News

A new study shows that year-long home visits with older adults help first-year medical students build stronger communication skills, rethink assumptions about aging, and understand patient care beyond the clinic.

For many medical students, the earliest years of training are heavy on textbooks and light on real patient contact. But a new study suggests that meaningful clinical learning can begin much earlier, not in hospitals, but in people’s homes.

Medical errors remain one of the leading causes of death, yet healthcare systems continue to struggle to reduce them. A new perspective article argues that fear of legal consequences, institutional secrecy, and poor communication prevent healthcare from learning from failure. It calls for a cultural shift toward transparency, responsibility, and psychological safety, framing learning from mistakes as essential to saving lives and restoring trust in medicine.

A new Science paper challenges the idea that language stems from a single evolutionary root. Instead, it proposes that our ability to communicate evolved through the interaction of biology and culture, and involves multiple capacities, each with different evolutionary histories. The framework unites discoveries across disciplines to explain how the ability to learn to speak, develop grammar, and share meaning converged to create complex communication.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem held a special ceremony this week honoring the recipients of the Waldman Family Scholarship and the long-standing Yashinsky Prize.

Prof. Tamir Sheafer, President of the Hebrew University, joined Mr. Eyal Waldman, Israel Prize laureate and founder of Mellanox, and his brother Mr. Ofer Waldman, in presenting the awards to exceptional researchers from across the university.

State-funded five-star hotel stays may sound appealing for a weekend, but when thousands of Israelis were evacuated to hotels during the October 7th war, the experience quickly proved far from idyllic. A new study reveals how hotels- symbols of a “luxury experience”, can mirror the psychological pains of imprisonment during wartime, raising urgent questions about the complex experiences of displaced communities, even under seemingly ideal conditions.

A new experiment called QROCODILE, led by the University of Zurich and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has achieved record sensitivity in the hunt for light dark matter. Using superconducting detectors cooled to near absolute zero, the team set world-leading limits on how dark matter interacts with ordinary matter — opening the door to future breakthroughs in one of physics’ greatest mysteries.

A new study shows that a TXA autoinjector delivers lifesaving treatment for severe bleeding as effectively as traditional IV methods — but in under five minutes and without the need for medical expertise. This breakthrough could transform trauma care in emergencies, making rapid, easy-to-administer treatment available in settings ranging from battlefields to roadside accidents, where every second counts.

Bacteria aren’t just mindless microbes. New research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that single bacterial cells can carry a “memory” of their past environments—passing it down through generations—before eventually forgetting. Using a new technique called Microcolony-seq, scientists uncovered hidden subpopulations inside infections, each with different survival strategies. The finding could explain why antibiotics and vaccines sometimes fail—and may point the way toward more precise treatments.

Researchers have discovered that a virus living inside the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus significantly boosts the fungus’s ability to survive stress and cause severe infections in mammals. Removing the virus made the fungus weaker and less virulent, while antiviral treatments improved survival outcomes. This finding reveals a hidden factor driving the deadliness of fungal infections and opens the door to potential new treatments that target the virus rather than the fungus itself.

A new cross-national study reveals that older adults with disabilities are significantly less likely to receive preventive care, such as flu vaccinations, eye exams, and dental checkups. This gap remains the same for eye exams and dental care but  is eliminated for flu vaccinations in countries that invest more in public healthcare.

In the weeks after the October 7 Hamas attacks, many Israelis faced not only the trauma of war but also a surge of online hate. A new study from the Hebrew University finds that frequent exposure to such digital vitriol is linked to higher PTSD symptoms, especially for those who struggle to regulate their emotions, underscoring how today’s conflicts can wound both on the battlefield and on the screen.

ERC Honors Hebrew University Scientists for Pioneering Brain and Language Studies

When survivors of the October 7th attacks returned to what was left of their homes, many carried with them more than grief or post-traumatic stress. A new study shows that the trauma also fueled an unexpected surge in obsessive-compulsive disorder, offering the first direct evidence that acute trauma can trigger the disorder’s onset.

A new study from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem explores how the Israel–Gaza war is transforming religion and spirituality among young adults. Surveying over 1,200 students, the researchers found that half reported changes in their religiosity and/or spirituality, with increases more common than decreases. The findings show that cultural background and direct exposure to conflict shape whether people deepen their faith, turn to spirituality, or step away from religion.

Cigarette smoke causes cancer primarily by damaging the DNA. A new study that mapped the DNA damages caused by smoking, reveals that the way our DNA is organized and chemically modified can influence how cigarette smoke damages it, how well the damage is repaired and how many mutations will form. Specifically, areas of DNA that are more open and active are more prone to damage but also better at repairing themselves, which helps to prevent mutations.

FOOJI – HUJI Center for Sustainable Food Systems in collaboration with GFI Israel, Tnuva, The Kitchen Hub, Aquacultech, Facultech, HUJI Innovate and Food Tech Nation held the first annual Brian Y. Davidson Food Systems Conference on Building Food Systems for Efficiency and Sustainability in a Changing World

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. 

Dear academic and administrative staff and students,

The new academic year is set to begin this week, while our country is still engaged in a difficult war. Over 100 hostages have yet to return home to their families, tens of thousands of northern residents have not yet returned to their homes, more than a thousand of our students are still serving in the reserve duty, and many others have only recently finished their military service or are soon to be called up again.

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. 

A new study reveals that the human brain processes spoken language in a sequence that closely mirrors the layered architecture of advanced AI language models. Using electrocorticography data from participants listening to a narrative, the research shows that deeper AI layers align with later brain responses in key language regions such as Broca’s area. The findings challenge traditional rule-based theories of language comprehension and introduce a publicly available neural dataset that sets a new benchmark for studying how the brain constructs meaning.

New study suggests that an experimental peptide developed at the Hebrew University may reduce recurring seizures and support brain function by targeting underlying oxidative stress and inflammation processes linked to epilepsy. Unlike current treatments that focus mainly on suppressing seizures, this approach could influence how the disease develops over time, with the greatest benefits appearing when treatment begins early. The findings point to a promising direction for future therapies aimed at improving long-term outcomes for people living with epilepsy.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud to congratulate Prof. Benjamin Weiss of the Einstein Institute for Mathematics on being awarded the Israel Prize in the field of mathematics, computer science, and computer engineering research.

A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem examined how thought-patterns associated with unfairness, known as perceived injustice, shape people’s psychological responses to trauma. Conducted following the October 7th attack and during the subsequent war, the study revealed that as individuals viewed their suffering as more unjust and irreparable, they experienced more severe and persistent traumatic stress symptoms, even months later. The research highlights perceived injustice as a key factor influencing recovery and resilience in the aftermath of trauma.

A new study has uncovered a rare behavior in the material of the teeth of the Atlantic wolffish. This material is osteodentin, the tissue at the tooth’s core, which appears to shrink in every direction when it’s squeezed along its length, a response that is exceptionally rare in natural materials, particularly mineral-rich materials. The finding helps explain how the wolffish’s teeth endure repeated punishing biting forces and could point researchers toward new designs for tougher, more resilient synthetic materials.

For the first time in its history, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has conferred the University President's Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2025 award will be presented to Prof. Eva Illouz, in recognition of her outstanding academic work and her significant contribution to Israeli society and to public discourse in Israel and around the world.

A new study highlights a semi-transparent, color-tunable solar cell designed to work in places traditional panels can’t, like windows and flexible surfaces. Using a 3D-printed pillar structure, the researchers can fine-tune how much light passes through and what color the cell appears, without changing the solar material itself. The result is a system that balances strong energy output with durability, while giving designers far more control over how the technology looks and functions.

At the entrance to the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), a white, transparent installation resembling a human brain has been placed. Constructed from dozens of small cubes, each cube contains a personal creation expressing hope. Together, they form a single installation titled “100 Hands.”

New study shows that in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, their breast cells already carry a clear pattern of DNA “damage spots” long before any tumor appears. These weak points tend to sit on important cancer-related genes and look very similar to what is later seen in actual breast cancer. In the future this could help doctors detect cancer much earlier and maybe even stop it before it starts.

A new study shows that year-long home visits with older adults help first-year medical students build stronger communication skills, rethink assumptions about aging, and understand patient care beyond the clinic.

For many medical students, the earliest years of training are heavy on textbooks and light on real patient contact. But a new study suggests that meaningful clinical learning can begin much earlier, not in hospitals, but in people’s homes.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has announced the extension of its "Academic Shield" program, specifically designed for women and men wounded during the "Iron Swords" war. The program includes a special grant of 2,000 NIS, along with a comprehensive package of benefits and accommodations for wounded veterans enrolling in undergraduate programs for the upcoming academic year (2026-2027/5787).

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has emerged as the leading institution among recipients of the President of Israel’s Scholarships for Scientific Excellence and Innovation, with six outstanding doctoral candidates selected this year for the prestigious national award.

