BGU | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2025

27

PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2025

DIRECTOR-GENERAL TAL BEN-HAIM

The past year has been one of the most challenging in the University’s (and the entire nation’s) history. Yet, BGU tackled these challenges with resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to its students, faculty, and the wider Negev community. I am proud to report that our collective efforts have led to significant achievements, reinforcing our position as a leading institution of higher learning and research. Ensuring the University’s financial resilience remains a top priority, particularly in light of the ongoing war and its economic impact. BGU is taking proactive steps to diversify its revenue streams and reduce reliance on government funding. Key initiatives include: the appointment of a university asset manager responsible for maximizing income from physical assets through rentals and other means, as well as enhancing the value of real estate assets and planning strategic sales; Increasing efficiency in procurement processes and financial operations; the Way Forward fundraising campaign; and developing new income streams from non-academic training programs, such as the executive AI courses we have begun offering via the Institute. We are also addressing new regulatory and contractual demands, including updated tax regulations on donations, VAT increases, and the implementation of a new labor agreement with senior academic staff. We are forging ahead with the development of the North Campus as a major growth engine for BGU’s future. This last year we focused on completing construction of the North Campus energy center, connecting to utilities providers and bringing the infrastructure to operational status. Work on two major buildings in the North Campus – the Drahi

BGU employees Sports Day, June 2024

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Building and the Helmsley Computer Science Building – is progressing on schedule and will be completed in 2026. We lay the cornerstone for the Ernest Scheller, Jr. Gate of Innovation – the North Campus’ main entrance. We are also continuing to advance the use of green energies on our campuses within the constraints of existing infrastructure. We are planning a conversion of existing heating systems to natural gas and are continuing to install additional photovoltaic systems to take advantage of the abundance of sunlight in the Negev.