Dear University Community,

I have completed my first six months as the University’s Vice President for International Affairs with a strong sense of satisfaction. During this time, we have had the privilege of working closely with leading scholars and institutional leaders from top universities worldwide, including California Institute of Technology, UCLA, Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, IIT Delhi, National University of Singapore, ETH Zurich, and TUM, among others.

 

Across these engagements, I encountered a deep respect for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s academic excellence and longstanding tradition, alongside a clear and genuine interest in expanding collaboration with our researchers. These discussions are expected to translate into new institutional agreements and broadened opportunities for joint research, funding, and academic mobility across diverse fields, benefiting both our faculty and students.

 

At a time when elements within the global academic community - particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands - continue to promote restrictive and counterproductive approaches to collaboration, these expanding partnerships send a clear and unequivocal message. The growing demand to work with HUJI reflects the strength of our research, the openness of our academic environment, and our integral role in the international scientific community. This momentum stands in direct contrast to efforts to isolate Israeli academia and underscores the enduring value of open, merit-based collaboration.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the academic and administrative staff whose dedication and commitment continue to strengthen the University’s global standing and impact.

 

Yours,

Prof. Guy Harpaz

VP for International Affairs

 

פרופ' גיא הרפז

סגן נשיא לבינלאומיות

guy.harpaz@mail.huji.ac.il 

050-6848575

 

Academic Partnerships 2025- 2026 Highlights

The Hebrew University continues to sustain and strengthen a wide network of academic partnerships, demonstrating resilience and commitment despite the growing challenges of recent years. Alongside maintaining these longstanding relationships, the University has successfully initiated new collaborations with leading institutions worldwide. Looking ahead, the Hebrew University remains dedicated to proactively expanding its global partnerships and advancing new funding opportunities that support joint research, teaching, and academic exchange.

 

Joint Calls for Proposals

Since August 2025, the International Office has awarded funding through eight joint calls for proposals and is currently evaluating an additional call. These initiatives have led to the support of 19 new collaborative research projects with partners at leading institutions worldwide, including Freie Universität Berlin, University of Bonn, University of Göttingen, University of Illinois System, University of Toronto, University of Vienna, and California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

 

Below is a snapshot of selected projects funded through recent joint calls for proposals.

 

Freie Universitat Berlin - Joint Seed Funding Research

• Prof. Tobias Ebbrecht-Hartmann, Department of Communication and Journalism - AI and Holocaust Historiography: Transforming Research in the Digital Age.
• Prof. Elisheva Baumgarten, Department of Jewish History - Exploring Jewish Christian Neighborhoods in Medieval Europe.   
• Dr. Ronen Gottesman, The Institute of Chemistry - Study of the synthesis-property relationships of high entropy oxides for energy conversion.
• Prof. Ori Shachmon, Department of Arabic Language and Literature - Bridging Dialects: Advanced Arabic Dialectology & Research Workshop.
• Prof. Lioz Etgar, The Institute of Chemistry - In-situ characterization of low band gap halide perovskite FAPbI3.
• Dr. Eli Kraisler, The Institute of Chemistry - Time-dependent exchange-correlation functionals for spin dynamics.

 

University of Bonn - Collaborative Research Grant

• Dr. Anat Florentin, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada - Cross-Kingdom Analysis of Organellar Targeting and Stress Response Mechanisms in Plasmodium and Chlamydomonas.
• Prof. Itamar Simon, Institute of Medical Research; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - The power to delay DNA replication by nucleic acid structures.

 

University of Gottingen – Academic Workshop

• Prof. Maren Niehoff, Department of Jewish Thought - In Search of New Hermeneutical Keys: A Christian-Jewish Reading of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.

 

The University of Illinois System - Joint Research and Innovation Seed Grants Program

• Prof. Barak Raveh, The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering – Chrono Weaver: An Agentic Framework for Automating the Construction of Temporally-Layered AI Virtual Cells.
• Dr. Gabriel Stanovsky, The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering - Joint learning of LLMs and causal discovery.
• Prof. Michael Schapira, The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering - Modular Learning for Efficient, Interpretable Learning-based Systems.
• Prof. Michael Werman, The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering - REMIX: Robust Embodied Multimodal Interface eXchange.

