Uncategorized - Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

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The Technion community is profoundly shaken, mourning the devastating loss of lives; infants, children, seniors, women, and men, as well as entire families who were senselessly murdered in a recent act of terror targeting peaceful communities.

We also honor the valiant members of the security forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their homes and loved ones.

The overwhelming sorrow and concern for the abducted, imprisoned, and missing weighs heavily on our hearts.

Our thoughts are steadfastly with our friends who have suffered unimaginable loss, as well as the families of those who have been abducted or injured. With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to them, and to the whole of Israel.

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Yoram Bar-Sinai z”l

Aged 75, from Kibbutz Be’eri

Graduate of the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning

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Captain (res.) Amit Chayut z”l

Aged 29, from Haifa

Amit completed his studies at the Taub Faculty of Computer Science this year

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Master Sergeant (res.) Shmuel (Sammy) Harari z”l

Aged 35, from Safed

Graduate with a master’s degree in real estate studies (MRE)

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Master Sergeant (res.) Dov Moshe Kogan z”l

Aged 32, from Nov

Graduate student and TA at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

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Captain (res.) Yakov Nedlin z”l

Aged 36, from Or Akiva

Graduate of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

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Dr. Hagit Rafaeli Mishkin z”l

Aged 48, from Hod Hasharon

Graduate of the Faculty of Education Science and Technology

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Captain (res.) Alon Safrai z”l

Aged 28, from Jerusalem

Third-year medical student at the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine

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Major Dennis Krahmalov Wexler z”l

Aged 32, from Beer Sheva

Dennis was about to begin his studies at the Technion at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

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Sergeant Major (res). Eliran Yeger z”l

Aged 36, from Tel Aviv

Master’s student at the Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences

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The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology extends its deepest condolences to the following individuals:

Shahar Amar, student in the Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering,

on the death of her father, Chief Superintendent Avi Amar z”l

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Techlet Lev, student in the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering

On the death of her cousin, Sergeant Or Avital z”l

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Stav Benjo, student in the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering,

on the death of his sister, Staff Sergeant Omer Sarah Benjo z”l

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Assistant Professor Eilam Yalon, faculty member in the Andrew and Erna Viterbi

Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, on the death of his niece, Lin Dafni z”l

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Galit Weizman, administrative staff member in the Schulich Faculty of Chemistry,

on the death of her cousin’s son, Sergeant Shalev Dagan z”l

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Nir Ekstein, student in the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering,

on the death of his brother, Matan Ekstein z”l

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Prof. Emeritus Joseph Itzkovich, faculty member in the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, on the death of his grandson, Sergeant First Class Adi Eldor z”l

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Guy Gavriel, student in the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering

on the death of her cousin, Sergeant first class Adar Gavriel z"l

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Noi Glass, student in the Faculty of Aeronautics and Space Engineering

on the death of her cousin, Sergeant Yam Glass z"l

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Yuval Golan, student in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering,

on the death of her cousin, Major Sagi Golan z”l

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Yonina Novik, student in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

On the death of her cousin, Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l

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Brothers, Bar Goren, student in the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, and Assif Goren, student in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering,

on the death of their parents, Avner and Maya Goren z”l

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Stav Azulai, a student in the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, on the death of her cousin, Staff sergeant Oz Yeshaia Gruber z”l

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Yonathan Haion, administrative staff member in the Development and Maintenance Division, on the death of his brother, Warrant Officer Sebastian Haion z”l

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Michal Keren, teaching coordinator in the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine,

on the death of her cousin, Gaya Halifa z”l

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Merav Berkovich, graduate student in the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning,

on the death of her father, Avraham Shraga Hasid z”l

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Omer Itach, student in the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning

on the death of his brother, Captain Harel Itach z”l

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Razan Kat, student in the Faculty of Biomedical Enginering

on the death of her mother, Safaa Kat Awad z”l

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Assistant Professor Raz Palty, faculty member in the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine,

on the death of his father-in-law, Avraham (Rami) Katzir z”l

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Assistant Professor Raz Palty, faculty member in the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine,

on the death of his brother-in-law, Elad Katzir z”l

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Yotam Keren, student in the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine,

on the death of his grandmother, Hannah Kritzman z”l

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Rafi Nave, lecturer in the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences,

on the death of his son-in-law, Colonel Roi Levy z”l

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Naomi Maori, Technion retiree, on the death of her son, Major (res.) Dan Maori z”l

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Dr. Tamar Katz Peled, teaching fellow in the Department of Humanities and Arts,

on the death of her son-in-law, Sergeant First Class Gilad Molcho z”l

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Maya Nimri, student in the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine,

on the death of her cousin, Captain Eden Nimri z”l

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Amiram Enkave, administrative staff member in the Faculty of Education in Science and Technology,

on the death of his cousin, Eden Liz Ohion z”l

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Assistant Professor Ben Engelhard, faculty member in the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine,

on the death of his brother-in-law Sergeant First Class (res.) Yaacov Ozeri z”l

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Elad Tzur, student in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, 

on the death of his brother-in-law Major Shay Uriel Pizm z"l

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Tamar Itzhaki, student in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering,

on the death of his uncle, Major (res.) Uri Shimon Russo z”l

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Dvir Schwartz, graduate student in the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering,

on the death of his brother, Sergeant Segev Schwartz z”l

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Eyal Shachar, student in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, on the death of his brother, Amir Shachar z”l

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Prof. Yemima Ben-Menahem, visiting professor in the Department of Humanities and Arts,

on the death of her grandson, Staff Sergeant Aner Elyakim Shapiro z”l

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Associate Prof. Ayelet Shavit, faculty member in the Department of Humanities and Arts,

on the death of her son, Staff Sergeant Tal Shavit z”l

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Professor Daniel Shushan of the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning,

on the death of his nephew, Elisaf Shushan z”l

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Dr. Aliza Malek, lecturer in the Faculty of Mathematics and the Center for Promotion of Learning and Teaching,

on the death of her nephew, Eitan Refael Snir z”l

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Stav Alfasi, student in the Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering,

on the death of her cousin, Ophir Tzarfati z”l

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Eyal Waldman, Technion honorary doctorate recipient, and Ella Waldman,

on the death of their daughter, Danielle Waldman z”l

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Noam Zyser, graduate student in the Grand Technion Energy program,

on the death of her brother, Major Ilay Zyser z”l

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May their memory be a blessing.

The Technion family offers its heartfelt sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones.

If there is an error on this page, or if you would like to share additional information with us, please contact Irit Gertzwolf at evpdg.officehead@technion.ac.il

The faculties with the highest numbers of undergraduate students are those focused on high-tech fields.

The 2024-25 academic year at the Technion will open amidst recent rocket and missile fire over the Haifa area and the escalation of conflict in the north. The start of the year has been postponed by one week to November 10, 2024, with the semester consisting of 12 weeks of instruction. Orientation days for new students will be held at the faculties over the coming week and will follow Home Front Command guidelines for the Haifa area.

This year, approximately 3,100 new students are joining the Technion: 2,100 in undergraduate programs, with 48% of them being women, and around 1,000 in graduate programs. Despite the war, these numbers are similar to last year’s enrollment and show an improvement from the 2023-24 academic year. The faculties with the highest numbers of new undergraduate students are those focused on high-tech disciplines – the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science, and the Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences.

Approximately 15,000 students will study at the Technion this academic year. Among the general undergraduate student population, 45% are women and 55% are men. There are approximately 4,700 students in graduate programs, with more than 40% being women. These numbers include 203 students studying at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech in New York.

More than 1,000 students, many in their third round of combat service, will be on reserve duty as the semester begins. The dropout rate did not increase last year, and reserve students maintained high-grade averages despite many absences, thanks to the extensive support provided by the Technion that included a wide range of academic solutions, tutoring, personalized mentoring, emotional support, and financial assistance.

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan stated, “The war has reached the Haifa campuses. The Technion family has suffered painful losses, with students and alumni who have fallen or been murdered. Amidst the pain, we will continue to act as we always have; we will not retreat from our mission. Our 101st year will start on campuses, in classrooms, and in research labs, with awareness of the threats and adherence to Home Front Command guidelines but with the clear knowledge that this is the right thing to do. This has been our response in the face of challenging crises for over a century, this is our response to the October 7 massacre, and this is our response to the war that has followed. We will continue to develop the Technion, establish research centers, and conduct groundbreaking research. We will keep training the next generation of scientists, engineers, doctors, educators, and architects who will ensure the future of the State of Israel. This year is challenging for all students, administrative staff, and faculty, especially for the reservists among them, and we will do everything we can to ease their burden.”

