AMERICAN FRIENDS OF BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY

Conducts research on autonomous robot teams for security, search and rescue, and household applications; developed methods for border patrol and building searches to reduce breaches; collaborated with Cogniteam to create military robot systems that broadcast field video.

Conducts high-impact research including development of an Alzheimer's vaccine, gold nanoparticle-based diagnostics for cancer and arteriosclerosis, contact lenses for vision restoration, identification of a breast cancer gene switch mechanism, synthesis of immune-stimulating compounds, and creation of a compound that disables cancer cells—recognized as Israel’s #1 scientific breakthrough in 2017.

Increased enrollment by 30% across all degree levels between 2018 and 2025 and expanded academic offerings through new programs in engineering, artificial intelligence, a six-year M.D. program, and advanced research centers in cyber and nanotechnology.

Offers graduate and undergraduate educational programs in nanotechnology, including PhD and MA studies and a selective track for science undergraduates.

Supports hundreds of Jewish schools worldwide, impacting hundreds of thousands of students annually through the development and distribution of curricular materials used across North America, Africa, Australia, Europe, and South America.

Integrates the study of Judaism into the core curriculum for all students, offers a Basic Jewish Studies Program and advanced Talmudic study, hosts the largest Jewish Studies program, and conducts archaeological excavations and the Nitzotzot program linking science with Jewish sources.

Offers a Beit Midrash program for men with chavruta learning and shiurim; provides training for aspiring rabbis preparing for Israel Chief Rabbinate exams; and runs the Tikvah Fellowship workshop to develop future Jewish leaders through study of Jewish sources and Israeli public issues.

Operates a leading nanotechnology research center that publishes hundreds of papers annually, sets global research agendas, maintains 40 advanced laboratories, and provides access to specialized facilities for electron microscopy, nano fabrication, surface analysis, fluorescence, and magnetic measurement to the broader scientific community.

Provides online Jewish studies education to over 5,000 students annually through the Lookstein Virtual Jewish Academy; offers annual Jewish studies to over 750 women through more than 80 courses; runs the Reishit program for non-religious background students; and provides halachic training for women advocates and brides.

Provides financial and capacity-building support to Bar-Ilan University in Israel, enabling advancements in academic programs, infrastructure, and faculty recruitment.

Shares university research with the general public through initiatives such as Bar-Da’at, Israel’s first academic podcast, and other outreach platforms.

Advances clean energy technologies through academic-industry collaboration, developing photovoltaic-based microgrids for cities and vehicles powered by clean energy.

Conducts advanced research in computer science, including AI for security systems, multi-robot patrolling, satellite-based sensing, privacy-preserving infrastructure, human-computer negotiation algorithms, and exposure of cyber threats such as Hamas social media targeting of Israeli soldiers; ranked among the top 100 global computer science departments by ARWU.

Developed a genetically-engineered bacterial bio-sensor capable of simultaneously screening thousands of chemicals and detecting toxins within sixty seconds.

Developed a connected university model featuring an interactive catalog of 448 study programs, CRM and BI systems, WhatsApp and chatbot support, and a modern website reaching one million unique monthly visitors; tripled participation in campus Open Days and launched “Open Door” Zoom meetings with faculty.