On December 23, 2024, the inaugural Graduate Studies Forum of the 2024-2025 academic year showcased the exceptional talent of this year’s Azrieli Graduate Studies Fellows cohort. Eight exceptional speakers captivated the audience, discussing topics ranging from physics to Assyriology. Each TED-style talk generated engaging discussions.
Dr. Naomi Azrieli, Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation, addressed the Fellows in a touching video, acknowledging their resilience in overcoming the past year’s challenges. Her words were encouraging and inspiring, reinforcing the strength and dedication of the Azrieli community.
The Forum’s steering committee, including Fellows Orit Chorowitz Bar-Am, Einav Gozansky, Anna Pshenichny-Mammo, and Dana Rubinstein, organized activities like Azrieli Fellows Jeopardy and a networking session connecting disciplines and cohorts. After the presentations, attendees enjoyed a shared lunch, where conversations continued.
The event concluded with a special session entitled “Israel and International Academia: Current Trends and Future Directions,” featuring brief lectures from Professor Vivian Liska (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and University of Antwerp) and Professor Igor Ulitsky (Weizmann Institute of Science). The speakers reflected on their experiences of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement in the context of the humanities and STEM, respectively. The session generated thoughtful dialogue, allowing Fellows to express their concerns and explore the complexities of this global issue.
The Forum uplifted spirits while showcasing the Fellows’ resilience and innovation, adding a successful chapter to their academic excellence and collaboration journey.
For videos of the presentations, please click here.
