BGU | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2026

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BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

Prof. Raz Jelinek

speaks at the opening of Dr. Alex Brodsky's Structures Under Extreme Conditions lab. April 2025

We expanded the University’s 3D printing capabilities by launching an institutional laboratory for 3D printing of soft materials, now fully operational and serving researchers across the University. We also continued development of the Advanced Genomics Unit at the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology as a comprehensive professional service platform for researchers across disciplines. These investments are designed to provide researchers with cutting-edge tools and to position the University at the forefront of rapidly evolving scientific fields. Strengthening digital and data intensive research capacity across multiple disciplines Strengthening digital and data-intensive research capacity across multiple disciplines remains another strategic priority. In response to increasing computational demands, we continued to enhance computational research capabilities through ongoing support for the new AI

enabled high-performance computing cluster, alongside the establishment of an additional PBS-based cluster. The Office of the Vice President led four major research events during the year, reflecting BGU's commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal engagement: The Fourth Annual Research Festival , held on January 28, 2026, was dedicated to the theme Social Impact , highlighting the role of academic research in addressing regional and societal challenges and the University’s strategic commitment to research that bridges scholarly excellence with meaningful community engagement. Faculty members from diverse disciplines presented their work in a TED-style format, showcasing innovative projects conducted in collaboration with community and civil society organizations. Research grants were awarded to selected presenters based on academic quality, originality, and demonstrated societal relevance. The annual festival serves as a key platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and reinforcing BGU’s role as a research university with measurable public impact.