S u p p o r t i n g LaboratorieS of the future

t o d a y

Local Solutions for Global Challenges

InvestIng In PeoPle, InvestIng In Israel

Over the next five years, the University of Haifa plans to recruit an additional 100 researchers who will address pressing scientific questions that directly impact our health, safety and environment. Their work and discoveries will further advance Israel’s standing as a leader in scientific research and benefit the country by strengthening northern Israel.

Many of these researchers will join the University under the umbrella of the returning Scientists program, an important national initiative designed to reverse the ‘brain drain’ of Israel’s academics and attract exceptional and talented expatriates. Today, nearly 25% of Israeli scientists work abroad. Professor Manuel Trajtenberg, Head of the Budget and Planning Committee for Higher Education, has expressed concern: “This is the highest percentage in the world. There is no other country where a quarter of its scientists have left to work elsewhere.”

state-of-the-art facIlItIes and laboratorIes

To support this important strategic goal and provide optimal conditions for our talented researchers, the University is building additional state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. Setting up wet and dry laboratories for these researchers includes purchase of specialized equipment, retrofitting facilities to meet individualized research needs, and recruiting research staff, including graduate and doctoral students, and post-doctoral fellows. This professional work environment will enable our scientists to secure research funding and assist them in further developing and expanding their scientific work.

The University of Haifa is launching an ambitious campaign to

support innovative science research in areas where we hold a distinct

advantage. From advances in the fields of cancer and brain research

to development of alternative energy sources and fighting world

hunger through genetic wheat engineering, academic research at the

University of Haifa aims to advance the frontier of human knowledge

for the betterment of humanity.

Our vision is to cultivate academic excellence in research and

teaching within an environment of tolerance, openness and

multiculturalism.

The University of Haifa stands at the threshold of a challenging and exciting future.

Our academic agenda is vital to the future of Israel and all who live here.

amos Shapira

President, University of Haifa

The LaboraTory for Gene reGuLaTion

dr. Smadar ben tabou de-Leon is looking deep in the Mediterranean Sea to uncover the secrets of gene regulation. By studying the beginning of cell formation under the sea, dr. ben tabou de-Leon aims to understand how a single cell, the fertilized egg, develops into the tremendous diversity of cell types that create the various tissues and organs that make up a healthy adult body.

the Laboratory for gene regulation integrates disciplines of embryology, molecular biology, imaging, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics and mathematical modeling to explore how the information necessary for genetic diversity is encoded and how genetic instructions are executed. The research has important implications for broader health issues, including the genetic control of cancer and tissue engineering.

Dr. Ben Tabou de-Leon is studying the sea urchin embryo as a model for understanding the genetic control of human embryonic development and cancer. “The same gene that controls skeleton formation in the sea urchin embryo controls the formation of new blood vessels into tumors that supply the oxygen and nutrients the tumors need in order to grow. Understanding the control of this gene in sea urchin embryos will illuminate its control during tumor growth and open the way for novel therapeutic approaches,” she explains.

“We can use the sea urchin to learn to control cell identity and induce or inhibit specific cellular properties by genetic manipulation. This would be a breakthrough both in our understanding of cell fate specification and in the design of novel gene therapies." Dr. Ben Tabou de-Leon is currently in the process of constructing a zebrafish facility that will be used as a cancer model where she will directly apply findings into cancer research.

uncovering Medical Mysteries from Deep Sea Discoveries

Dr. Smadar Ben Tabou de-Leon

The Cyber SeCuriTy LaboraTory

Cyber attacks and digital espionage are recognized by governments and businesses around the world as serious threats to national security, economic interests, and citizens’ privacy. With each passing day media stories describe a thriving underworld of hackers and disclosures of highly sensitive, classified information. While cyber attacks exploit bits and bytes rather than bombs, aircrafts or tanks, cyber warfare can be equally devastating and deadly to nations around the world.

As part of an initiative to secure our critical computing infrastructure, increase resilience to attacks and ensure user privacy, the Department of Computer Science is taking steps to bolster its cyber security research activities. Its newly established Cyber Security Laboratory is currently developing cutting edge cyber security techniques, methodologies and tools to protect critical network infrastructure. These advances will strengthen Israel’s cyber security and bolster its reputation as a leading cyber nation in academic and business arenas.

Researchers at the Department of Computer Science were recently awarded a national Cyber Security grant dedicated to protecting biometric information, such as fingerprints, and developing novel secure ways to use this sensitive information. “This research is extremely important for the State of Israel, given the country’s plan to compile a biometric database, which could be a very vulnerable target for hackers,” explains Dr. Orr Dunkelman, who heads the Laboratory.

