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BGU Leading Minds

​​​​​Discover the inspiring individuals behind Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. This series highlights diverse disciplines, innovative perspectives, and groundbreaking research. We put faces to names, and see what drives these remarkable achievers, offering a glimpse into their passions, motivations, and lives beyond academia.

BGU Leading Minds

Prof. Shlomo Cohen: The Art of Asking Better Questions

At BGU’s Department of Philosophy, students and scholars explore timeless questions about truth, ethics, and existence — discovering how the art of asking better questions shapes minds, careers, and society.

The Art of Asking Better Questions

Bridging Worlds: Ultra-Orthodox Engagement with Renewable Energy

Innovative Approaches to Green Energy in Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Sector

Meet the researchers

Prof. Ayelet Harel: Testimonies from the Border

The harrowing stories of the female soldiers who served in the frontline observation posts along the Gaza border — and were abandoned to be murdered by Hamas terrorists — were documented and published by Prof. Ayelet Harel of BGU’s Conflict Management and Resolution Program and her colleagues

Meet Prof. Ayelet Harel

Lev Galinsky: Against All Odds

A student’s war-fraught journey from a resident of Moscow to a full-time student at Ben-Gurion University Illustrates personal courage and institutional wisdom

Meet Lev Galinsky

Maor Seged: A Life-Changing Track

Maor Seged, a former national athletics champion, has overcome many hurdles to professional and academic success, while never losing sight of the finish line

Meet Maor Seged

Dr. Rachel Golan: The Phoenix

Dr. Rachel Golan’s debut book The Phoenix intertwines her personal battle with breast cancer and lifelong public health work, celebrating resilience, academia, and the profound influence of Ben-Gurion University on her journey

Meet Dr. Rachel Golan

Saad Abu Ghannam: Writing a Shared Future

Abu Ghannam blends Arabic and Hebrew, literature and activism, to inspire a new generation of writers across the Negev — and to prove that words can bridge divides.

Meet Saad Abu Ghannam

Prof. Halleli Pinson: The Gatekeeper

Prof. Halleli Pinson leads BGU’s efforts to combat sexual harassment, redefining safety, trust, and accountability across campus

Meet Prof. Halleli Pinson

Prof. Yael Hashiloni-Dolev Addresses Gender Equity at BGU

On International Women’s Day, BGU reaffirms its commitment to gender equity and academic freedom, even in times of national crisis.

Prof. Yael Hashiloni-Dolev on Gender Equity at BGU

Noa Dekel: On a Mission for Student Reservists

Noa Dekel takes her responsibilities as chair of the BGU Student Union very seriously. One of her top priorities is easing academic conditions for the thousands of students called up for reserve duty since October 7

Meet Noa Dekel

Naama Bar: Fighting for the Women of the Western Negev

Groundbreaking Research on the Overlapping Trauma of Sexual and Security-Based Violence

Meet Naama Bar

Prof. Hanna Yablonka: Echoes of History: A Holocaust Scholar Confronts October 7

Prof. Hanna Yablonka, Holocaust researcher, discusses the parallels between the extermination of Jews during World War II and the murder of Israelis on October 7, 2023

Meet Prof. Hanna Yablonka

Dr. ‎Samira Alfayumi-Zeadna: Championing Bedouin Women's Health

Improving health outcomes through research and community initiatives.

Meet Dr. ‎Samira Alfayumi-Zeadna

Prof. Bracha Shapira: From Music to Machine Learning

Prof. Bracha Shapira, of the Department of Software & Information Systems Engineering, dreamed of a musical career, but has instead made her mark as a leading authority in cyber security.

Meet Prof. Bracha Shapira

Dr. Maha Sabbah-Karkabi: Till Divorce do Us Part

Dr. Maha Sabbah-Karkabi of BGU’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology investigates the transformation of marriage and divorce patterns in Israel’s Arab society, and the impact of higher education on Arab women’s status

Meet Dr. Maha Sabbah-Karkabi

Prof. Dorit Nitzan: From WHO to BGU

Prof. Dorit Nitzan, until recently a senior official in the World Health Organization, is currently Director of the Emergency Medicine Program at the School of Public Health

Meet Prof. Dorit Nitzan

Prof. Meirav Zehavi: Algorithm Architect Breaks Barriers

Solving complex mathematical problems is a pleasure for Prof. Meirav Zehavi, laureate of the prestigious 2023 Krill Prize

Meet Prof. Meirav Zehavi

Prof. Danny Cohen-Zada: Building a Legacy in Economics

Prof. Danny Cohen-Zada's journey from Beer-Sheva's Daled neighborhood to leading BGU's Economics Department

Meet Prof. Danny Cohen-Zada

Cultivating Cultural Competence

Three researchers from three very different segments of Israeli society worked together to compose a guide to cross-cultural sensitivity and competence in academia

Learn about cultivating cultural competence