 

University of Toronto - Research and Training Alliance Call for Joint Proposals

• Dr. Adi Goldiner, Dr. Leora Dahan Katz, Prof. David Enoch and Prof. Ori Herstein, Faculty of Law: Practical Philosophy: Normativity and Law.

 

HUJI-UNIVIE Call for Joint Research Projects

• Dr. Amir Erez, The Racah Institute of Physics & Dr. Omri Finkel, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Science - An integrative experiment and computational approach to reveal gene-level determinants of plant-microbiome interactions.
• Prof. Neta Kliger-Vilenchik, Department of Communication and Journalism - ACE- Adolescents' political Efficacy and participation in curated information environment and contexts of political in stability.  

 

University of Vienna Joint Seminars

• Prof. Noam Gidron, The Department of Political Science - Political Identities in Polarized Times.
• Prof. Elisheva Baumgarten, Department of Jewish History - Contending with Crises in Austrian Ashkenaz: A Collaborative Inquiry into 14th-Century Jewish Life.  

 

HUJI-IITD Delhi Collaborative Projects

• Dr. Lior Rotem, The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering - Chosen Ciphertext Security Beyond Public Key Encryption.

• Prof. Dr. Alon Zaslaver, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Science - Engineering temperature-dependent RNA riboswitches in E. coli and in C. elegans using an AI/ML model.

• Prof. Dafna Shahaf, The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering- Extracting Nuanced Commonsense Rules for Robust Reasoning.

• Prof. Ronen Rapport & Prof. Yaron Bromberg, The Racah Institute of Physics - Ultrafast Kerr Switching for High-Resolution Temporal Control of Single Photons Emitted by Quantum Dots.

• Dr. Amir Erez, Racah Institute of Physics & Dr. Omri M. Finkel, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Science - Engineering the Plant Microbiome for Sustainable Control of Fusarium Wilt.

 

 

HUJI Delegation to India – February 2026
The International Office continues to invest in strengthening relations with India, with the dual goal of fostering meaningful academic partnerships with leading institutions and attracting outstanding students and researchers.

 

In this context, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem recently concluded a successful delegation visit, led by Prof. Guy Harpaz, Vice President for International Affairs. The delegation included Prof. Eyal Ert, Vice Dean for International Affairs at the Faculty of Agriculture; Prof. Yoav Shaul, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Dana Reichmann, Head of the Chemistry-Biology Program; Dr. Amnon Dekel, PhD, CEO of ASPER-HUJI Innovate; Ms. Jane Turner, Head of the International Office; and Mr. Zaid Khan, In-Country Officer in India.

 

During the visit, the delegation engaged with 13 leading institutions across Delhi, Pune, and Mumbai, with the aim of strengthening existing collaborations and establishing new partnerships in research, teaching, and innovation. Through campus tours, laboratory visits, and high-level meetings, participants gained valuable insight into the breadth and dynamism of India’s higher education ecosystem.

 

A key highlight of the visit was hosting a networking dinner in Delhi, which brought together representatives from eight institutions for in-depth discussions on advancing future international collaboration.

 

 

 

AI and International Partnerships

As AI continues to develop and evolve, AI is increasingly becoming a key theme for joint activity in research, teaching and administration with HUJI’s academic partners and particularly within the framework of the University-level networks.  A few examples are:

 

Global Universities for Societal Impact (GUSI)

GUSI is a strategic alliance of internationally engaged universities working together to amplify their collective impact through meaningful global collaboration.

 

Partners in the network are University of Bonn, Emory University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the University of St Andrews, and Waseda University. GUSI unites institutions that share a common vision: to promote excellence in research, education, and innovation while advancing global societal progress.

The aim of the Global Network is to facilitate collaboration in three core areas: education, research, leadership and innovation, clustering expert knowledge and learning from each other through best practices. The partners share a common approach to internationalization and cooperate bilaterally and multilaterally on a range of projects designed to promote excellence in research and education and extend the partners’ global impact.

 

AI and education was selected as the over-arching theme for 2025-2028 and one of common interest for all partner institutions. For more information about GUSI >>

 

The Discovery Partners Institute DPI - Illinois System

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been partnering with the University of Illinois since 2007 and in 2019, the Hebrew University signed an agreement to be a partner in a new research institute, the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), led by the University of Illinois System, which aims to foster broad-based collaboration to solve the world’s greatest challenges.