Safeguarding israel's Cyber Security

Dr. Orr Dunkelman

Dr. Dalit Barkan and her research team

The LaboraTory of TuMor DorManCy anD MeTaSTaSiS

Breast cancer remains the most common malignant disease and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among western women. Early diagnosis of breast cancer increases the chances of disease-free survival for breast cancer patients. However, breast cancer can recur locally or develop secondary tumors in other organs--years and even decades after the initial treatments. Metastasis, the spread of tumor cells and growth in secondary sites, is the major cause of mortality of breast cancer patients.

Recent research has shown that cells from primary tumors spread at a very early stage of tumor progression. These cells do not divide (lay dormant), cannot be detected by current biomedical imaging techniques and resist conventional therapies. Because metastatic lesions can originate from these dormant tumor cells, it is critical to understand the mechanisms underlying tumor dormancy and metastatic outgrowth. This knowledge will enable researchers to develop targeted therapies that will prevent and treat breast cancer recurrence. While this area of cancer research holds great promise, it has not been widely studied due to the lack of suitable research models.

the Laboratory of tumor dormancy and Metastasis, headed by Dr. Dalit Barkan, is dedicated to investigating the mechanisms underlying tumor dormancy of disseminated tumor cells and their switch to metastatic growth. Dr. Barkan has pioneered the development of a model system outside the living animal that can model tumor dormancy and the switch to proliferative growth. By utilizing this unique model, Dr. Barkan hopes to discover novel therapeutic targets to combat metastasis before it begins and destroy cancer cells wherever they may hide.

unraveling Metastasis

Dr. Dalit Barkan

Breast cancer cells reverted to normal tissue

The LaboraTory for innovaTionS in rehabiLiTaTion TeChnoLoGy

A team of occupational therapy experts at the Laboratory for innovations in rehabilitative technology is developing Virtual Reality technologies to help children with disabilities, such as autism and cerebral palsy, to learn critical life skills that will help them cope outside their school and home environments. Virtual Reality technologies use computers and multimedia to simulate real environments where children interact with displayed images and feel ‘present’ in the displayed settings.

Led by Prof. Tamar Weiss, the research team is adapting collaborative technologies, including virtual environments and table-top touch screens, to help children with autism communicate and participate in everyday activities. The team is also focusing on novel ways to design virtual and ambient environments that will improve cognitive and motor functioning in the elderly and stroke victims.

Prof. Weiss’ latest research makes use of transparent sensors and cameras so that real environments, such as museums and shopping malls, can be run as “Living Labs”. The equipment is installed unobtrusively so as to accurately evaluate people’s performance without encumbering them. “Our aim is to use this research to show future clinicians how to take advantage of these novel tools. We also hope to better understand the phenomenon of 'successful aging' in order to prevent or, at least, minimize the effects of age-related dysfunction,” adds Prof. Weiss.

bringing hope to Children and adults with Disabilities

Prof. Tamar Weiss

The GreeneST SuSTainabiLiTy reSearCh

Israel's innovative drip irrigation technology – widely recognized as groundbreaking in the world of water conservation – is on its way to becoming even greener. Dr. Andrea Ghermandi of the Faculty of Management is combining Israeli cleantech expertise in membrane water desalination with solar power production to develop farm-scale solutions for the sustainable use of brackish groundwater in irrigation.

Brackish water irrigation is extensively implemented in desert regions around the world, including the Negev and Arava in Israel and many countries in the Middle East and North Africa. However, it is not sustainable over the long term because of the large amounts of water required and the limitations of types of crops that can be grown.

providing adequate Water in reMote and iMpoveriShed CoMMunitieS

Dr. Ghermandi's green solution combines membrane desalination with photovoltaic power modules to produce high-quality irrigation water with a suitable ionic composition for crops. His innovative approach has been initially tested and allows for up to 50 percent savings in irrigation water use, as well as increased crop yields over current practices.

A pilot unit is currently up and running in the desert south of the Dead Sea, successfully sustaining crops with solar-energy desalinated water. Additional and larger testing facilities are planned to be built in Jordan and Senegal.

Dr. Andrea Ghermandi is currently head of the University's international global green Mba, an innovative graduate program designed to train the next generation of business managers with an emphasis on environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Solar-Powered Desalination Provides More ‘Crop per Drop’

Dr. Andrea Ghermandi

The LaboraTory for The bioLoGy of aGinG

The rapid graying of populations and the increase in age-related diseases are emerging as a critical global public health issue. By 2030, the 65 and over population is projected to more than double - growing from 420 million to 973 million people. With this comes increased incidences of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and diminishing quality of life. This trend is placing a tremendous burden on the healthcare system.

the Laboratory for the biology of aging, under the direction of Dr. Gil Atzmon, is breaking new ground in understanding age-related disease. By studying the role of epigenetics in disease, aging and longevity, Dr. Atzmon seeks to gain deeper understanding of the entire genome sequence to assess the risk for age-related diseases, advancing our understanding of the aging processes.