Open to researchers in water technology – no application deadline

The Young Scientists Exchange Program (YSEP) supports early-career researchers from Israel and Germany in gaining international experience and building academic collaborations in water technology. The program is part of the German-Israeli cooperation in this field, funded by the Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Who Can Apply

The Hebrew University paused its activities today for 58 minutes, calling for the release of the 58 hostages still trapped in hell in Gaza.

At gatherings held simultaneously across the university’s four campuses (Mount Scopus, Givat Ram, Ein Kerem, and Rehovot), each minute was dedicated to one of the hostages held by Hamas—for 600 days now.

Professor Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University, urged the Israeli government to do everything in its power to bring them all home now, stating:

As the academic year begins, many students are looking for strategies to improve their learning and excel in their studies.

Prof. Christa Asterhan, a leading expert in the science of learning from the Seymour Fox School of Education at The Hebrew University, offers 10 essential tips to help you study better.
 

The HUBS-Aid project led by Hebrew University Business School (HUBS) responded to the Gaza conflict's impact on small businesses with innovative support, pairing them with mentors and students to devise tailored plans for recovery and growth. Around 80 businesses received vital assistance, demonstrating resilience and fostering community bonds amidst adversity.

This year there will be two semesters of 11 weeks each. The fourth week, which begins on January 21, 2024, will be an "absorption and completion week" for army reservists who joined late until this date. We are committed to not leaving any student behind—therefore, even for student reservists who return to studies at a later stage, the teaching staff and the university will do their best so that we all finish it together.

Schedule for the academic year

The Hebrew University, in conjunction with all research universities in Israel, announces the opening of the 2023-2024 academic year on December 31st, 2023. The decision to initiate the academic year reflects the University's steadfast dedication to the future of the State of Israel and its commitment to fostering education and research despite challenging circumstances.

As an institution of higher education, the Hebrew University is committed, as a matter of principle, to promoting open dialogue and critical thinking and avoiding restrictions of freedom of speech. This approach applies to all community members.

This first of its kind partnership between Meta and an Israeli university marks a significant step to bring industry-leading Artificial Intelligence research from Hebrew University’s Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering to the AI marketplace. 

(Jerusalem, October 26, 2022)--Today, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU)’s School of Engineering and Computer Science and Yissum, HU’s technology transfer company announced a new research partnership with Meta AI.

The Technion and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have signed a partnership agreement with IBM Research to advance artificial intelligence capabilities and applications in Israel. The collaboration was announced this week at a conference held by IBM in Tel Aviv to mark 50 years since the establishment of the IBM Research Lab in Israel.

A $650,000 grant from The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation will support a new partnership between UCLA and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) focused on developing school violence prevention strategies that turn campuses into safe and welcoming places for children worldwide.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) climbed 13 places to rank 77^th among the world’s top universities and number one in Israel, according to the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), published today (Monday).  Topping the list were Harvard, followed by Stanford, MIT, Cambridge, and UCLA Berkeley.  Two other Israeli universities placed in the top 100, as well—the Technion and Weizmann Institute both shared the 83^rd spot.  This is a major achievement for Israel’s higher education at large and for Hebrew U., specifically.

Hebrew University Researchers Provide Timely Understanding of Putin's Food Policy

Stress and Smoking Rates Up Among All Hospital Workers, New Hebrew U. Study Finds

A new study, published in the leading journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research’s special issue devoted to smoking and COVID-19, found that being on the COVID-19 frontlines could negatively impact hospital workers’ mental health—even during lull periods and even for ancillary hospital staff, such as maintenance workers and administrative staff.  

Hebrew University study shows lipid-lowering drug reduced inflammation in 48 hours and removed the need for oxygen support within 5 to 7 days for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected over 165 million people worldwide causing nearly 3.5 million deaths. Recent vaccination efforts have been hindered by multiple coronavirus variants that challenge current vaccines. While infection generally produces a mild disease, in some patients it can develop into a severe inflammatory COVID-19 requiring medical intervention.

Hebrew University Study Analyzes How Corona Has Changed How We Remember

“This global crisis created a far more accepting culture for the role digital media must play in remembrance.”

The researchers’ updated analysis: “preparations must be carried out for tightening the current restrictions. Given the current rate of infection, another outbreak will be significantly worse than the first.” They are not warning of a separate wave, but rather a resurgence of the second wave. 

Join us for this special webinar series and learn directly from some of Hebrew University’s greatest minds about the implications of the coronavirus.

1. The Real Risk Of The Spread Of The CoronaVirus (French). Register Here.

2. Don't Panic: Dealing With Anxiety In The Age Of Coronavirus (English). Register Here.

Join us for this special webinar series and learn directly from some of Hebrew University’s greatest minds about the implications of
the coronavirus.

