Solutions to Global Crises Emerge from Research Labs
During wartime Bar-Ilan researchers are working harder than ever to continue leading Israel forward and provide answers to upcoming challenges
The world as a whole, and Israel in particular, has experienced a series of tumultuous crises in recent years - from the Corona pandemic, through various natural disasters, to the "Iron Swords" war that affects all our lives. Crisis points naturally create upheaval in societies and provoke renewed thinking on the best way to prepare for upcoming challenges.
One of the clear conclusions emerging from the upheavals of recent years is that academic research provides solutions to new problems very quickly. Academic research, by its nature, deals with in-depth issues, problem analysis, creative thinking, and the development of creative and intelligent solutions. Therefore, when a crisis erupts, the way to escape it passes, among other things, through research laboratories that allow examining the knowledge already accumulated on the subject from all angles and using it for the benefit of all.
Record-Speed Vaccine
The Corona outbreak, which stunned the world, was an exceptional example of the enormous importance of basic research in medicine. Within a few weeks, scientists from around the world collaborated. Thanks to the vast knowledge accumulated over many years, they began working on vaccines that were ready for use within just a few months.
Aerial Iron Dome
The Iranian missile and UAV attack that Israel suffered in early April for the first time ever demonstrated the immense power of research and technological development, relying on local Israeli knowledge. The air defense systems, which detected and intercepted almost all the missiles, were developed over many years - in collaboration between defense industries and researchers and scientists from academia. In real-time, when sophisticated systems were required to function - the result was impressive and gained global attention.
Understanding the Enemy and Its Motives
The fighting against Iran, Hamas, and other countries in the region also demonstrated the immense importance of academic research in all matters related to Middle Eastern studies. Who are the Houthis anyway? What moderate factors are there in the region that can be cooperated with? Statesmen and politicians, who need immediate answers, rely at such moments on the unique knowledge developed and accumulated over years in academia, through researchers who dedicate many years to it.
Present Research of Future Challenges
The future is difficult to predict, but some of the problems we are about to face can no longer be ignored - in areas such as medicine, environment, energy, food shortages, and more.
"More than ever, there is now enormous importance in investing in research and basic science - in all fields: in social sciences and humanities, in exact sciences and engineering, in medicine and biology," says Prof. Cyrille Cohen from the Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan and a member of the academic management of the National Science Foundation, "The knowledge and tools we develop in the coming years will serve us in the future, help advance society, and ultimately save precious lives and financial resources."
According to Cohen: "Especially during this period, there is no doubt that one of Israel's strengths is its developed scientific research, in which Bar-Ilan University also stands out. Research requires lengthy work processes. When conducting research - you run a marathon and cannot stop in the middle. Even during the war, we submitted requests for budgets and continued our academic work to continue providing answers to Israeli society. This is also our response to terrorism. My team, for example, is developing treatments for terminal cancer patients. We continue our academic work because that's how we win, and also out of a sense of mission. We want to win not only in the military and war field but also in advancing the State of Israel, where research, knowledge, and academic work are among its strengths."
These days, many studies are being conducted at Bar-Ilan that may assist Israel in particular and humanity in general in future challenges. Here are some of the most prominent and fascinating ones:
Research offering hope for future Alzheimer's treatment
Research helping to increase male fertility
Research on the connection between cancer and aging
Research that may assist in treating autoimmune diseases
Research extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables