Update about academic leadership at BGU

Dear Friends,

This week, I would like to share an important update about academic leadership at Ben-Gurion University.

On July 31, Prof. Chaim Hames will conclude his second four-year term as Rector. Over these eight years, Chaim has played a central role in strengthening academic standards, advancing excellence, and guiding the university through some of the most complex periods in its history. There will be ample opportunity in the months ahead to reflect on his achievements and to thank him properly for his extraordinary service.

At the same time, I am pleased to inform you that the University’s Academic Senate has elected Prof. Yaniv Gelbstein as our next Rector.

Yaniv is a Professor of Materials Science and currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences. Over the years, he has built an outstanding international research profile in functional and energy-related materials, with a particular focus on thermoelectric and advanced electronic materials. His work is widely cited, highly collaborative, and closely connected to both industry and national research priorities.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Yaniv brings deep institutional experience. He has held a range of leadership positions at BGU, led major academic initiatives, strengthened interdisciplinary cooperation, and played a key role in developing the Faculty of Engineering during a period of significant growth. As Dean, he has been known for his thoughtful management style, his commitment to faculty development, and his steady focus on student success and research quality.

The election of our Rector is one of the most important democratic decisions in the life of a university. It reflects the trust of the academic community in a leader’s integrity, judgment, and capacity to serve the institution as a whole. I am confident that Yaniv brings all of these qualities to the role.

We are fortunate to be marking this transition from a position of strength, continuity, and shared purpose. Thanks to Chaim’s leadership and to the dedication of our entire academic community, Yaniv will be assuming the role at a moment when BGU is advancing on multiple strategic fronts.

I look forward to working closely with him over the next four years, and I know he will have your full support as he takes on this important responsibility.

Shabbat Shalom,
Danny