BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY | THE WAY FORWARD

ability to serve as a hub, connecting universities, medical centers, industry, policymakers, service providers, and the broad autism community, has been strengthened by an ever-growing circle of donors supporting its research, labs, and activities. National Institute for Climate and Environmental Policy The National Institute for Climate and Environmental Policy is dedicated to the development of advanced climate policy and sustainable solutions and grounded in the belief that decision-making and policymaking based on science, knowledge, and research will lead to better planning and results. Committed to bridging the gap between science and policymaking and translating research findings into real-world solutions and policies, the institute fosters collaboration among researchers, professionals, policymakers, the private sector, and civil society to strengthen societal and economic resilience in the face of environmental challenges. The institute is establishing itself as a major player in the academic, public, and international arenas in the field of climate and the environment, producing policy papers and performing research on a wide range of topics, building partnerships based on shared commitment to addressing climate and environmental challenges, and fostering dialog between academia and civil society organizations to advance change. Our donors have supported these efforts; in the areas of emission reduction and energy resilience this has resulted in a call for research papers to support the emerging partnerships. The funded projects will address demonstrated energy-related needs and lay the foundation for science-based policies that will improve the environment and quality of life for future generations of Israelis. Klein Institute for Nuclear Science and Engineering Born out of the recognition of the growing importance of advanced nuclear technologies in the global and Israeli energy landscape, the Klein Institute for Nuclear Science and Engineering is dedicated to advancing capabilities in nuclear energy by being developed cutting-edge

expertise and knowledge. Innovative nuclear energy systems are being developed worldwide, integrating modularity, high efficiency, and passive safety systems; in Israel, however, there is a critical need to significantly strengthen the field at the academic level. The institute was founded to bridge this gap and to be a leader in education, research, and innovation through a multidisciplinary model and collaboration. The institute emphasizes next-generation reactor technologies and advanced nuclear energy systems (small modular reactors, microreactors, and molten salt reactors) with a focus on reliability, safety, AI-nuclear integration, and long-term performance. With donor support, the institute is well on its way to fulfilling its vision of becoming a leading center of excellence in nuclear science and engineering, advancing research, innovation, and education in advanced nuclear energy and positioning BGU at the forefront of global nuclear science and engineering. The INSTITUTE The INSTITUTE was established to advance Israeli leadership in artificial intelligence, secure BGU’s position at the forefront of this critical domain and position the Negev as a global center for AI research, development, and innovation. This forward-thinking initiative bridges academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, leveraging each to move the dial both at BGU and across Israel. The INSTITUTE focuses on four main industries: cyber, health and medicine, finance, and education, with programs for BGU students and researchers and those outside the University, aimed at building AI capacity and equipping managers of Israel’s leading companies and the country’s future professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively implement AI in their organizations and work. Since its establishment, the INSTITUTE has not looked back, rapidly positioning BGU as Israel’s academic leader in AI. It has been instrumental in AI’s integration in degree programs and research. Today, BGU MBA students can participate in the INSTITUTE’s MBAI program, where they are equipped with essential skills and AI certification (additional information on the MBAI program is provided later in this report). Expansion will take place on two levels, with a new certification program providing AI

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