Faculty News

The establishment of the biobank at the Tzafon Medical Center, in collaboration with the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, is made possible thanks to a grant of 1.5 million shekels from the Israel Innovation Authority.

This week, the Tzafon Medical Center received notification that it has won a 1.5-million-shekel grant from the Israel Innovation Authority to establish The Tzafon Data and Bio-Bank in partnership with the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine. This will not only be the first biobank in northern Israel but also a unique facility that will incorporate bacterial samples in addition to biological specimens.

The project is part of the Academia, Innovation, and Research (AIR) infrastructure at Tzafon Medical Center (Poriya) and will be physically located within the Biomedical Research Institute affiliated with BIU’s Azrieli Faculty of Medicine. A biological sample repository is an essential and innovative tool that facilitates a wide range of research opportunities and strengthens the connection between industry and the medical field. Furthermore, biobanks play a crucial role in the commercial development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, particularly in the era of personalized medicine.

The grant is led by Prof. Avi Peretz, Head of the AIR (Academia, Innovation, and Research) Division at Tzafon Medical Center; Dr. Hagar Tadmor, who will manage the sample repository; and Dr. Maya Azrad, who will oversee the bacterial collection. Prof. Peretz explains:

"The establishment of this biobank will be a significant leap forward for research infrastructure in northern Israel. It is expected to serve both academia and industry in medical and para-medical fields. The unique sample repository will provide a foundation for conducting complex studies and industrial developments, including research on bacterial resistance to antibiotics, bacterial strain classification using molecular methods, identification and measurement of bacterial virulence factors such as toxin production, host-pathogen interactions, and more."

In recent decades, with advancements in scientific understanding of medicine, the recognition of the importance and potential of such repositories has grown, leading to the establishment of biobanks worldwide. In Israel, only a limited number of data and biological sample repositories exist, most of which are located in central Israel. These repositories serve academic institutions and industrial companies across the country, placing the medical and academic research ecosystem in northern Israel at a disadvantage. An analysis of the Israeli market reveals that while several academic centers and industrial companies operate in northern Israel, they currently rely on acquiring samples from distant repositories. The establishment of a data and biological sample biobank in northern Israel will address a critical gap that currently lacks a solution.

"This is a highly prestigious grant that enables the medical center to establish an advanced repository, providing a foundation for researchers in Israel and abroad. The establishment of this infrastructure will also strengthen northern Israel, the biotech industry, and biomedical research, serving as a catalyst for attracting further research projects to our region," adds Prof. Avi Peretz.

Dr. Noam Yehudai:

"Thanks to the establishment of the biobank and the collaboration between AIR, Bar-Ilan University, and the Israel Innovation Authority, we will now have the infrastructure to conduct complex studies. This will allow us to provide the most precise and personalized treatment for each patient in the future. The biobank will serve as a growth engine for northern Israel, both academically and in attracting entrepreneurs, startups, and biotech companies while fostering collaborations and future data-driven research."

Photo:
Seated: Dr. Hagar Tadmor
Center: Prof. Avi Peretz
Left: Dr. Maya Azrad
Photo credit: Tzafon Medical Center

Unprecedented Achievement: Dr. Sivan Spitzer from the Faculty of Medicine and Her Partners Win a €22 Million Grant!

Dr. Sivan Spitzer has achieved an extraordinary milestone, securing Bar-Ilan University's first-ever prestigious EU-IHI grant from the European Union. The grant, worth €22 million (equivalent to 80 million NIS), is aimed at developing an innovative platform to improve medication adherence among patients with cardio-metabolic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

CAREPATH brings together researchers from six European countries, in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Pfizer, along with patient organizations. Its mission is to design and implement an advanced platform to enhance medication adherence through personalized digital and analog tools.

Why Is This Important?
Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension affect millions of people worldwide. However, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring consistent medication adherence. CAREPATH aims to bridge this gap, improve treatment outcomes, and provide patients with culturally and personally tailored tools.

Dr. Spitzer: "The vision of CAREPATH is to integrate scientific research, technological innovation, and international collaboration to enhance the quality of life for millions of people worldwide."

Prof. Keren Agay-Shay is a leading researcher at the Faculty of Medicine, specializing in environmental epidemiology with a focus on the relationship between health and the environment.

She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a PhD from the School of Public Health at the University of Haifa, where she studied congenital anomalies and air pollution in Israel. Her postdoctoral work was conducted in Barcelona at the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) at the ISGlobal Institute and later in Israel as part of the "Mimshak" program at Tel Aviv University and the Ministry of Health.

Prof. Agay-Shay’s interdisciplinary research primarily explores the health impacts of harmful environmental conditions such as air pollution and extreme temperature events, as well as the benefits of conditions like green spaces and vertical greenery systems. Additionally, she investigates temporal and spatial patterns of disease, enabling the identification of environmental hazards and hotspots of health inequality.

In groundbreaking research funded by the Israel Science Foundation (ISF), she revealed a link between exposure to extreme temperatures during pregnancy and an increased risk of low birth weight in newborns, highlighting the health implications of climate change in Israel and globally. Another study explored the connection between green residential environments early in pregnancy and chronic cortisol levels, finding evidence of positive effects on women's health.

