Ben-Gurion University presents: Excellence on All Fronts
Alongside achievements in research and teaching, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is working hard to support its students and staff serving in the IDF reserves – currently, 6,754 students and staff members – one-third of the university’s student population of 19,000 who have begun the academic year, and the highest percentage of active-duty reservists among Israeli universities.
Approximately 19,000 students began their academic year today (Sunday, November 3, 2024) at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, including over 6,000 newcomers. Amid the ongoing Iron Swords war, a substantial number of BGU students are expected to balance academic studies with reserve duty in the coming year. Currently, 6,754 members of the university community, including 6,385 students and 369 faculty members, have been mobilized. In other words, active reservists comprise about one-third of the student body, positioning BGU as the university with the highest proportion of reservists in Israel. On average, they served for over 100 days in the past academic year, with 82% of them pursuing undergraduate degrees.
Since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, the University, under the leadership of President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, has mobilized to support its students. Efforts have been made to ensure that the ongoing conflict does not disrupt their education. A scholarship fund was established to assist students facing financial hardship, offering help in a range of areas. Recognizing other needs as well, the University, led by Prof. Eilat Harel, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, organized a free writing workshop for BGU students returning from reserve duty. In light of the high demand, additional workshops will open in the first week of the semester. “Expressive processing is essential when reflecting on life-altering experiences, especially extreme experiences like those faced in wartime,” Prof. Harel noted. “The transition from military experience to civilian life can be challenging, and we wanted to help them make time to pause, reflect, and write.”
The far-reaching effects of this recent war upon tens of thousands of individuals from all segments of the population have increased demand for studies in therapeutic fields: medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and behavioral sciences. Each of these areas has seen significant growth in interest among applicants, with physical therapy applications up by 68% and occupational therapy by 89%. Graduate studies have experienced similar growth, with a 23% increase in applications to psychology master’s programs and a 100% increase for master’s programs in physical therapy.
The recent upheaval has also intensified interest among prospective BGU students in better understanding the regional geopolitics, the roots of recent events, and the resilience of Israeli society during such challenging times. Consequently, relevant fields have also seen a notable surge: sociology and anthropology applications are up 114%, while interest in Middle Eastern studies has grown by 73%.
Within the humanities and social sciences, additional programs are enjoying popularity. The arts curriculum has gained traction, boosted by the addition of a new music track, as is the innovative digital archaeology track using GIS (Geographical Information System) technology and 3D documentation to bridge tradition with modern methodologies.
Study areas related to Israel’s defense industries are also gaining popularity at BGU. These fields encompass a variety of core technologies – from semiconductors to the engineering of new materials essential for innovative, resilient technological solutions. Notably, demand for biomedical engineering has risen by 50%, reflecting a commitment among engineers to develop health-focused innovations.
The new academic year at Ben-Gurion University features expanded research and innovations in pedagogy and in course offerings. A unique program in marine sciences, offers a dual degree in both Earth and Environmental Sciences and Life Sciences, with a focus on marine biology and biotechnology. This program in marine biotechnology, offered at the Marcus Family Campus in Beer-Sheva, is complemented by the new marine center in Ashkelon, affiliated with BGU, with plans to eventually transfer the program to the Eilat campus.
In a unique initiative, BGU has drawn on Hebrew literature to address climate change, establishing a new Center for Environmental Humanities, combining sustainability and environmental studies with the humanities and social sciences. Another innovative program, a collaboration between Israel Studies and the Department of Communication, has led to a new track in Public Diplomacy.
Despite the challenges faced by the University and its students in the 2023-2024 academic year, the figures are encouraging, with degrees awarded to 608 new doctoral graduates, including 226 from BGU’s School of Medicine. Among them was Dr. Elai Hogeg-Golan, a survivor of the October 7 attacks. “When I woke from my coma, I realized just how much my classmates cared for me and supported my family through it all,” she recalls. “They are a testament to our collective strength, the unique human fabric within our School of Medicine, built on mutual support and a shared commitment to life.”
