BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY | THE WAY FORWARD

an architect. The need for affordable student housing is great. With additional donor support, another building can be constructed, further increasing the availability of such housing and supporting the growth of the Eilat Campus. In addition to these major initiatives, numerous projects to improve the infrastructure of the Eilat Campus have been undertaken. An existing classroom was renovated, creating a small auditorium. The student experience was also enhanced with the construction of a new independent study space. The computing and multimedia infrastructure was upgraded in most classrooms, and the renovation of another building on campus will create offices for marine biology researchers and students. A new academic program associated with the Center for Sea Technology is in the works. This program will complement longstanding programs in Eilat, including the track for first year engineering students, which continues to be in high demand, and the health systems management program, which is growing. Programs in tourism management, social work, nursing, and psychology also help meet the demand for these professionals in Eilat and the surrounding area and put higher education within reach of those in Israel’s southernmost region. CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION In the Negev’s vast desert landscape, BGU is an educational and cultural oasis, home to significant educational, scientific, and cultural resources largely located in the impressive buildings on our three main campuses. But neither the resources nor the buildings stand in isolation. They serve as major landmarks in an arid landscape that also encompasses the many pathways, gardens, open areas, plazas, artwork, seating and recreation areas, and donor recognition sites that shape our campuses. These spaces, which bring us together as a community, are enhanced by our donors. Since 2020, various types of outdoor seating have been installed across the Marcus Family Campus, the Sylvan Adams Campus, and the Eilat Campus, including swings, benches, tables,

Lab of renowned marine biologist and champion of the Eilat Campus, Prof. Nadav Shashar will be foundational, along with a new lab for Prof. Benyamin Rosental. His team investigates immune responses in transplantation in diverse organisms; in Eilat, they will leverage their expertise to address ecological issues, exploring the use of stem cell transplantation to preserve coral reefs. In addition to these seasoned researchers, two new marine biologists were recently recruited, joining BGU in January 2026, and the process to recruit three more researchers is underway. Plans to construct labs for the new recruits and additional research infrastructure are in the advanced stages. With the addition of these marine biologists, the research and teaching capacity of the Eilat Campus will grow, enhancing BGU’s marine biology degree program. We are pleased to report that beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, both second- and third-year students will be studying at the Eilat Campus, benefiting from its living laboratory of the sea but increasing the demand for student housing. Thanks to our donors, the construction of a new dormitory is also underway. The new dorm will provide housing for 70 more students, doubling the number of students that can live on campus. The initial building program has been prepared, a project management company has been selected, and a tender is in progress to select

19