Dean of Undergraduate Studies Prof. Hossam Haick, added, “This is a complex and challenging time, overshadowed by ongoing war. These are undoubtedly difficult times, but our commitment to the students only grows stronger. Technion registration has not declined, it has increased compared to previous years. The Technion is here to provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to face challenges, and to support them on every step of their academic journey. We promise that your investment here will be rewarded with a rich and meaningful educational experience.”

Dean of Students Prof. Ayelet Fishman, said, “Many of our students are currently in reserve service, and I send them support and encouragement. As we did last year, we will do everything possible to help them reintegrate into their studies upon their return from reserve duty. The Dean of Students, the Student Counseling and Support Center, the Financial Assistance Unit, and the campus psychological services are here to help with any issues. I invite students to utilize these resources.”

Recently, 900 students received their master’s degrees from various Technion faculties, more than 43% of them women. A ceremony honoring 38 master’s graduates who completed their studies with the highest honors was held in the presence of Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, Dean of the Graduate School Prof. Uri Peskin, Technion management, faculty deans, students, and their families.

The graduates who completed their studies with the highest honors, with Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan and Dean of the Graduate School Prof. Uri Peskin

“This evening is one of light and hope during a difficult and complex time,” said Prof. Sivan during the ceremony. “In the past year, we have been in a prolonged and painful war for our continued existence in this land. About 3,500 students and members of the administrative and academic staff were called up for reserve duty. Most of them have returned to their studies, but additional orders await them. Alongside all Israeli citizens, we mourn the fallen and the murdered and hope for the return of the hostages and the recovery of the wounded—many of whom are part of the Technion family.”

Prof. Sivan further addressed the graduates, saying: “At the Technion, you received the best professional tools to continue to excel and stand out in whatever you do, but we also expect you to excel and lead on a moral level. We see you as leaders with ethical and social awareness, who understand that your careers are not just meant to enrich your lives but also to make a positive impact on humanity and Israeli society.”

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan at the ceremony

Dean of the Graduate School Prof. Uri Peskin said, “At this time, we are all worried and anxious about the near and distant future. Despite this, and without ignoring the extreme and unique circumstances under the shadow of war, this evening provides us with an opportunity to focus on what we have and what is good. We have much to be proud of and much to be thankful for. 58% of the graduates completed a degree with a research thesis, and it’s noteworthy that among those graduating with a thesis, women are the majority—55%. All graduates were ranked based on their academic and research achievements, with the top 15% being defined as outstanding, and you, those who graduated with the highest honors, ranked in the top 4%. I want to thank each and every one of you, firstly, for choosing the Technion as the foundation for building your professional careers, and secondly, for doing it so well. I hope that your experience at the Technion has become an integral part of you and that you will serve as ambassadors of the Technion wherever you go.”

Graduate Bar Dolinsky with Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan and Dean of the Graduate School Prof. Uri Peskin

Among those who received a master’s degree was the family of the late Master Sergeant Dovi Kogan. An MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering was awarded to Dovi’s widow, Shaked, his son, and his mother, Chaya, in a ceremony held at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Master Sergeant Dovi Kogan, who was deployed to the south on October 7 and fought with his team in Be’eri and Re’im, fell on November 9, 2023, in a battle in the Gaza Strip. He was a master’s student, nearing the end of his studies in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. After his death, his supervisor, Prof. Shmuel Osovski, and the faculty dean, Prof. Alon Wolf, initiated the completion of his final thesis.

Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Prof. Alon Wolf and Prof. Shmuel Osovski presenting the MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering to Shaked, the widow of the late Chief Sergeant Dovi Kogan, his son, and his mother Chaya at the ceremony. (Photo credit: Dor Aharon)

Prof. Wolf noted, “I want to emphasize that the degree was awarded to Dovi not as a gesture, but because he truly earned it. Dovi left behind extensive notes, and in fact, his thesis was almost entirely written. We only had to finalize some ‘connections’ and do some editing. The edited thesis underwent a full review by three independent examiners, who unanimously gave it a high grade. One of them even remarked to me that there are discoveries in the thesis worthy of publication in a leading journal in the field. The thesis then received the approval of the Graduate School’s Degree Committee and the Technion Senate. At the ceremony, I presented the degree to Dovi’s widow, Shaked, his son, and his mother, Chaya, with great respect and appreciation for Dovi’s service in defending the state and his significant dedication to his studies, which were tragically cut short by his untimely death.”

