News

Non-invasive brain stimulation, combined with cognitive training, could significantly improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, according to new research jointly led by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of Surrey and the Assuta-Ashdod University Medical Center.

Nuclear Spin: A Quantum Leap in Understanding Biological Processes

A research team led by Prof. Yossi Paltiel at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with groups from HUJI, Weizmann and IST Austria new study reveals the influence of nuclear spin on biological processes. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions and opens up exciting possibilities for advancements in biotechnology and quantum biology.

Pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition caused by blood clots in the lung, has long posed a significant risk to patients worldwide. However, a recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) suggests that catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) may offer a safer alternative for high-risk PE patients. The research indicates a lower risk of death and bleeding complications associated with CDT compared to other treatments.

New research on cracks changes the way that we understand the fundamental physics that guide them. The importance of cracks and how they propagate is paramount, as the behavior of cracks governs material.

In response to the recent legislation, the aChord Center- Social Psychology for Social Change at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem conducted a comprehensive flash study to gauge public sentiment regarding the proposed reform. The study's insightful findings shed light on prevailing concerns and attitudes among the Israeli public, revealing significant implications for the ongoing protests.

Low-income individuals in Israel, face significant difficulties when trying to access passported benefits. Despite being eligible for various benefits such as tax discounts and rent assistance, many struggle to navigate the complex bureaucratic processes involved in claiming them. Eligibility complexities, varying automation levels, and different service delivery methods, hinder access in many cases to much-needed support. The decentralization of benefits and inadequate coordination among entities further exacerbates these challenges.

A study that explores the effects of adding greenhouse gases to the atmospheres of Earth and TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-like exoplanet, found that supplementing CO2 leads to increased warming in certain regions of both planets, causing changes in global circulation patterns.

A recent study conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem sheds light on the impact of DNA profiles on prosecutorial decisions in the criminal justice system.

In the pursuit of justice, law enforcement agencies heavily rely on forensic evidence, with DNA testing constituting the cornerstone of modern investigations. While the scientific and technological advancements in DNA testing have been extensively studied, there is scant evidence regarding how the availability of DNA evidence influences prosecutors’ decisions to move cases forward.

A recent study led by Dr. Itamar Harel from the Silberman Institute at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has revealed new insights into the role of AMP biosynthesis in the lifespan and metabolic health of vertebrates. The findings of this study have far-reaching implications, significantly advancing our understanding of the intricate interplay between energy metabolism, aging, and lifespan regulation. Moreover, the study opens up exciting possibilities for developing interventions to combat age-related metabolic diseases and enhance healthy aging.

New ArchCUT3-D Technology Explores 3-D Micromorphological Characteristics of Engravings with Unprecedented Precision

A groundbreaking study conducted by a multidisciplinary team that include a computational archaeologist, artist, and computer programmer has revealed new insights into ancient rock engravings and the techniques used by ancient engravers. The research, carried out at Site 25 in Timna Park, Southern Israel, has captivated experts and offers a fresh perspective on the production processes of these fascinating engraved rocks.

The Institute of Archaeology at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is pleased to announce the publication of a new research article titled "Early City Planning in the Kingdom of Judah: Khirbet Qeiyafa, Beth Shemesh 4, Tell en-Naṣbeh, Khirbet ed-Dawwara, and Lachish V" by Prof. Yosef Garfinkel.The article appeared recently in the institute publication Jerusalem Journal of Archaeology.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem announces a groundbreaking development in the field of optical measurement techniques. Researchers at the university have successfully addressed a long-standing challenge in the scientific community, achieving atomic-level precision in the measurement and mapping of the thicknesses of two-dimensional (2D) material flakes.

As part of the centennial celebrations of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Post has issued a new commemorative stamp marking 100 years since the University’s founding. The stamp was released by Israel Post’s Philatelic Service as part of the official events marking the University’s centenary throughout 2025.

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.

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.”

Shanghai Ranking by Research Fields for 2025: The Hebrew University ranks among the world’s top 50 in four fields, including Public Administration, which jumped dozens of places to reach 23rd worldwide - higher than Harvard.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is pleased to announce the election of Prof. Oron Shagrir as its next Rector, following a vote by the University Senate.

Prof. Shagrir currently serves as the Vice-President for International Affairs. He previously held key academic and administrative roles, including Head of the Department of Cognitive Sciences and Vice Rector.

A new study analyzing spontaneous speech in 48 languages reveals that human beings across the globe structure their speech into rhythmic units at a remarkably consistent rate of one every 1.6 seconds. This low-frequency rhythm is stable across cultures, ages, and languages, suggesting a universal cognitive mechanism of human communication. The findings shed new light on how the human mind structures language in time. This may have implications for neuroscience, language learning, and speech technology.

Jerusalem, August 15, 2025 – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been ranked 88th in the world in the Shanghai World University Rankings 2025, published today. The university is placed second among Israeli institutions featured in this year’s ranking.