In a large-scale study involving around one million residents, Prof. Agay-Shay identified an association between living in greener areas in Tel Aviv and a lower risk of cancer, as well as elevated morbidity rates in the Haifa Bay area that could not be attributed solely to socio-demographic factors. This research provides critical insights for environmental and public health policy.
Prof. Agay-Shay’s prolific career includes the publication of dozens of studies and academic articles. She serves as a model for academic engagement that bridges the gap between scholarly work and practical impact, ensuring her research is deeply connected to real-world challenges.

On December 8, 2024, Moti Sonnenfeld (pictured to left) visited the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Safed. Moti Sonnenfeld is the founder of the Danielle Sonnenfeld Foundation, named after his daughter Danieli, who was tragically killed in a car accident some 10 years ago. Danieli Sonnenfeld had devoted two years to National Service, the first of which took place at the oncology department of the Schneider Children's Hospital in Petah Tikva. After an uplifting meeting with the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Orly Avni, a ceremony was held to award 10 scholarships to medical students. The ceremony was led by the Administrative Head of the Faculty, Noam David Reshelbach. During the ceremony, the donor became acquainted with the students, and they learned about him and his important work, which spans dozens of philanthropic projects. Each student received a certificate and a generous scholarship.

Approximately 523 million people worldwide suffered from some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and around 19 million deaths were attributed to these diseases (as of 2020), accounting for about 32% of all deaths globally.

Congratulations to Dr. Nir Qvit from the Faculty of Medicine for winning a prestigious research grant from the Israel Innovation Authority. The grant aims to develop an innovative treatment for heart diseases. Dr. Qvit, a renowned expert in the development of compounds that selectively inhibit biological processes, received the grant as part of the 2024 health and medicine call for proposals.

Dr. Qvit’s research identified a novel mechanism affecting mitochondrial division, which supplies energy for normal heart activity and under stress conditions. This discovery opens new directions for developing unique therapies designed to improve heart function and prevent further deterioration in patients’ conditions.

The project proposed by Dr. Qvit, in collaboration with Prof. Arie Lev Gruzman Bar-Ilan from the Department of Chemistry, focuses on developing a peptide-based therapy to protect heart tissue following myocardial injury. The research suggests an innovative approach to preventing damage to heart tissue.

The goal of the research is to provide a treatment that could serve as an effective tool for preventing and rehabilitating heart damage, ultimately reducing mortality from severe cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Qvit’s research proposal was selected from dozens of submissions and earned him a grant of over one million shekels.

Last Friday, the annual conference of the Israeli Division of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) took place under the theme "Galilee Meeting." Due to the security situation, the event was held at the Tel Aviv University Faculty of Dental Medicine. The conference addressed topics such as tissue engineering, artificial intelligence applications, computational biology in oral microbiome research, head and neck cancer management, and immunology of soft and hard oral tissues.

The conference brought together over 200 researchers, students, and clinicians from across Israel, showcasing innovative and groundbreaking research in dental and craniofacial fields. Professor Orly Avni, Dean of the Bar-Ilan University Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of integrating research excellence in oral, maxillofacial, and craniofacial sciences with the development of novel treatments aimed at improving patient quality of life.

Professor Samer Srouji, President of the IADR Israel Division, Head of the Galilee College of Dental Sciences, and Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Galilee Medical Center, described the conference as a resounding success. He praised the achievements of the students who presented their research, noting that two of them will represent Israel at next year’s international IADR conference in Barcelona.

The Galilee College of Dental Sciences, affiliated with Bar-Ilan University, has established itself in recent years as a leading research institution in northern Israel, offering advanced dental specialization programs recognized by the Scientific Council of the Israel Dental Association.

The IADR, a prestigious international organization with over 10,000 researchers worldwide, continues to lead the field of dental research and strengthen scientific collaborations among researchers and clinicians globally.

How do we train excellent doctors to become outstanding teachers?

Our medical students undergo an in-depth process to develop communication skills with patients, conduct medical histories, perform physical examinations, and engage in clinical thinking—all before encountering real patients.

The HILA course (Professional Foundations for the Future Doctor), a required course given to students early on in their academic years, ensures training in a safe and supervised environment. It provides students with a solid foundation to face the challenges of medicine.

To guarantee that students receive the best possible training, the Faculty held a unique retreat this week for HILA course instructors and coordinators. The aim was to strengthen their teaching skills, deepen their knowledge in medical education, and foster teamwork within our leading instructional staff.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated team of 35 instructors and coordinators who are part of our commitment to excellence in medical education. Together, we will continue to train the next generation of doctors in the Galilee!

In these challenging times, 13% of our Faculty of Medicine students are currently serving in active reserve duty—a remarkable contribution that exceeds the university-wide average of 9% at Bar-Ilan University

Their unwavering dedication, both to their medical studies and to the defense of our country, is a source of immense pride and inspiration.

In the photos: Yoad, Hila, Nofar, and Chai—our shining examples of resilience and commitment.

