The Azrieli Fellows Program is proud to introduce the newest cohort of Azrieli International Visiting PhD Fellows, joining the program for the fall semester of the 2026–27 academic year.
Selected through a rigorous and competitive review process, these four outstanding doctoral candidates will spend a period of concentrated research in Israel, working alongside some of the country’s foremost researchers. The experience is designed to immerse them in a dynamic scholarly environment, where they can build lasting international connections and take meaningful steps forward in their careers.
Candidates underwent careful evaluation by a review panel, with particular attention paid to scholarly achievement, the promise of their research, and demonstrated leadership qualities.
Awarded:
Carina Brune, Bar-Ilan University, Immunology
Natasha Jenman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Medieval History
Giulia Spadanuda, Weizmann Institute of Science, Archaeology
Haochen Zhang, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Earth Sciences
Honourable Mention:
Lutherking Asuru, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Architectural History & Theory
Thomas Bauwens, Ben-Gurion University, Natural Language Processing
Gilad Gressel, Ben-Gurion University, Artificial Intelligence
Ayelet Kalfus, Weizmann Institute of Science, Artificial Intelligence
Academic Selection Committee 2026–2027
Senior Academic Advisor: Professor Hermona Soreq, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Chair: Prof. Ariel Chipman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Dr. Saar Alon-Barkat, University of Haifa
Prof. Omri Barak, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
Dr. Leeat Keren, Weizmann Institute of Science
Prof. Ely Kovetz, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Dr. Reut Naim, Tel Aviv University
Prof. Shlomi Reuveni, Tel Aviv University
Prof. Giddon Ticotsky, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Leadership & Community Consultant
Ms. Dana Hikry, Well Being Officer, Azrieli Fellows Program