Prof. Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University, stated:

Would you trade the ability to climb a flight of stairs for the assurance that your country is protecting democratic freedoms? A new study asked Americans to weigh surprising tradeoffs—health versus dignity, income versus rights, convenience versus environmental quality. The answers revealed consistent patterns in how people value very different aspects of life, offering a practical way to compare “apples and oranges” in policy decisions. The approach could help governments, hospitals, and other institutions design choices that reflect real human priorities.

Researchers have revived 80-year-old fungal pathogens from a museum collection and found that these pre-Green Revolution strains differ significantly from modern ones, revealing how decades of pesticide use and intensive farming have reshaped plant pathogens. By comparing the old and new fungi, the team uncovered critical insights into the evolution of fungicide resistance, environmental adaptation, and plant disease dynamics, paving the way for more sustainable, informed strategies in modern agriculture.

Researchers have discovered a way to make the immune system’s T cells significantly more effective at fighting cancer. By blocking a protein called Ant2, they were able to reprogram how these cells consume and generate energy—essentially rewiring their internal power supply. This shift makes T cells more active, resilient, and better at attacking tumors. The findings open the door to new treatments that could strengthen the body’s own immune response, offering a smarter, more targeted approach to cancer therapy.

Airovation Technologies was awarded the prestigious 2025 Asper Prize for “The Hebrew University Rising Startup”. The prize, part of a competition launched by ASPER-HUJI Innovate, the university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Asper Foundation, drew entries from more than fifty startups. Airovation Technologies secured the top spot after presenting to an international panel of judges.

In a major stride toward tackling aggressive breast cancer, researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed druglike molecules that degrade a previously “undruggable” cancer-driving protein. The target, HuR—an RNA-binding protein known for stabilizing oncogenic messages—has long eluded traditional therapies. Now, using next-generation strategies involving molecular glues and PROTACs, researchers have uncovered a promising route to disarm HuR and suppress tumor growth from the inside out.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced today (Monday) that Prof. Tamir Sheafer has been elected as its next president. The decision was approved by the University's Executive Committee and Board of Governors. Prof. Sheafer, who currently serves as the university’s rector, will assume the presidency in October 2025, succeeding Prof. Asher Cohen, who will complete two four-year terms in the role.

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:

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 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.

A new study analyzing spontaneous speech in 48 languages reveals that human beings across the globe structure their speech into rhythmic units at a remarkably consistent rate of one every 1.6 seconds. This low-frequency rhythm is stable across cultures, ages, and languages, suggesting a universal cognitive mechanism of human communication. The findings shed new light on how the human mind structures language in time. This may have implications for neuroscience, language learning, and speech technology.

A new study introduces a machine learning tool that combines satellite imagery and weather data to monitor chickpea crop health. The system accurately estimates Leaf Area Index (LAI) and Leaf Water Potential (LWP) across commercial fields, helping farmers make smarter irrigation decisions and improve yields. This research marks the first large-scale application of such technology in chickpea farming.

A new study reveals that combining natural antimicrobial peptides can significantly slow the development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. The research shows that using two peptides together prevents harmful bacteria from mutating as quickly, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. These findings could lead to safer, more sustainable disease control in livestock and agricultural settings.

Would you trade the ability to climb a flight of stairs for the assurance that your country is protecting democratic freedoms? A new study asked Americans to weigh surprising tradeoffs—health versus dignity, income versus rights, convenience versus environmental quality. The answers revealed consistent patterns in how people value very different aspects of life, offering a practical way to compare “apples and oranges” in policy decisions. The approach could help governments, hospitals, and other institutions design choices that reflect real human priorities.

A surprising new drug combo—including a compound found in chocolate—has outperformed Tamiflu in fighting the flu, according to a study published in PNAS. The mix of Theobromine and Arainosine proved far more effective against a range of flu strains, including drug-resistant versions of bird and swine flu. By targeting a key viral weakness, this breakthrough could lead to stronger, longer-lasting treatments—not just for the flu, but potentially for other viruses as well.

A new study reveals that oil extracted from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has potent anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells. The research found that a modified version of the oil can suppress harmful inflammatory signals while supporting metabolic health. The findings offer exciting potential for sustainable, natural feed additives that support animal immunity and reduce reliance on synthetic drugs.

Researchers have revived 80-year-old fungal pathogens from a museum collection and found that these pre-Green Revolution strains differ significantly from modern ones, revealing how decades of pesticide use and intensive farming have reshaped plant pathogens. By comparing the old and new fungi, the team uncovered critical insights into the evolution of fungicide resistance, environmental adaptation, and plant disease dynamics, paving the way for more sustainable, informed strategies in modern agriculture.

Researchers have discovered a way to make the immune system’s T cells significantly more effective at fighting cancer. By blocking a protein called Ant2, they were able to reprogram how these cells consume and generate energy—essentially rewiring their internal power supply. This shift makes T cells more active, resilient, and better at attacking tumors. The findings open the door to new treatments that could strengthen the body’s own immune response, offering a smarter, more targeted approach to cancer therapy.