Dr. Atzmon recently joined the University’s Department of Human Biology after completing a fellowship in Human Genetics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, where he also served as a faculty member. His research could lead to new drug therapies that will help people live longer, healthier lives and prevent, or significantly delay, age-related diseases.

The laboratory's multidisciplinary approach to the study of aging is unique. “We are laying the foundation for multidisciplinary research that will integrate brain research; systems and signaling biology; cancer and stem cell research; and longevity,” explains Dr. Atzmon. “We envision that the research will help to inform our health policy, treatment and ultimately enable us to age with grace.”

Turning back the Clock

Dr. Gil Atzmon

Dr. Tamar Krugman

Dr. Tamar Krugman and her students

The WiLD CereaL Gene bank ProjeCT

Wheat is without question the most important food crop in the world, providing the earth’s population with some 20% of our calories and protein. Unfortunately, this fundamental source of nutrition is under constant threat. Increasing population growth, together with the effects of climate change, diminishing water availability and loss of agricultural land, have resulted in escalating food prices and pose serious challenges to food security. Prof.Tzion Fahima and a team of evolutionary biologists at the Institute of Evolution, Prof. Abraham Korol and Dr. Tamar Krugman, are developing new genomic technologies that offer potential solutions to the global food crisis. The researchers are developing improved cultivars of wheat and barley that are highly resistant to diseases, tolerant to drought and salinity, and have high yields and improved grain quality. Known as the Wild Cereal gene bank project, the initiative holds great promise for boosting crop yields, improving the lives of vast populations and ensuring agricultural biodiversity.

“Israel has one of the most diverse assortments of wild wheat and barley, making it the most suitable site for this type of research,” explains Prof. Tzion Fahima, Head of the Institute of Evolution. The introduction of the “mother of wheat” wild emmer wheat genes, native to Israel, into current commercial varieties can have a huge impact on global food production. Improving the grain protein content of wheat could affect the lives of more than 2 billion people suffering from malnutrition. In addition, increased grain mineral content will provide a solution to indigent populations suffering from diseases and developmental problems caused by mineral deficiencies.

fighting World hunger through Genetically-improved Grains

ensuring equal Learning opportunities for all Children

The MobiLe LaboraTory for neuroCoGniTive reSearCh

Approximately 15% of students in the Western world suffer from some type of learning disability. In Israel, a multicultural country with immigrant populations where Hebrew is not the first language for nearly 30%, the percentage of students experiencing reading and writing difficulties is even higher.

For several years, researchers at the edmond J. Safra brain research Center have been pioneers in the understanding of the brain processes involved in learning and learning disabilities. The Center’s latest innovation, the Mobile educational Laboratory supported by the Sobell Foundation, is literally taking this knowledge ‘on the road’, bringing the latest diagnostic and intervention tools to Israel’s peripheral neighborhoods and reaching students who would not otherwise have opportunities to receive such support in overcoming learning disabilities.

A fully equipped laboratory on wheels, the unit serves as a mobile laboratory, providing schools throughout Israel with knowledge and support in the area of learning disabilities in Hebrew and Arabic. A team of specialists from the University of Haifa train and supervise teachers throughout the school year in the latest interventions developed for learning disabled students.

Since its inception, the Mobile Educational Laboratory Program has serviced more than 100 Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking schools from the central to northern regions of the country. Of the 1,500 children tested, more than 1,000 children were diagnosed as poor readers and participated in the intervention project. Among those benefitting from the program are Arabic-speaking Muslim and Druze schoolchildren, Hebrew-speaking Ethiopians and new immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

“The Mobile Laboratory enables us to bring the most up-to-date knowledge on diagnosis, evaluation and remediation of learning disabilities to schools throughout Israel and can serve as a model for other multicultural countries,” notes Prof. Zvia Breznitz, Director, Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for the Study of Learning Disabilities.

Ms. Claudia Harel

s u P P o r t I n g I n n o v at I v e s c I e n c e r e s e a r c h a t t h e u n I v e r s I t y o f h a I f a

We invite you to take part in supporting the groundbreaking research underway at these and other laboratories.

a gift of $500,000 will enable the dedication of a fully equipped science laboratory in your name.

a generous gift of $1 million will support a returning scientist for a period of five years at the University of Haifa and contribute to Israel’s academic standing.

donor reCognit ion

The University of Haifa prominently recognizes its donors and will be honored to pay tribute to your generosity with graduated levels of recognition, including:

• Recognizing your donation through appropriate signage

• Honoring the donor at a special dedication ceremony

• Acknowledging your support in University media publications, wherever possible

Division of External Relations and Resource Development

Telephone: +972-4-8240093

E-mail: vice-president@univ.haifa.ac.il

University of Haifa Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel

Graphic design: MESH Branding

Photography: Eli Gross

www.haifa.ac.il