BGU | Fundraising Handbook

2.2 POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS Expanding research capacity and global impact

The Need Scientific research drives growth, policy, solutions, and the betterment of society. Conducting scientific research is one of BGU’s primary roles, a role endowed upon it by David Ben-Gurion who believed that only the scholars and scientists at the gates of the Negev desert would be able to understand and share the secrets of nature unique to Israel. In establishing BGU, he envisioned a Hebrew Oxford in the Negev, whose impact would emanate from the Negev to the world. Such impact emerges from innovative, cutting-edge research, which also advances Israel. Research fuels the economy and underpins the country’s reputation as the startup nation, enabling Israel to develop the solutions the country needs to survive, as well as solutions needed around the globe. BGU has set its sights on becoming Israel’s leading university for research, teaching, and contribution to society, and is striving to become one of the world’s leading institutions of higher learning. BGU’s local and global standing relies heavily on its research output. The funding provided by Israel’s Council of Higher Education derives from the number of students enrolled, as well as the amount and quality of research published by our scholars. The University’s international ranking also

depends on its research output. Our dramatically improved ranking in the recent Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities is a testament to the emphasis placed on research excellence, which is a top priority. The University’s ability to transition from being a major player on the Israeli scene to becoming a major leader on the world stage and a global problem-solver relies on attracting the very best researchers to the Negev – they power the research that will advance BGU and Israel. To accomplish this, BGU must become a talent magnet. BGU’s Commitment to Becoming a Talent Magnet The University’s ability to achieve its goals of becoming Israel’s leading university in terms of research, teaching, and contribution to society, and one of the world’s top research institutions, destined for significant global impact, relies on its ability to develop the University as a talent magnet, capable of attracting the very best researchers. This starts by recruiting outstanding research fellows at all postgraduate levels: master’s degree students, doctoral degree students, and postdoctoral researchers. Master’s degree programs lay the groundwork for doctoral studies and academic careers. Graduate students develop strong

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STUDENT ACCESS AND SUPPORT

POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS