The first Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellows Forum of the academic year took place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, bringing together international postdoctoral fellows to present research, exchange ideas, and strengthen connections within the Azrieli Fellows community.
The theme of the forum was Alternative Realities, reflecting the idea that imaginative thinking is often central to scientific discovery. The programme explored how researchers must sometimes look beyond established frameworks to formulate new questions and approaches.
The day began with breakfast and informal ice-breaker activities that encouraged fellows to connect before the formal programme began. Fellows were also invited to imagine alternative career paths for themselves, setting a playful tone that connected to the broader theme of imagination and possibility.
Six fellows then presented their research in a TED-talk style format — ten-minute talks designed to communicate complex ideas to an intelligent but non-specialist audience. In preparation, the fellows participated in a rigorous workshop led by a professional trainer, developing the skills to distill their research and share their insights clearly and compellingly across disciplinary boundaries. Their talks spanned a wide range of topics, including the detection of fundamental particles in physics, system control and engineering, contemporary approaches to halal dating in the age of digital applications, slavery in ancient Rome, nanotechnology for water purification, and the possibility of predicting large-scale jellyfish outbreaks using physical models. The speakers hailed from the United Kingdom, China, Ethiopia, Germany, and France.
The day concluded with another imaginative, collaborative activity that encouraged fellows to think creatively. Alongside the presentations, the forum created space for conversation across disciplines and institutions. Such gatherings are intended not only to share research and develop communication skills but also to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and strengthen connections within the Azrieli Fellows community
