Bar-Ilan University Welcomes Dozens of New Researchers

The concepts of "brain drain" and "returning scientists" have long been part of the academic discourse in Israel. In recent years, with Bar-Ilan University's growth and the expansion of its research fields, these concepts have become more relevant than ever. The university's mission to recruit scientists is an exciting opportunity to not only fill positions but also expand into new and cutting-edge research areas.

Bar-Ilan University is eagerly welcoming dozens of new researchers. The university is approaching the recruitment of about 100 new faculty members, which is a testament to its rapid growth. Given the increase in student numbers, Bar-Ilan is excited to bring in faculty across all disciplines, not just in STEM fields. There's currently a national program to bring Israeli scientists back from abroad, with the state allocating 167 million shekels for this initiative. Bar-Ilan is thrilled to be part of it, welcoming both early-career and established researchers.

One of the relatively new research areas that Bar-Ilan University is nurturing is Bio-Convergence – a field that combines medicine and life sciences with exact sciences and engineering for biomedical developments. This innovative research area is already thriving in several studies conducted at the Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials.

The Physics Department is expanding its quantum research, having already recruited new researchers in this field. The Chemistry Department is focusing on energy research, a critical area in light of climate change. The amount of research grants available in this field, both in Israel and globally, is impressive. Bar-Ilan is the only university in Israel establishing a prototype laboratory with the Ministry of Energy to test development products from the university and other institutions, facilitating industry development.

The Faculty of Engineering at Bar-Ilan has also grown significantly, opening new tracks in Industrial Engineering and Information Systems, Materials Engineering, and Computer Engineering. The Computer Science Department is expanding with a focus on artificial intelligence and robotics, while the Mathematics Department is strengthening its statistics offerings, which are crucial for all research avenues across all faculties.

How Bar-Ilan Attracts and Retains Outstanding Scientists

To ensure that scientists can continue their research activities, they receive an equipment package to outfit their research laboratories. Such equipment can cost up to a million dollars. The recent billion-shekel donation to Bar-Ilan University is helping to fund this program. This investment also allows Bar-Ilan University to acquire advanced, often unique instruments in Israel, fostering collaboration within Bar-Ilan and with other academic institutions.

The university also encourages faculty to apply for research grants, such as ISF grants and European Union ERC grants. To encourage ERC submissions, the university offers teaching load reductions during the application process and after winning, as well as financial rewards for winners.

Collaborations also open up opportunities for employment and professional development. The joint program between Bar-Ilan and Sheba Hospital called Health Tech Valley (HTV) is one of the exciting new examples. As part of the program, a building will be established near the Sheba campus where Bar-Ilan will have access to 10 experimental laboratories and five bioinformatics laboratories.

Bar-Ilan is also cultivating research and industry relationships, with a new Vice President for Industry Relations to be appointed soon. A prime example of academia-industry relations is the Energy Center, which is connected with most national and international industries in this field.

Science in Israel is at a high level, and this high standard is the key to attracting academics who have spent time abroad. Bar-Ilan University is committed to bringing these talented researchers home with added value and capabilities to continue advancing science at the university and in Israel as a whole.