 

AI was set as a key theme In 2025 for academic cooperation and bilateral research. A joint workshop was held in September 2025 in Chicago and 12 HUJI faculty participated, led by Dr.  Roy Schwartz, the School of Computer Science and Engineering. The goal of this workshop was to bring together researchers from HUJI and the UofI system, working on artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and data science with the short-term expected outcomes of creating connections between researchers at HUJI and the UofI system and developing initial ideas for joint proposals to the internal and external grant programs, with the long-term outcome of creating sustainable research cooperation.

 

Following the joint workshop, a Joint Call for research projects was published, with a focus on AI. Four newly funded projects have been recently selected for funding - see above list under “Joint Calls for Proposals”.

 

Technical University of Munich (TUM)-Heilbronn

The Global Technology Forum of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) at the Heilbronn campus was established with the aim to initiate international scientific cooperation based on scientific dialogue in order to pave the way for sustainable innovation.

 

Within this framework, the ‘Joint Global AI Research Hub’ was created based on this fundamental idea which consists of ETH Zurich, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, HEC Paris, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Stanford University, University of Oxford and TUM Campus Heilbronn.

 

 

Harvard–HUJI Collaboration in NeuroAI 

 

The Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are pleased to announce a collaboration in NeuroAI, an emerging field at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. 

 

This partnership will foster sustained intellectual exchange between the two institutions through faculty and trainee engagement, workshops, and other academic activities. These efforts aim to strengthen ties between their research communities and lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives, with a shared goal of advancing innovative, interdisciplinary research in NeuroAI. 

 

NeuroAI seeks to understand intelligence across biological and artificial systems. Researchers in this field study how systems learn from experience, form internal representations, and use them to make predictions and guide behavior in complex environments. The collaboration will leverage modern AI tools to deepen our understanding of how brains, human and animal, learn, compute, and adapt, while drawing inspiration from biology to design more efficient, robust, and reliable AI systems.

 

The Kempner Institute is an interdisciplinary research institute focused on understanding intelligence in natural and artificial systems, bringing together researchers across machine learning, neuroscience, cognitive science, and related fields. The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences is a leading hub for computational neuroscience at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is part of a broader research ecosystem with strengths in artificial intelligence, computer science, and cognitive science.

 

The collaboration builds on existing ties between the two communities. Notable connections include Haim Sompolinsky, Kempner Associate Faculty member and Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and of Physics (in Residence) at Harvard University, who is also Professor Emeritus at ELSC; Daphna Weinshall, Kempner Visiting Scholar and Professor of Computer Science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; and Jonathan Kadmon, Assistant Professor at ELSC and former visiting scholar at Harvard University.

 

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing the science of intelligence and translating foundational insights from biology and computation into future technologies.

 

 

 

Hebrew Language Instruction: The CEFR Revolution

The Rothberg International School is leading a revolution in Hebrew language education by transitioning to an Action-Oriented Approach (AoA) based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

 

• A New Standard: This proficiency scale measures a student’s ability to conduct real-world interactions in Hebrew.
• Current Pedagogic Categories: Instruction is organized around four key pillars: Absorption, Production, Interaction, and Mediation, replacing traditional categories like reading and writing.
• Real-Life Scenarios: Lessons are built on an ascending scale of abilities, from everyday interactions to complex challenges in academic and professional settings.
• Student Agency: The program turns learners into active participants who experience authentic tasks tailored to their real needs.
• Methodological Innovation: The transition includes new teaching materials, digital media, and online databases designed for a changing world.

 

 

International Welcome Center

Since the outbreak of the recent conflict, the International Welcome Center and the Office of Student Life at the Rothberg International School were fully mobilized to support international students, both in terms of security and community. Two 24/7 emergency hotlines were activated, and a rotating social counselor was present daily in the Mount Scopus dormitories, supporting students via WhatsApp groups and responding to needs in real time. A joint Zoom session was also held with the University’s Security Department and Psychological Counseling Service.

 

On the community side, a series of social activities were held throughout the war, including a film screening at the Artichoke Club. A Shabbat dinner, co-organized with Hillel in the city center, brought together over 40 international students. The Reading Club resumed as part of the “International Ambassadors” program, alongside additional HUJI Buddy Program (HUB) activities.

 

The traditional Passover Seder initiative was also carried out, with faculty families hosting international students for the holiday. It was especially meaningful to see our university community open their homes in a spirit of generosity and hospitality, and we warmly invite additional families to join next year. Despite the challenging circumstances, 18 families participated, welcoming more than 45 students.

 

HUJI faculty hosting international students for the Passover Seder

 

Students also received timely updates on visa and entry permits, and urgent housing solutions were arranged for those requiring immediate accommodation.

 

 

Student Exchange

The International Office and some faculties offer study opportunities each year at over 100 leading institutions around the world. One of the most popular exchange destinations is the University of Vienna, a long-standing strategic partner of the Hebrew University, which offers a high academic standard, a rich cultural experience, and a vibrant urban environment in the heart of Europe.

 

Each year, six students are selected to participate in in the exchange program from diverse academic fields. This year, an additional Erasmus+ opportunity is offered to six post graduate students from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The Erasmus+ scholarship includes a monthly stipend and travel reimbursement, with applications open until 15 May 2026.

 

In January, Guy Harpaz, Vice President for International Affairs, visited the University of Vienna and met with students currently participating in exchange programs. The students expressed high satisfaction with the university, the support provided by the local international office, and the warm welcome they received upon arrival.

 

Students describe Vienna as an enriching destination, both academically and socially. Omer Geffen, a third-year undergraduate student in Archaeology and Islamic Studies, shares his experience:

 

“My exchange semester in Vienna was an incredible experience, mainly because it allowed me to deepen my understanding of research areas such as archaeology and numismatics from new perspectives I had not encountered in Israel. Beyond academics, Vienna is a city rich in culture, music, and art, and the university encouraged us to explore it firsthand through tours and social activities. Don’t be intimidated by the language—the combination of English-taught courses and high-quality German language studies makes the transition smooth and enjoyable. For anyone looking for an exchange destination that combines strong academic excellence with a classic European experience, I highly recommend the University of Vienna.”

 

Research Opportunity Portal - Expanding Access to Global Talent

The Hebrew University’s Research Opportunity Portal continues to serve as a valuable platform for connecting faculty members with outstanding research talent from around the world. Open to candidates globally as well as to applicants from Israel, the portal provides a centralized space for advertising research opportunities across disciplines, while ensuring visibility through circulation on external academic and professional websites.

 

We have received highly positive feedback from faculty members who have successfully recruited research students through the platform, reinforcing its effectiveness as a tool for identifying and attracting qualified candidates. In support of this effort, the University works closely with Zista Education, an agency representing HUJI in India, which assists, together with our International Info Center, in the assessment process of prospective candidates.

 

Pictured is Dr. Aviv Solodoch from the Institute of Earth Sciences with members of his research team. Dr. Solodoch has already recruited several researchers through the HUJI Portal, demonstrating the platform’s growing impact in supporting research excellence.

 

For more information, visit the board or contact Mr. Tamir Ben Zion, Manager of the International Info Center, at tamirbz@savion.huji.ac.il.

 

 

International Office Team Changes

Several changes have recently taken place within the International Office team. After eight years in the role, Naama Oryan has concluded her position as Director of the International Marketing Division at the University. She is succeeded by Michael Lurie, who brings extensive experience in internationalization within academia.

 

In addition, Mimi Laufer, our Business Development Manager, has stepped down from her role and has been succeeded by Adi Kayam, who previously served for six years as Digital Marketing Manager at the International Office.

 

We extend our sincere gratitude to Naama and Mimi for their many years of dedicated service and valuable contributions to the Hebrew University and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

 

The International Office team, from left to right: Yael Beck Nada, Content Manager; Michael Lurie, who is stepping into the role of Director of the International Marketing Division; Naama Oryan, who is stepping down from the role; Tamir Ben-Zion, Infocenter Manager, International Marketing Division; and Adi Kayam, Business Development Manager. 

The International Office wishes you all a successful and enriching academic year, and invites you to stay in touch with any suggestions or inquiries you may have.

Visit the International Office website



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