In a remarkable display of international cooperation and academic exchange, Bar-Ilan University recently welcomed an impressive roster of ambassadors and dignitaries from various nations. These momentous occasions, which took place throughout February and March 2024, provided an invaluable platform for exploring the multifaceted motivations that drive these diplomatic representatives.
By promoting cultural exchange, nurturing diplomatic relations, and opening doors for potential academic collaborations, these visits exemplify the unwavering support these countries and organizations extend to Israeli academia, even in the face of adversity. The presence of esteemed guests from Singapore, Germany, Brazil, Taiwan, and Italy underscores the pivotal role that academia plays in fostering meaningful connections and nurturing a deeper understanding between nations.
Exploring the Energy Sector: Singapore Ambassador to Israel Visits BIU
The Embassy of Singapore to Israel visited Bar-Ilan University, with esteemed guests H.E Ian Mak, Ambassador of Singapore to Israel, and Ms. Xin Tian Yong, First Secretary of the Embassy of Singapore to Israel. The visit commenced with a welcome and introduction by Prof. Arie Zaban, President of Bar-Ilan University, and Prof. Shulamit Michaeli, Vice-President for Research.
This was followed by fruitful discussions and meetings with key representatives from the Energy Center, including renowned Prof. Doron Aurbach, from the Department of Chemistry; Prof. Eitan Shamir, Director of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA Center); and Mr. Hadas Alon-Yechezkel, Co-Administrative Director of the Energy Center; as well as Prof. Zeev Zalevsky, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. The exchange aimed to explore opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration in science, technology, energy, and sustainability.
Energy, Sustainability, and Environment: British Ambassador to Israel
Bar-Ilan University had the honor of hosting H.E Simon Walters, Ambassador of the Embassy of the United Kingdom to Israel, along with his colleagues from the Embassy, Shira Lanir, Liat Mandelbaum Shor, Hadar Huberman, Iris Barner, and Alma Gadot Perez. The visit included a tour of the Solar Farm, led by Prof. Yigal Cohen and Mr. Chanani Ladell, Chief Agronomist at Doral Group Renewable Energy Resources.
Additionally, the delegation had an introduction meeting with Prof. Amnon Albeck, Prof. Moshe Lewenstein, Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, and Mr. Ofer Dahan from Bar-Ilan University. They also attended a presentation at the School of Sustainability and Environment as well as The Energy Center, featuring experts such as Prof. Oren Perez, Prof. Doron Aurbach, Dr. Hadas Alon-Yechezkel, Mr. Chanani Ladell, and Dr. Elai Rettig from the BESA Center. The visit concluded with a tour of the Energy Laboratory, guided by Prof. Malachi Noked from the Department of Chemistry.
Computer Science, Nanotech, and Politics: Embassy of Brazil to Israel
Bar-Ilan University also welcomed the Embassy of Brazil to Israel. The distinguished guests included Colonel Borges da Costa, Air Force Attaché of the Embassy of Brazil, and Mr. Matheus Machado Hoscheidt, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Brazil.
The visit encompassed meetings with Dr. Eylon Yogev and Dr. Gilad Asharov, both senior lecturers in the Alexander Grass Department of Computer Science, and a tour of the new Computer Science building; and Prof. Eitan Shamir, Director of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. Dr. Madina Telkhozhayeva, PhD in the Fabrication Unit of the Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials spoke to the delegates and took them on a tour of the Nanotech Center.
October 7 and the Aftermath: German Embassy to Israel
During this period, Bar-Ilan University was honored to welcome distinguished guests from the German Embassy to Israel, Ms. Barbara Seimetz, German Scientific Attache, and Ms. Susanne Düwel, Cultural and Scientific Affairs representative from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The visit included discussions on women’s rights and international law specifically related to the horrors perpetrated on women and girls during the October 7 attacks, with Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, Founding Director of the Rackman Center, Faculty of Law; as well as presentations on Bar-Ilan University’s initiatives to support students and civil society following the events by Mr. Zohar Yinon, CEO of Bar-Ilan University and Mr. Ofer Dahan, Executive Director of the International School. The visitors then heard Prof. Eitan Okun from the Faculty of Life Sciences give a deeply moving personal testimonial of his experience on October 7. Read about this visit here, courtesy of the German Embassy.
Innovation, Nanotech, and Connecting with Italian Israelis: Embassy of Italy to Israel
Bar-Ilan University had the pleasure of hosting dignitaries from the Embassy of Italy to Israel, Prof. Giuseppe Falini, Scientific Attaché, and Ms. Oshrat Halfon, Assistant to the Attaché.
The visit encompassed tours of the Innovation Unit at Unbox Ventures with its head, Mr. Ariel Sella, and the Institute of Nano Technology and Advanced Materials with Prof. Malachi Noked from the Department of Chemistry and the Energy Center. Meetings were also held with the university’s rector, Prof. Amnon Albeck; Italian researchers, Prof. Emmanuele Della Torre, Department of Physics; Prof. Gilbert Nessim, Department of Chemistry; Prof. Yaacov Mascetti, Head of the Department of Comparative Literature; and Italian students from different disciplines and degrees.
Prof. Arie Zaban, President of Bar-Ilan University, closed the event and thanked the delegates for visiting the university, further solidifying the bonds of collaboration between Italy and Bar-Ilan University.
Sustainability and Science: Taiwan National Science and Technology Council
Last but not least, Prof. Chi-An Dai, Director of the Taiwan National Science and Technology Council, and Mr. Nikolai Hsufeng Cheng, Secretary of the Science and Technology Division at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office visited Bar-Ilan University to connect with professors in their field.
The visit encompassed an introduction meeting with representatives from Bar-Ilan University’s International School, Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, Academic Head, Ms. Yael Toledano, Director of International Relations, and Ms. Lara Klaehn, International Relations and Official Visits; a presentation about the Center for Sustainable Energy by Prof. David Zitoun, Head of the Chemistry Department and a part of the center; and a tour of BIU’s beautiful campus.
Delegates then met Dr. Leonid Yavits from the Alexander Kofkin Faculty of Engineering, who introduced them to the Emerging Nanoscaled Integrated Circuits & Systems (EnICS) Labs; and Prof. Ehud Banin, Director of the Institute of Nano Technology and Advanced Materials, who showed them around the institute.
These visits exemplify Bar-Ilan University’s dedication to cultivating global partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange, academic cooperation, and research collaborations with international partners. The university aims to further enhance its position as a hub of academic excellence and innovation on the global stage by hosting these and other esteemed guests regularly.
Bar-Ilan University extends its gratitude to its honorable guests and looks forward to a future filled with fruitful collaborations and shared accomplishments.