1. Financial Implications of the Pandemic, Featuring Prof. Dan Galai

Monday, March 23, 20:00 Jerusalem time - Register Here.

Prof. Emeritus, the Jerusalem School of Business Administration, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation has generously provided the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) with 15 million NIS to fund coronavirus research.  The donation will fund 60 research teams at HU that are working to find a vaccine, produce faster and cheaper testing methods, and develop targeted treatments for those afflicted by COVID-19. 

Global Survey of 4,000 Coronavirus Patients Supports Link Between COVID-19 and Loss of Smell and Taste

Promising Hebrew University - Mount Sinai Research Shows Coronavirus Causes Lungs to Accumulate Fat; Cholesterol-Lowering Drug May Hold Key to Stopping COVID-19 in its Tracks. 

Could a simple drug, that has been on the market for decades, be used to treat COVID-19?  A research team led by Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU)’s Professor Yaakov Nahmias says that early research looks promising; their findings appear in this week’s Cell Press’ Sneak Peak.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud to announce the establishment of a new International Research Center on Democracy, Security and Human Rights, in collaboration with the Max Planck Society, Germany’s leading organization for basic research.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud to announce a new international agreement with the Faculty of Dentistry at the Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science, Tokyo. This agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative partnership focused on research, and the mutual exchange of students and academic staff.

The Tokyo institute is globally recognized for excellence. Its Faculty of Dentistry holds an impressive 4th place in QS 2025 Subject Rankings!

FOOJI – HUJI Center for Sustainable Food Systems in collaboration with GFI Israel, Tnuva, The Kitchen Hub, Aquacultech, Facultech, HUJI Innovate and Food Tech Nation held the first annual Brian Y. Davidson Food Systems Conference on Building Food Systems for Efficiency and Sustainability in a Changing World

Israeli and Palestinian engineers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem develop novel metamaterials for the cost-effective injection molding of whole cuts of meat. 

The Hebrew University School of Business Administration is delighted to unveil an important collaboration with National Sun Yat-Sen University (NSYSU) in Taiwan. This partnership marks an exciting chapter in the global expansion of the university’s academic and research reach, aligning with Taiwan’s strategic initiatives to foster international collaboration through new programs. 

As part of this initiative, a new faculty dedicated to Banking and Finance has been established at NSYSU. The partnership encompasses: 

The HUBS-Aid project led by Hebrew University Business School (HUBS) responded to the Gaza conflict's impact on small businesses with innovative support, pairing them with mentors and students to devise tailored plans for recovery and growth. Around 80 businesses received vital assistance, demonstrating resilience and fostering community bonds amidst adversity.

The Hebrew University proudly announces its participation in the launch of the AI Alliance, a pioneering collaboration between global industry, academic, research, and government organizations. Set to take place on Tuesday, December 5, this initiative aims to revolutionize the landscape of AI innovation.

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.

Goethe University Frankfurt and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) have announced a significant step in their ongoing scientific collaboration in the field of childhood studies. The two prestigious universities have signed a cooperation agreement to establish 'The Center for Childhood and Child Welfare in Context'.

The European Research Council (ERC), the grant fund of the European Union, has allocated 16.7 million euros (NIS 69 million) to support ten researchers from Hebrew University with 'Starting Grants.' Each of these scholars will receive an individual grant ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 million euros, totaling 16,770,424 euros. Hebrew University stands out as the top-performing Israeli institution with the highest success rate in grant applications. Additionally, the university has witnessed a 5.5 percent increase in the number of grant recipients compared to 2022.

First prize of NIS 100,000 awarded to Avertto for developing for developing a system to prevent and heal strokes

Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health concern with global implications. Antibiotic-resistant infection affects over 2.8 million individuals each year in the United States alone, resulting in more than 35,000 annual deaths. New resistance mechanisms constantly emerge and spread globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and sepsis.

This first of its kind partnership between Meta and an Israeli university marks a significant step to bring industry-leading Artificial Intelligence research from Hebrew University’s Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering to the AI marketplace. 

(Jerusalem, October 26, 2022)--Today, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU)’s School of Engineering and Computer Science and Yissum, HU’s technology transfer company announced a new research partnership with Meta AI.

Why people with disabilities have trouble with dentists -

By Barbara Sofer, Israel director of public relations at Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Her latest book is A Daughter of Many Mothers.

How can boys and girls, or men and women with intellectual and physical disabilities carry them out? For them, just sitting in the chair amid the machinery for long periods is a hardship.