A team from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed a low-cost, non-invasive method to estimate total leaf area in dwarf tomato plants using 3D reconstruction from standard video footage. The study applies structure-from-motion techniques and machine learning to predict plant growth with remarkable accuracy. This innovative approach eliminates the need for expensive sensors or destructive sampling, making precision agriculture more accessible. The method holds promise for scaling crop monitoring across greenhouses and open fields alike.

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!

With a Constant Renewal of Cell Vitality in Diseased Tissues, This New Drug Will Hopefully Lead to the Treatment or Prevention of Diseases, Such As Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Archaeological Excavations Near Temple Mount Also Unearth Pool Built by Soldiers From Rome’s 10th Legion and Byzantine Lamp Inscribed “The light of Christ Shines for All”

2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities Ranks Hebrew University 17^th Worldwide in Mathematics and Communications, and #1 in Israel in Earth Sciences, Food Sciences, Water Resources, Economics, and Public Policy

New Deans at the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and the School of Education

(Jerusalem, July 12, 2022) The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has announced the appointment of four new deans who will take up their posts at the beginning of the upcoming academic year in October 2022.

On Eve of 4 Month Anniversary of Russian Invasion, Zelenskyy Asks the World, “How Can You Not Help the Victims of Such Aggression?”

Today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) in a live speech from Kiev. The speech was broadcast on the university’s social media channels and followed by Q&A with students and staff.

In honor of Jerusalem Day, a special session of Israel’s Knesset, headed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, was held at the Hebrew University (HU)’s Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) at the Edmond J. Safra Campus in Jerusalem.

Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino received an honorary degree--“Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa”--from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) at a festive ceremony during the 85^th Board of Governors (BOG) meeting.

Considering the threat on the lives of academics and university students in Ukraine, and in a show of solidarity, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has offered academic hosting for Ukrainian academic staff and students.  To date, 18 such refugees have been accepted to continue their studies at the University and 10 have already arrived at our Jerusalem and Rehovot campuses. 

Israel’s academic cooperation with Morocco hit a high point this week with the visit of a senior delegation from Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI).

Seeking to establish a medical school and school of pharmacy, the UM6P representatives met with Professor Dina Ben Yehuda, Dean of the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, to learn how HUJI prepares its future doctors for a medical career based on computational medicine and AI, while maintaining humanity and compassion for their patients.

(Jerusalem, March 17, 2022)—Moshe Shenfeld, a computer science PhD candidate at Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU)’s Rachel and Selim Benin School of Engineering and Computer Science has been selected as an Apple Scholar in AI/Machine Learning for 2022.  Shenfeld is one of only 15 awardees worldwide, the other Israeli recipient is from Tel Aviv University.  The PhD fellowship in Machine Learning and AI was created by Apple “to celebrate the contributions of students pursuing cutting-edge fundamental and applied machine learning research worldwide”.

Plus Teaching Posts, Stipends and Studies for Fleeing Ukrainian Academics and University Students

In a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) and HU Student Union hoisted the Ukrainian flag on its campus on Mt. Scopus.  The University and its students seek to send a message of support and encouragement to Ukraine, which is now suffering the second week of a brutal invasion by the Russian military.

New Hebrew U. Survey Finds 53% of Israelis Expect Situation to Worsen for Jews in Europe; France Now Tied with Poland as Europe’s Most Antisemitic Country, According to Israelis

Among 2,000 universities surveyed worldwide, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) ranked 90^th in the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)’s evaluation of higher education institutions.  This marks HU’s best showing since 2016.

Smoking among young teens has become an increasingly challenging and costly public healthcare issue.  Despite legislation to prevent the marketing of tobacco products to children, tobacco companies have shrewdly adapted their advertising tactics to circumvent the ban and maintain their access to this impressionable—and growing—market share. 

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.

Whether in photosynthesis or in a photovoltaic system: If you want to use light efficiently, you have to absorb it as completely as possible. However, this is difficult if the absorption is to take place in a thin layer of material that normally lets a large part of the light pass through.

 Despite advances in increased food production, half of all world’s harvested food is lost due to rot caused by microorganisms.  Plants emit various volatile organic compounds into their surrounding environment, which can be monitored for early detection of plant disease and prevent food loss.

When it comes to the world’s climate, in the past decade, planet Earth keeps sending us its summer siren’s call. According to NASA, nineteen of the hottest years have occurred since 2000, with 2016 and 2020 tied for the hottest on record. This summer is already making worldwide headlines, with England scorching beyond 40 degrees Celsius.

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.

As the world grapples with the cataclysmic events associated with climate change, it is increasingly important to have accurate climate models that can help predict what might lie ahead. 

The Innovation Centers of the Hebrew University and of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have won 2 of the world’s most prestigious prizes in higher education entrepreneurship.

(Jerusalem, June 21, 2021)—In recent years, the use of medical cannabis to treat sick kids is on the rise, although questions remain about the benefits and safety of such treatments. Now, a team of researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has completed a first-ever meta-analysis of pediatric patients treated with medical cannabis to understand better the risks and benefits of cannabis use among young patients.

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.