the Center, with a coexistence mission built in: Jewish and Arab students work together on each team. The intense collaborative atmosphere breeds solidarity in addition to innovation and business acumen. Each team has a mentor from the business world to guide them, and successful industry speakers and experts give lectures and offer advice to participants. 

Wolff and Cohavi were part of the very first cohort in 2019. Seven years later, they are still in touch with the mentors they met at the Entrepreneurship Center and the connections they made there continue to be a valuable resource. 

Aviv Wolff: “The diverse feedback from the mentors at the Entrepreneurship Center made a huge difference, and we’re still in touch with them even now.”

“The most important lesson for me was to not be afraid to ask questions,” says Wolff. “The diverse feedback from the perspective of those with experience made a huge difference, and we still see those people as a resource even now.” 

The founders’ time at JumpTAU showed them that bringing their product to market would require throwing everything they had into development. With that goal in mind, the two raised over $150 million in only a year and a half of fundraising. They then hired as many scientists as they could and put together state-of-the-art labs to develop their milk as quickly as possible.  

Wolff and Cohavi were part of the first JumpTAU cohort.

More than Milk 

Remilk’s investment paid off: their milk is now on Israeli shelves and in cafes, and a whole line of dairy products are already in the works. In Israel, they are partnering with dairy giant Gad Dairies, but they aren’t stopping there: launch in the US and abroad is imminent, and they already have FDA approval. Thanks to international investments and partnerships, the company is showing that even in uncertain times Israel’s innovation continues to bring immense value to the world. 

Indeed, Remilk’s social contributions too are felt both in Israel and abroad. “After October 7, I was called up to reserve duty along with over a third of our employees,” says Wolff. “But those who weren’t called up came back to work very quickly, as we all supported each other. We also looked for ways to help soldiers and families who had been displaced after the attack, including sending food and care packages.” 

Aviv Wolff: “We are working toward a future where Remilk becomes the obvious choice—more nutritious, better tasting, more affordable, and far more responsible to produce.”

More broadly, Remilk has the potential to meaningfully improve food security for a number of countries worldwide, such as those still developing and those with climates that do not allow them to produce their own dairy. “Food isn’t a privilege, it’s a right and a need. Countries looking to improve their food systems and become self-sufficient are already showing interest in what we offer,” Wolff says. This is especially pertinent in the wake of current geopolitical circumstances, which have disrupted global trade and affected the agriculture industry. 

“We are working toward a future where Remilk becomes the obvious choice—more nutritious, better tasting, more affordable, and far more responsible to produce,” says Wolff. “I know that day is coming, because unlike cows, our milk is getting better every single day. When it does, the question will no longer be whether milk can be made without cows, but whether it still makes sense to rely on cows at all.” 

 

 

Among the conference participants were public leaders, policymakers shaping the Israeli agenda, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

Against the backdrop of a dramatic year in which the boundaries of conflict, power, and democracy are being redefined — and with one of the most consequential elections in Israel’s history already on the horizon — Tel Aviv University hosted today (May 12, 2026) the Tel Aviv Conference: The Future of Israel, in collaboration with the Kadar Foundation.

The conference, which examined the geopolitical transformations taking place across the Middle East alongside the current state and future of Israeli democracy, drew a large and diverse audience. Participants came to engage in open public discourse and explore the research-based insights and multidisciplinary perspectives offered by Tel Aviv University scholars and experts.

Among the speakers were former President of the Supreme Court Prof. Aharon Barak, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat, Tel Aviv–Jaffa Mayor Ron Huldai, former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli, former Israeli Air Force Commander Amikam Norkin, former Deputy Head of the Mossad Udi Levy, Chairman of the National Economic Council Prof. Avi Simhon, Democrats Party Chairman Yair Golan, Ra’am Chairman MK Mansour Abbas, Dr. Shaul Arieli, and many others.

“The law must remain a place where truth is simply truth” – Prof. Ariel Porat

TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat opened the 2026 Tel Aviv Conference with remarks on the role of Israel’s Supreme Court at a time of growing political and social polarization.

Porat argued that the Court must rule solely according to the law, even in highly sensitive cases and despite public pressure or threats of noncompliance from government officials.

“Blackmail is blackmail is blackmail,” Porat said, referring to suggestions that Supreme Court rulings could be ignored. “If you surrender to it once, more threats will follow.”

He warned that avoiding legal decisions out of fear of political consequences or constitutional crises could ultimately damage both the judicial system and Israeli democracy itself.

Porat also cautioned against allowing strategic considerations to replace the principles of the rule of law, emphasizing that public trust in democratic institutions depends on the Court’s independence.

“We all, regardless of our political views, should have an interest in a court that rules according to the law and according to the law alone,” he said.

He concluded with a broader reflection on the role of the legal system in an increasingly polarized public sphere:

“In a reality where everything becomes strategy, the law must remain a place where truth is simply truth. Only this way can we build trust. Only this way can we build a future.”