According to Prof. Osovski, who supervised Dovi’s research, “Dovi was a brilliant engineer and an exceptional person. His character and spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. In our many discussions, both professional and personal, Dovi demonstrated a rare combination of patience, deep thinking, and creativity. He had an extraordinary talent for resonating ideas in a way that ensured mutual understanding and often helped me refine my thoughts and notice details I had overlooked. This talent was a testament both to his intellectual abilities and his sincere care for others and desire to understand their perspectives, whether in professional or personal conversations. As an engineer, Dovi was remarkably talented and creative. He approached every problem with a positive attitude, viewing complexities not as obstacles but as fascinating challenges. His ability to tackle complex issues while finding ways to simplify them was truly impressive. His work on this project exemplified these qualities and made a significant contribution to the research. Beyond his professional contributions, Dovi inspired me to grow as a person. His unwavering determination, self-reflection, and deep commitment to unity were a source of inspiration. Dovi always emphasized the importance of seeing others, finding common ground, and demonstrating mutual respect instead of focusing on differences. Dovi showed me how to face challenges with grace and strive for continuous personal growth. The patience and kindness he displayed in every interaction serve as an example I aspire to follow. I hope for myself and for all of us to be worthy of his sacrifice and to honor his memory by striving to be better people, as Dovi was.”

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

From right to left: Dean of the Jacobs Graduate School Prof. Uri Peskin, Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, and the ceremony host Prof. Irad Yavneh from the Taub Faculty of Computer Science

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

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

Prof. Uri Sivan speaking at the ceremony

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

The new doctors

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

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

Prof. Yael Yaniv’s PhD group from the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ceremony was attended by Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, Dean of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine Prof. Ami Aronheim, and Rappaport family representative Irith Rappaport, who has generously supported the faculty’s activities since its establishment. The ceremony included 81 female graduates and 55 male graduates, totaling 136 graduates. Twenty-six of them graduated with honors, five with special distinction, and 14 completed the prestigious MD/PhD program, which combines medicine and research and awards its graduates a dual degree: MD and PhD. The Senior Vice President of the Technion Prof. Oded Rabinovitch conferred the degrees on behalf of the Technion Senate. Prof. Moshe Fligelman was honored with reading the Hippocratic Oath.

Technion President Prof. Sivan told the new doctors and their families that “especially today, nine months after October 7 and the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, amid the pain and chaos and uncertainty, I chose to talk about values. In our conduct over the past nine months, we did not lose our composure, and while many systems around us collapsed, we continued to function with inspiring adherence to the values of the Technion. We embraced those whose lives were halted on October 7 and during the war, hosted hundreds of evacuated families in the dormitories and the guesthouse on campus, and supported our 3,500 reservists, the community around us, and IDF units.” President Sivan also imparted some words of wisdom: “Remember not only the professional knowledge you have acquired, but also the values we have instilled in you, the compassion. Always remember them, especially when the sea is stormy, the mast is about to break, and it is tempting to choose easier paths.”

The 51st class of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine

The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine is named after generous donors Ruth and Bruce Rappaport, who supported the faculty since its establishment. On behalf of the family, their daughter Irith Rappaport addressed the degree recipients, saying, “You are entering a world where your profession is not just a job but a mission, and it is important for me to highlight the importance of this mission, especially in light of the past year and the current Israeli reality. Talking about hope these days is not simple, but as someone who believes in the power of science and medicine to change society, I see in you the hope for a better future. Despite the difficulties, medicine has the ability to connect people, reduce gaps, and bridge disagreements. You, more than anyone, know that medicine is not just a science; it is also the art of compassion and listening. We live in a time when polarization and fear threaten to tear our society apart, and therefore your role is more important than ever, because only through compassion and acceptance of the other can we create healing here.”

Faculty Dean Prof. Aronheim told the graduates, “As medicine becomes more sophisticated and technological, your patients will always seek compassion, a smile, a word of encouragement, and a warm touch. They will want to see the truth in your eyes and will ask you to always leave room for hope, even if it comes after another 26-hour shift. The degree awarded to you today is a certificate of honor and appreciation for your completion of all the many tasks we set before you. You definitely deserve to pause for a moment, pat yourselves on the back, and say with satisfaction and pride – we did it!”

