BGU | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2025

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BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

Prof . MICHAL BAR-ASHER SIEGAL VICE PRESIDENT FOR GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Prof. Bar-Asher Siegal travels extensively to establish new academic partnerships and expand existing collaborations. This year, she met with leading Canadian universities and has also been expanding BGU’s collaborations in Europe, including Italy, Germany, and France. A recent delegation to India, led by BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, engaged with top Indian institutions. To further strengthen relationships with institutions worldwide, the Office of the VP for Global Engagement has been actively working with Israeli embassies around the world and welcomed visits from foreign embassies, such as Panama and China. These collaborations have demonstrated that close ties with Israeli diplomatic missions play a vital role in advancing the University’s international goals. New Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed with multiple universities across the world, fostering student exchange programs, joint research collaborations, and the development of joint courses and degree programs. OUR STUDENTS International students at Ben-Gurion University come from over 70 countries, forming a diverse, vibrant, and dynamic community. What sets BGU apart is the full integration of international students with their Israeli peers – in classrooms, labs, and across campus life. This unique academic environment not only provides top-tier education but also enables students to develop critical skills such as creative problem-solving and teamwork in multicultural settings. Beyond academics, BGU offers an unparalleled student experience, with a welcoming and supportive community, exciting cultural events, trips across Israel, and

The Office of the Vice President for Global Engagement at BGU is responsible for shaping and implementing the University’s international strategy and global engagement policies. This includes developing academic policies and executing initiatives that foster collaborative research, academic exchanges, and institutional partnerships, cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and globally interconnected academic environment. These efforts have resulted in the expansion of international student programs, the creation of transformative study-abroad opportunities for BGU students, and the establishment of strategic academic collaborations. Through these initiatives, BGU strengthens its global presence and reinforces its position as a leading institution of higher education. To further advance international initiatives and strengthen BGU’s global standing, the Office is now supported by three newly established advisory forums: 1. The Deans and Administrative Directors Forum: This cross-faculty forum discusses key challenges and assists in implementing international initiatives. 2. The Faculty Representatives Forum: This forum promotes specific international projects and collaboratively develops strategies to enhance global engagement within their respective faculties. 3. The International Advisory Forum: This group of friends and supporters of the University contribute their expertise and networks to foster global partnerships. These forums play a crucial role in developing new strategies, expanding international activities, and positioning BGU as a key player in the global academic arena.