BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY | THE WAY FORWARD

Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research With the naming of the Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research in 2021, a longstanding partnership between BGU scientists and Soroka University Medical Center physicians was expanded with the addition of the Azrieli Foundation, which shares the researchers’ commitment to advancing knowledge on autism and neurodevelopment. The autism database created by the team now contains a wide range of data (including genetic and biological samples, neurological measures, and behavioral data) for thousands of people with autism and their families. This data, which is collected at Soroka and clinical partner sites across Israel, is an exceptional resource for Israel’s autism research community, supporting research on the mechanisms underpinning autism, genetics, diagnosis, treatment, and more. The center’s research output contributes to increased awareness, new therapeutic approaches, and evidence based policies. It has boosted the level of autism diagnosis nationally by providing training aimed at ensuring that autism assessment in Israel meets global standards. The center also hosts an annual scientific conference and a conference for the broad autism community, expanding its reach and impact. The center’s

Dr. Ernest Baden Chair in Head and Neck Pathology Inge Weinberg Guttman, RN Chair in Pediatric Nursing Prof. Vladimir Zelman, MD, PhD Chair in Anesthesiology Gabriel and Angel Tamman Career Development Chair in Management NEW RESEARCH FACILITIES Research institutes, centers, hubs, and labs both build and leverage expertise in BGU’s areas of research excellence and areas of strategic importance. They serve as thematic focal points, fostering collaboration among researchers with diverse perspectives and enabling them to collectively address key scientific and societal challenges, advance research in strategically important areas, and strengthen BGU’s leadership in these domains. The new research facilities established since 2020 cover a wide range of topics and include a number of national institutes and centers established in recognition of BGU’s leadership and research excellence in specific domains. We are pleased to introduce some of the new institutes, centers, hubs, and labs established at BGU since the Way Forward Campaign began and share how donor support has advanced them.

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