Dr. Noam Kedar with his father, Prof. Zohar Kedar

A Realistic Doctor

One of the graduates of the prestigious MD/PhD program is Dr. Noam Keidar, who graduated with special distinction. His father, Prof. Zohar Keidar, also a graduate of the faculty, is the deputy dean for clinical appointments in the faculty and the director of the Nuclear Medicine Institute at Rambam Medical Center. Prof. Keidar presented his son with the academic hood. Noam grew up in Haifa and studied in the gifted program at the Leo Baeck Education Center. During his undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, he won first place in the final project competition when he developed a mobile application for predicting and diagnosing ventricular fibrillation. Later, Noam chose to enter the MD/PhD program, saying, “I wanted to be a doctor, but I didn’t want to give up the realistic side.” For his doctorate, supervised by Prof. Yael Yaniv, he expanded his research to other medical issues, including epilepsy attacks and childbirth complications, with the common denominator being prediction based on data analysis using AI. After October 7, like many other young people, Noam was called up for reserve duty, and after several months of service, he began his post-doctoral fellowship in Prof. Assaf Shuster’s research group at the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science. There, he works on predicting medical phenomena based on data analysis using AI. He said, “Over the years, I have gained extensive knowledge in medicine and no less in engineering. In my post-doctoral work, I continue to work on the interface between medicine and engineering, and I would like to continue working at this interface in the future, outside of academia.”

Dr. Maya Schiller and her parents, Professors Isaac and Jackie Schiller

Bridging Neuroscience and Immunology

Another graduate of the prestigious MD/PhD program is Dr. Maya Schiller, daughter of Professors Jackie and Yitzhak Schiller, faculty members at the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine. Maya was born in Jerusalem, studied at the Hebrew Reali School in Haifa, and is now married and a mother to a daughter. She did her doctorate under the supervision of Prof. Asya Rolls from the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, and her research focused on the influence of the dopaminergic reward system in the brain on the immune system. The reward system is activated in positive emotional states and in anticipation of positive events, and Maya and her colleagues’ research showed that such states affect the immune system. Moreover, these studies, published in Nature Communications, Nature Medicine, and Nature Reviews Immunology, showed that intentional intervention in the reward system might lead to the inhibition of bacterial infections and even the reduction of tumor sizes. During her studies, Maya won numerous prestigious awards, including the Clore Prize, the Jacobs Prize, and the Rappaport Prize. She is now specializing in neurology at Sheba Medical Center and plans to combine immunology research and clinical work with patients in the future.

Dr. Omer Kerner at the ceremony

Fourth Generation in Medicine

Omer Kerner, a graduate of the 51st class, is a fourth-generation doctor. His father, Dr. Arthur Kerner, is a graduate of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion and the director of the Invasive Cardiology Unit at Rambam Medical Center. His uncle, Arthur’s identical twin brother, is Dr. Ram Kerner, an obstetrician-gynecologist. They are not just identical twins – they completed their medical studies a year apart and are both married to physiotherapists. Omer’s grandmother is Prof. Vicky Kerner, who was the head of the Pathology Institute at Rambam and a founder of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion, and their father was a dentist. Omer’s great-grandfather was the first generation of the family in medicine and served as a hospital director and surgeon in the city of Storozhynets in Ukraine; his wife was a dermatologist.

Research by the Technion has demonstrated that activation of the brain’s reward system could boost recovery from a heart attack. The research, which was conducted at the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, was led by Ph.D. student Hedva Haykin under the supervision of Prof. Asya Rolls and Prof. Lior Gepstein.

The Technion research group focused on the reward system, a brain network activated in positive emotional states and motivation and evaluated its potential in improving recovery from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (commonly known as a heart attack). In an article published by the researchers in Nature Cardiovascular Research, they demonstrate how in AMI in mice, the activation of this system significantly reduces the extent of the resulting infarct scarring and improves the clinical outcomes of the AMI. The research findings establish a causal connection between the reward system and recovery from AMI, introducing potential therapeutic avenues for intervention.

Histological staining of the myocardium 15 days following AMI. Fibrosis is stained blue, and myocardial cells are in red. Clearly, the control group (left) demonstrates a great extent of fibrosis, which occupies most of the left ventricle. This is compared to the treatment group (right), in which the reward system was activated daily, which shows a small amount of localized scar tissue.

