In the media

Researchers have uncovered how egg cells prepare for the creation of life. Their work reveals the secrets of the Balbiani body, a remarkable structure that organizes essential molecules to guide early embryonic development. Using zebrafish models and cutting-edge imaging, the team discovered how this structure transforms from liquid droplets into a stable core, laying the groundwork for life itself. This discovery sheds light on the extraordinary precision of nature’s reproductive process. 

This January 7-9, 2025, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is hosting an international conference celebrating 100 years since the establishment of its Institute of Jewish Studies. The conference, titled “Jewish Studies Between the Past and the Future,” will bring together leading scholars, policymakers, and public figures to reflect on a century of achievements and envision the future of Jewish Studies.

A new study reveals that typically developing twins consistently take on the dominant role over their nontypically developing siblings, even after developmental gaps are resolved. By highlighting how parental perceptions shape these dynamics, the research offers fresh insights into the delicate balance of twin relationships and the importance of fostering equality to support both children’s growth. 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem proudly congratulates five of its esteemed researchers for receiving prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants. These grants, each valued at approximately 1.5 million euros, are awarded to young researchers at the early stages of their careers, specifically those with 2-7 years of research experience since completing their PhDs.

Professor Emeritus Michael Stone, Founder of the Chair of Armenian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has been awarded the prestigious Medal of Gratitude by the President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan. The award recognizes his significant contributions to Armenian studies and his dedication to preserving Armenian cultural heritage.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has climbed five places this year, now ranking 81st among the top 100 universities worldwide according to the 2024 Shanghai Ranking.

For the second consecutive year, three Israeli universities are ranked among the top 100 institutions globally. Alongside the Hebrew University, ranked 81st, are the Technion (85th) and the Weizmann Institute (69th). This is an outstanding achievement for Israeli academia and especially for the Hebrew University. 

The horrific attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7, sparked the Iron Swords War and led to a widespread mobilization effort to support Israel. New survey revealed that 83% of the NGOs’ ability to provide assistance and social services was negatively impacted by the war, only 35% of organizations sought government assistance during the war, and 35% of the NGOs reported an increase in philanthropic support from abroad.

The Hebrew University has appointed Prof. Orly Sade as the new Dean of the School of Business Administration. Prof. Sade brings extensive experience and expertise to her new role, with a focus on analytical and experimental finance, financial market structure, fintech, and crowdfunding.

Today, the European Research Council (ERC) declared that six researchers from the Hebrew University secured grants at the Consolidator Grant level. These individual grants, ranging from one and a half to two million euros each, cumulatively amount to 11.5 million euros (47 million shekels). This achievement positions the Hebrew University at the forefront among Israeli research universities, boasting the highest number of winners in this category.

The "German Science Foundation" (DFG) has approved the financing of an innovative joint school for doctoral students, an international collaboration between the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the University of Leipzig, and the Dubnow Institute in Leipzig. This groundbreaking academic initiative marks a significant step towards fostering international collaboration in the field of humanities.

 The President of Israel, the President of the Hebrew University, the Mayor of Jerusalem, and art collector Jose Mugrabi
laid the cornerstone of a house to display Einstein’s legacy

President Isaac Herzog of Israel, Hebrew University President Prof. Asher Cohen, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon, and Mr. Jose Mugrabi, a prominent art collector, laid the cornerstone for Einstein House, at the Hebrew University’s Edmond J. Safra campus, on Givat Ram, in Jerusalem.

Hebrew University researchers have identified the factors affecting the likelihood of extreme rain events and have developed a tool that can improve the forecasting of such events. This tool will be made available to the Israel Meteorological Service and its counterpart agencies throughout the world.