BGU | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2026

46

BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

61

185

52

57

3

2

18

378 INTERNATIONAL

Europe

North America

Asia

COOPERATION AGREEMENTS WITH 62 COUNTRIES 35 NEW AGREEMENTS

Central America

Africa

South America

Australia

INCREASE IN NO. OF INTERNATIONAL PHD STUDENTS 9%

INCREASE IN STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS 44%

Prof. Bar-Asher Siegal with Dr. Peter J. Mohler, President of the University of Alabama at the signing of a collaboration agreement. Photo: courtesy

Prof. Bar-Asher Siegal with Prof. Mark Elliott, Vice Provost of International Affairs at Harvard University. Photo: courtesy

wide range of bureaucratic matters, and expanded those services to cover the international student population at the Sylvan Adams Campus in Sde Boker. This year, we opened the Welcome Center to Israeli students, creating a shared space where local and international students can connect and engage with one another. Twice a year, at the beginning of each semester, we organize orientation days for new students and researchers and distribute welcome kits containing materials designed to help them navigate both the campus and the city.

Our annual programming included a comprehensive range of social and community-building activities for members of the international community and their families, and often Israeli students as well. Events included: a series of cooking workshops where participants learned to prepare arepas, Moroccan salads, Indian dishes, donuts, and more; weekly movie nights; creative workshops; board game sessions; two rock concerts; and Shabbat receptions accompanied by a live band, with the active participation of international researchers. We also hosted service