It has long been known that emotional states are able to influence cardiac function. For example, in an extreme case known as “Broken Heart Syndrome,” acute stress is liable to trigger a condition that mimics a heart attack. Broken heart syndrome is a condition where some of the heart muscle weakens rapidly, but there is no evidence of blocked coronary arteries. Similarly, psychological processes have a known impact on recovery from a heart attack, and on cardiovascular disease in general. For instance, anxiety and depression can worsen the heart’s condition, whereas positive emotional states can improve it.

The physiological mechanisms at the foundation of the heart-brain connection are still unclear. Now, thanks to the collaboration between Profs. Rolls and Gepstein, there is good reason to hope that the research findings will lead to improvements in the treatment of heart disease.

Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium) is obstructed following partial or complete blockage of a coronary artery by blood clots. In the acute phase, this is liable to lead to a variety of severe symptoms, and even to life threatening arrhythmia (sudden cardiac arrest). In the chronic phase, prolonged deprivation of oxygen supply to the myocardium can lead to necrosis and post-necrotic myocardial scarring as part of an inflammatory reaction. This leads to a gradual decline in the heart’s ability to pump, to the point of developing a clinical condition known as heart failure. As mentioned, there is evidence that the emotional state can influence the course of disease and recovery following AMI, but until now, the underlying physiological mechanisms were not well understood. The Technion research reveals a novel mechanistic connection between the mental state and recovery outcomes from heart attack.

The reward system is largely activated by the release of dopamine in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the brain. Positive expectations and motivation stimulate neurons in the VTA. Studies in Prof. Rolls’ laboratory have shown that activation of VTA dopaminergic neurons modulates immune activity, partly through the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system. In the present study, active intervention in the VTA by the researchers following AMI resulted in favorable modulation of the immune response within the damaged myocardium, a reduction in myocardial fibrosis, an increase in blood vessel formation, and, as a result, an improvement in cardiac performance. The researchers found that these beneficial effects on the heart are mediated, at least in part, by the secretion of the protein, complement component C3, by the liver, which is also a member of the immune system.

There are presently numerous methods to actively (as opposed to naturally) stimulate the reward system, in humans as well. This effect is potentially achievable by available, non-invasive means, including pharmacological interventions, biofeedback, and focused ultrasound. Consequently, the Technion researchers’ scientific discovery could have meaningful future implications on the treatment of heart attacks.

Prof. Lior Gepstein

Prof. Lior Gepstein, Director of the Cardiology Department at the Rambam Health Care Campus and an academic staff member at the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, is a world-renowned cardiac researcher. Among other subjects, his diverse research studies discuss the generation of heart tissue from human embryonic stem cells, cardiac arrythmias and their treatment, and the development of molecularly targeted therapies and cell transplantation in heart disease. His many achievements include the development of a biological pacemaker (Nature Biotechnology), cardiac tissue engineering (Nature Communications), development of optogenetic-based therapies for the treatment of cardiac disorders (Nature Biotechnology), and innovative models based on induced pluripotent stem cells for research and treatment of inherited heart conditions (Nature) and drug development.

Prof. Asya Rolls

Prof. Asya Rolls is a psychoneuroimmunologist and a leading researcher in psychosomatic effects, i.e., physiological mechanisms whereby emotions and thoughts affect physical health. In research published by Prof. Rolls in Nature Medicine in 2016, she demonstrated that intervention in the brain’s reward system strengthens immunological host defense, thus enhancing defenses against bacterial infections. In an article published in Nature Communications two years later (2018), Prof. Rolls showed that activation of the reward system attenuates tumor growth. In another article, published in 2021 in Cell, Prof. Rolls demonstrated the ability to “reactivate” colon inflammation (colitis) by influencing the brain alone.

Hedva Haykin

Hedva Haykin recently completed her doctoral studies under the joint supervision of Prof. Rolls and Prof. Gepstein in the framework of the Faculty of Medicine’s multidisciplinary program for outstanding students, while concurrently completing her MBA studies at the Technion. As mentioned, her present research was published in Nature Cardiovascular Research, and she was also recently awarded the Israel Heart Society’s J.J. Kellerman Young Investigator Award for 2024.

The present research was supported by the European Research Council (ERC), the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes (HHMI), the Wellcome Trust, Israel Science Foundation (ISF), and the Mirian and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation.

For the full article, click here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44161-024-00491-3

This is the first year that higher education has been included in the Globes Brand Index. The index reveals that in response to the question of where to study, one in five Israelis recommends the Technion over any other academic institution. Additionally, the index shows that relevance to the labor market is the main criterion when choosing a university today.

Every year, Globes publishes the 100 leading brands in Israel, and this year it included institutions of higher education for the first time. The index is based on a particularly broad survey of 3,500 respondents, aged 18 and over, who constitute a representative sample of the Israeli population, including Haredi and Arab communities. The survey was conducted between April and May by the New Wave Institute, an external and independent research institute specializing in consumerism.

The Technion, which opened its doors 100 years ago, is among the top 100 universities in the world according to the prestigious Shanghai Index and among the top 10 technological universities globally. The Technion has gained a worldwide reputation for its pioneering work in many fields, including science, technology, medicine, education, and architecture. According to Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, “The Technion reaching first place in the higher education category in the Brands Index is an important and exciting vote of confidence in our centennial year. For one hundred years, more than one hundred thousand graduates, and thousands of administrative and academic staff have fortified the security, economy, and society of the State of Israel and continue to shape its future out of a deep commitment and mission.”

For the full list, click here.

The three Technion faculty members who were selected are:

Prof. Oded Beja of the Faculty of Biology, whose field is metagenomics – an approach that analyzes organisms in their natural environment. This approach was developed in response to the fact that around 98% of all microorganisms can’t grow in laboratory cultures, certainly not in a manner that resembles the natural process. Ribosomal RNA analyses provide many insights, but not a complete understanding of the organism’s ecological function and its physiologic and biochemical properties. The approach used by Prof. Beja’s research group exposes this knowledge using metagenomics, making it possible to overcome this problem by analyzing the microbial genomes and detecting protein-coding genes and biochemical routes in cells. Using metagenomics, Prof. Beja discovered microbial rhodopsin proteins used for harvesting light energy.

Prof. Oded Beja

Prof. Benjamin Podbilewicz of the Faculty of Biology, who studies cell fusion mechanisms in fertilization and organ development. His pioneering work led to the discovery of two fusogens that cause cells to fuse: EFF-1 and AFF-1 in C. elegans. These proteins are necessary and sufficient to fuse cells during the development of organs. His group demonstrated that switching viral fusogens with EFF-1 or AFF-1 causes a viral infection. This was the first time it was shown that cellular fusogens can replace viral fusogens. The group solved EFF-1’s atomic structure and discovered a structural similarity to viral fusogens; this was the first structure that has been solved for cellular fusogens. Together with Pablo Aguilar, Podbilewicz predicted that a plant protein (GCS1/HAP2) structurally resembles EFF-1 and proved its activity. They defined a super-family of fusogens from animals, plants, protists and viruses known as fusexins. His lab found that EFF-1 and AFF-1 maintain and repair the tree-like structure of neurons and showed how dendritic branches age and ways to rejuvenate them. He also studied the first mammalian sperm fusogen with Tetsuya Higashiyama, and new fusexins in Archaea with an international consortium.

Prof. Benjamin Podbilewicz

Prof. Asya Rolls of the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine studies psychosomatic interactions – specifically, how the brain influences the immune system and its ability to cope with diseases. Her work demonstrated that the reward mechanism in the brain, which is connected to motivation and hope, increases the immune system’s activity, thereby boosting the defense against viral infections (the research was published in 2016 in the journal Nature Medicine). In a different study (published in Nature Communications in 2018), she showed that similar brain interventions lead to a dramatic reduction in the size of cancerous tumors, mediated by the immune system. In an additional article from 2021, published in Cell, Prof. Rolls demonstrated a difference aspect of the connection between the brain and the immune system by showing that the brain preserves “memories” of past diseases, and is capable of reproducing these diseases by activating those memories. These findings have dramatic ramifications on understanding the placebo and nocebo effects, as well as the outbreak of diseases following certain emotional experiences.

Prof. Asya Rolls

EMBO is an international organization whose members are scientists from 30 countries. 92 Nobel Prize laureates are now, or were in the past, members of the organization. Its main goals are to support talented researchers at all phases of their careers, promote the sharing of scientific knowledge and help create a rich research environment that enables researchers to make the most of their abilities. The new young scientists who join the four-year program, during which they receive financial support from the organization, enjoy important professional connections, mentorship of senior researchers from the EMBO community, leadership training, and access to the research facilities at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany. The organization, which was founded in July 1964, is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary. The new cohort includes nine Israeli researchers.

Click here for the New EMBO Members 2024 list Outstanding scientists elected to EMBO Membership – Press releases – EMBO