Prof. Ariel Porat, Photo credit: Israel Hadari

“This is a city where children learn not only how to solve an equation, but also why the equation exists in the first place”- Ron Huldai

Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv–Jaffa, rejected attempts in his conference remarks to portray the city as privileged or disconnected, arguing that “Tel Aviv–Jaffa is an asset. Perhaps it is the greatest achievement of Herzlian Zionism.”

Huldai claimed that the gaps exposed during the war between the functioning of the municipality and that of the government stem from a deeper value system — one in which critical thinking is seen as essential rather than threatening.

“This is a city where children learn not only how to solve an equation, but also why the equation exists in the first place,” he said, directly linking the city’s liberal education system to its economic resilience and ability to function under extreme circumstances.

According to Huldai, Tel Aviv demonstrates that freedom is a source of strength, and that the city’s power lies in a community “that is not afraid of complexity.”

Ron Huldai, Photo credit: Israel Hadari

 “The world should thank Israel, not condemn it”- Mike Huckabee

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee received enthusiastic applause from the audience as he framed the regional conflict through the lens of Iran’s influence across the Middle East.

Referring to U.S. policy on Iran, Huckabee stressed that the American position remains firm and unchanged.

“The President was very explicitly clear from the beginning and throughout. He hasn’t changed even to this moment, and that is that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” Huckabee said.

The ambassador described Iran as the driving force behind multiple fronts of conflict facing Israel today.

“Keep in mind that every front of conflict that Israel faces, whether it’s Hamas, the Houthis, or Hezbollah — all of those ‘dishes’ of hatred and terrorism came out of the same kitchen, from Tehran.”

He also warned that Iran’s ambitions extend far beyond Israel.

“Israel is the appetizer, but America has always been the entrée,” Huckabee said. “It was always a matter of, if we can get past Israel, then ultimately we’ll set our sights on America.”

Alongside his security analysis, Huckabee expressed hope for a different future for the Iranian people after the current regime.

“I would hope that someday all that they were could be restored again,” he said, describing pre-1979 Iran as “a world leader in medicine, education, fashion, music, art, architecture — an amazing culture and an amazing people.”

Addressing the possibility of renewed fighting in the region, Huckabee remained cautious.

“We’d all love to see the war come to an end. I think it’s safe to say we’re in a ceasefire, but it’s hard to declare that it’s all over.”

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee,  Photo credit: Chen Galili and Israel Hadari

“One thing gives me hope — the elections”- Prof. Aharon Barak

Former President of Israel’s Supreme Court, Prof. Aharon Barak, addressed a series of pressing legal and public issues currently at the center of Israeli discourse, including the proceedings against Israel in The Hague, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial, the role of the Attorney General, and the future of the judicial system.

Barak emphasized that his decision to represent Israel in The Hague stemmed from a profound moral obligation, making a clear distinction between defending the government and defending the state itself.

“I went there not to defend the government or the Prime Minister, but to defend the State of Israel,” he said. “What Israel did in Gaza is not genocide. As a Holocaust survivor, who was himself a victim of genocide, I wanted to defend my country, which is accused of this.”

In his remarks, Barak also addressed the Prime Minister’s criticism of the judicial system, arguing that Netanyahu’s shift in attitude stems directly from his ongoing trial.

“He always supported the court system, and the change in his attitude stems from the trial against him,” Barak stated.

At the same time, Barak acknowledged the need for reforms within Israel’s judicial system, while warning against growing polarization and the collapse of dialogue within Israeli society.

“What characterizes the polarization today is the absence of dialogue; every group has its own monologue,” he said.

Asked what still gives him hope in light of Israel’s internal and external challenges, Barak concluded with a brief but pointed answer:

“One thing gives me hope — the elections.”

 

Prof. Aharon Barak, Photo credit: Israel Hadari

“We must choose between separation and annexation”- Yair Golan

Chairman of The Democrats party, Major General (res.) Yair Golan, delivered sharp criticism of the government’s conduct, focusing on the proposed appointment of Roman Gofman as Head of the Mossad, the future of the Israeli opposition, the campaign against Iran, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Referring to the reported appointment of Roman Gofman as Head of the Mossad, Golan claimed the decision was politically motivated.

“We all understand that the only reason for Gofman’s appointment is that Netanyahu wants the Mossad to be headed by someone who will conceal evidence in the Qatari affair,” Golan said.

While emphasizing that Gofman is “an excellent combat commander” and “a worthy military officer,” Golan argued that “the main problem is not Roman Gofman, but the person who appointed him – Benjamin Netanyahu.”

Addressing the upcoming elections, Golan framed the political struggle as a clash between democratic and anti-democratic values.

“These elections are between honest and corrupt people, between those who serve and those who evade service,” he stated. “We must rebuild the bloc that once had 56 seats in the Knesset and instill a winning mindset in our constituents.”

Golan also criticized what he described as the misuse of the concept of unity in Israeli politics.

“The word ‘unity’ has been abused,” he said. “Before talking about unity, we need to talk about values and liberal ideology.”

Turning to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Golan warned that Israel would ultimately have to make a historic decision.

“Sooner or later we will have to choose between separation and annexation,” he said. “We must ask ourselves a critical question: are we headed toward annexing 5 million Palestinians into our midst, which would mean the destruction of the State of Israel?”

 

Yair Golan, Photo credit: Israel Hadari

“A leader is measured by the way they end a war — and here, the threat has not yet been removed”- Gadi Eisenkot

Chairman of the “Yashar!” party and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot sharply criticized Israel’s political leadership, arguing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed the ultimate test of leadership — the ability to translate military achievements into strategic victory.

Eisenkot explained that his resignation from the government stemmed from the realization that he and Benny Gantz had become “fig leaves” for decisions that were later reversed under extremist political pressure.

“The cabinet failed to capitalize on the outcomes of the war in order to achieve its objectives, and that is a complete failure,” he said.

Referring to the Iranian threat, Eisenkot acknowledged Israel’s military achievements but stressed that the central goals — foremost among them dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and removing the missile threat — have not yet been achieved.

“A leader is measured by the way they end a war — and here, the threat has not yet been removed,” he stated.

On domestic Israeli issues, Eisenkot presented a firm position calling for full adoption of the values outlined in Israel’s Declaration of Independence and mandatory national service across all sectors of society as conditions for any future coalition.

He warned against the collapse of the “people’s army” model and called on the centrist camp to unite in order to secure a decisive electoral victory.

In emotional personal remarks, Eisenkot spoke about his late son Gal, who was killed in combat in Gaza and whom he described as representing an entire generation of sacrifice and service.

“We must prove ourselves worthy of the more than 2,000 fallen soldiers who gave their lives so there could be a better country here,” he said, adding that this commitment is the central driving force behind his public activity and his calls for deep reforms regarding Arab society and the fight against rising crime.

 

Gadi Eisenkot, Photo credit: Israel Hadari

Polarization, Social Cohesion, and Arab Citizens’ Support for Civil Service

Researchers from Tel Aviv University also presented findings from several new studies examining social cohesion, political polarization, and changing attitudes within Arab society in Israel.

Dr. Nimrod Nir, CEO of the Agam Institute, and Asa Shapira, Head of the Marketing and Advertising Track at TAU’s Department of Communication and researcher at the Agam Institute, presented findings from the Social Cohesion Trends Study and the National Polarization Index. According to their research, Israel’s political and social polarization has reached a severe level and is approaching a point that could potentially lead to civil conflict.

As part of the study, conducted ahead of the elections, 6% of respondents said they support the use of violence to achieve an important goal, while 11% stated they would support any action — including violence — if it were intended to “save democracy.”

The researchers warned: “Israel is no longer just a divided society. It is approaching a zone in which socio-political polarization could evolve into civil conflict.”

Dr. Arik Rudnitzky of the Konrad Adenauer Program for Jewish-Arab Cooperation at the Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University presented findings indicating a significant shift in attitudes within Arab society in Israel.

According to the study, approximately 75% of respondents support non-military civil service, alongside a strong desire for political integration: more than 77% support the inclusion of an Arab party in the government.

 

Dr. Nimrod Nir, Photo credit: Israel Hadari

While only 8% of respondents ranked the Palestinian issue as their top concern, an overwhelming majority (71%) identified crime and violence within Arab society as the most urgent issue on their agenda.

“Arab citizens are presenting a roadmap for rebuilding Israeli society through integration and influence,” explained Dr. Rudnitzky.

The study also points to unprecedented political potential ahead of the elections: if a united Arab joint list is established, voter turnout in Arab society could rise to 67%, potentially translating into 16 Knesset seats.

At the same time, the findings indicate a strengthening Israeli civic identity, with more than half of respondents (53%) reporting a strong sense of belonging to the state. However, the researchers emphasized that feelings of personal security remain extremely low due to internal violence and fears related to war.

“Support for integration did not decline after the war,” Rudnitzky concluded, “but Arab society expects an urgent governmental response to issues of crime and protection.”

 

Dr. Arik Rudnitzky, Photo credit: Israel Hadari

“We are not in a position of saying ‘no and no,’ but rather ‘yes — and what can be done’.- Mansour Abbas

Following the presentation of the research findings, Ra’am Chairman MK Mansour Abbas outlined a pragmatic approach aimed at translating the Arab public’s desire for political and civic influence into concrete action.

Abbas revealed that his party is advancing a dedicated framework for civil service intended to support tens of thousands of young Arab citizens entering the workforce.

“We are not in a position of saying ‘no and no,’ but rather ‘yes — and what can be done,’” Abbas said, emphasizing that civil service serves the interests of individuals, communities, and Israeli society as a whole.

On the political level, Abbas made clear that Ra’am seeks to replace the current government and views Arab-Jewish partnership as a central issue in the upcoming elections. He also expressed support for establishing a pluralistic joint list aimed at maximizing Arab political influence, while stressing the importance of responsibility and partnership.

Referring to tensions following October 7, Abbas said that Arab society had demonstrated restraint and maturity despite experiencing “double pain” during the war.

“The proper process, one that aligns with Israel’s democratic identity, is that the presence of an Arab party in the coalition can only contribute,” Abbas said.

 

Mansour Abbas, Photo credit: Israel Hadari