Dr. Yotam Hendel
Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences
My life before BGU:
I am originally from Kiryat Ono, where I studied at Nir Elementary School and then at Ben-Zvi Middle and High School. All my academic degrees are in mathematics (theoretical), which is also my current field. I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees at Bar-Ilan University, initially through the high school program and then during my military service. After being discharged, I moved to Rehovot, where I earned a doctorate at the Weizmann Institute of Science. I conducted my postdoctoral research at Northwestern University near Chicago, Université de Lille in France, and KU Leuven in Belgium.
Why BGU?
Although I didn’t study here and am still getting to know the university, I know many of the researchers in the math department. When I was offered the opportunity to join the department, I knew it was a place where I could grow and enjoy my work. In addition to the department's outstanding researchers, I’m drawn to its warm and friendly atmosphere. From my experience so far and conversations with alumni, it seems this is a characteristic of the environment at the university as a whole.
My research:
I study mathematics, primarily algebra, geometry, and number theory. While humans have been pondering mathematical questions for thousands of years, many fundamental problems still lack answers. Even for basic objects, like third-degree equations with two variables, there are questions that the mathematical community hasn’t solved. My research often combines tools from different fields, and I particularly enjoy approaches that apply techniques from unrelated disciplines. These methods can often reveal fascinating insights into the original question.
An insight from my research:
Most of the tools I use to tackle a given problem are ones I’ve learned in the past. My takeaway? Be curious, and don’t shy away from exploring diverse topics and perspectives—you never know what might ultimately prove useful for a future problem or research. At least for my research, some of the most intriguing projects have started with a question about an object in one field, originating from an entirely different area.
Something that doesn’t appear on my CV:
I love reading, traveling, listening to music, and discovering new places (to eat in). Over the last two years, I lived in Brussels, where I managed to map out every café and many of the best restaurants within a two-kilometer radius of my home. It got to the point that local friends would ask me for recommendations… Before I left, some suggested turning it into a guidebook, but with time constraints—and the short lifespan of most cafés—I decided against it.
If I wasn’t a researcher, I would be…
I have no idea, and luckily, I don’t have to think about it, since I am a researcher. Maybe I’d be in high-tech, maybe I’d open an ice cream shop, or maybe I’d go to law school.
In brief:
- Master Chef or Kupa Rashit (Checkout)? Both—I’ve seen more than 0 and less than 5 episodes of each series and they both seem alright.
- Pilates or spinning?
- Morning or night? I focus better at night when everything is quiet and distraction-free. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always align with the rest of the world.
- Summer or winter? In any case, Israel’s winter is practically summer by international standards.
- Hapoel or Maccabi?
- Noa Kirel or Netta Barzilai? Noa Kirel, business-wise.
- Steak or Tofu? Steak, though there’s plenty of great vegetarian food (if it were “Steak or Hummus,” I think more people would struggle to decide).
- Instant coffee or espresso? There are more powerful forces at home, so the answer is espresso.
- Trek or spa? As wise people say, trekking first, followed by the spa.
- Car or Train? Train—I hate driving and would rely entirely on public transportation if I could. Unfortunately, the frequency and availability don’t allow for it.
- Classic Europe or India? I lived in Western Europe (Belgium) for two years and really enjoyed it. I haven’t visited India yet, but I hope to remedy that soon.
- Sea or pool? Everywhere around the world people get excited about ‘sandy beaches’, but here in Israel, it’s the norm.
- City or country? A city neighborhood with a rural feel.
- A movie at the cinema or Netflix binge? Netflix or a movie at home; I don’t have the patience for cinemas (plus, the popcorn’s way cheaper).
- Text or voice message? Text—you can quickly see what the other person wants or needs.
- Dog or cat? Both!
- Instagram or TikTok? I have neither, but I’d go with Instagram for the food photos.
- Three things I’d take to a desert island? A hat, sunglasses, and iced coffee.