Shani Lubovsky (25), originally from the U.S., and Shir Kadosh (27), from Kfar Yona, have been together for six years. They met during their military service - he, a combat soldier, and she, an infantry instructor - and they immediately clicked.

After completing their service, they traveled together, and one thing was clear: they both wanted to study medicine. And they wanted to do it together.

Their journey to fulfilling this dream to become doctors began with an international program in the Czech Republic, where they studied for three years. “Shir hopes to become a surgeon, and I’m still figuring it out,” Shani shares. But after the events of October 7, there was no doubt - they were coming back home. In the midst of it all, Shir was called up for reserve duty, where he continues to serve on and off.

Today, they are students at the Faculty of Medicine in Safed, in the three-year program designed for students who began their medical studies abroad. Just two weeks ago, they moved into their new apartment in Safed. “Moving to Safed was the right choice for us,” says Shani. “The area is stunning, the atmosphere at the Faculty is warm and welcoming, and it’s great to study alongside people who understand the journey we’ve been through.”

And what’s next? This summer, after six years together, they’ll embark on a new adventure - this time, as a married couple.

A moment of pride, yet again: Prof. Omry Koren has been selected to the Clarivate for Academia & Government list "Most Frequently Cited Researchers" in the world - for the seventh year in a row!

Prof. Omry Koren, head of the Microbiome Research Laboratory at the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, is one of the most cited researchers in the world, an extraordinary achievement that places him at the forefront of global science - for the seventh year in a row.

The selection of the prestigious list includes researchers whose scientific articles are ranked in the top 1% in terms of the number of citations in their field and their year of publication, according to the international database Web of Science™. This figure reflects a huge and wide influence in the international scientific community. Only 1 out of 1,000 researchers worldwide qualify for this list, which makes Prof. Koren's achievement even more impressive. The selection is based not only on citation data, but also on qualitative assessment and broad recognition of the scientific community.

By the year 2040, it is anticipated that in Israel nearly one million people will have diabetes.

In the northern periphery of the country, today, the diabetes of 15% of the patients is not under control. In fact, the Galilee sees the highest rate of diabetes from among all geographic locations in Israel, with the North leading both in diabetes incidence as well as mortality from complications. There are 66 diabetes cases per 1,000 people.

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month we are excited to share with you some details on major steps currently taking place in the Galilee to combat diabetes, thanks to The Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine - a groundbreaking model aimed at reducing disparities in diabetes care.

Since its establishment three years ago, the SPHERE has driven transformative changes in the Galilee's health landscape - over 60 projects, 30 research grants awarded to local researchers, and collaborations with 23 municipalities representing 660,000 residents — all focused on narrowing health gaps and reducing diabetes and obesity rates.

The SPHERE model integrates scientific expertise and research support, targeting the most complex areas to create lasting health improvements for Galilee residents.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, we at the Faculty of Medicine are proud to be part of the fight against diabetes — for a healthier future for the North and all of Israel.

Photo: Inauguration of the SPHERE mobile testing unit
Photo credit: Nir Shmul

Dr. Alon Barash, a reserve Captain, Head of Anatomy Studies, and Director of the Biological Anthropology Laboratory at the Faculty of Medicine, has been awarded a special distinction by the IDF for his significant contributions to the Missing Persons and Casualty Identification Unit.

Since October 7, 2023, Dr. Barash has been serving in a highly complex and sensitive role that demands exceptional professionalism and national responsibility. In his capacity, he is involved in intricate identification processes during mass casualty events and unique cases, utilizing his extensive knowledge accumulated over 25 years of teaching and research in anatomy and anthropology.

Dr. Barash’s excellence reflects his profound dedication and critical contributions to the nation and the IDF, even under the most challenging circumstances.

In the photo: Dr. Alon Barash (center) with his commanders, receiving the commendation

In honor of World Diabetes Day, we'd like to share with you new discoveries in diabetes research taking place at the Faculty of Medicine.

Recently, a paper was published on current research being carried out at the Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine and Diabetes, led by Dr. Ron Piran. In collaboration with Dr. Gal Reches, this study revealed a method to protect beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production, and even stimulate their regeneration. The research examined the role of the Par2 receptor in the development of Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It was found that when Par2 is active in the immune system, it accelerates the destruction of beta cells. However, when it is active within the beta cells themselves, it protects them from destruction and promotes their regeneration.

These findings suggest a new therapeutic approach for Type 1 diabetes—suppressing the receptor’s activity in the immune system while activating it in beta cells. The study paves the way for personalized treatments for autoimmune diseases.

The research was funded by the Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Safed. SPHERE aims to reduce diabetes rates in northern Israel in particular and the country in general.

The Faculty of Medicine is strengthening its commitment to professional growth and personal development for graduate students through initiatives that bridge the gap between technical training and professional success. This semester marks the launch of two major initiatives aimed at providing students with essential tools for a successful academic and scientific career.

A new course, "Professional Skills: How to Navigate and Thrive in Academia," led by Dr. Liron Rozenkrantz, focuses on the "soft skills" needed for success in academia—skills that are often not formally taught. Drawing from her experience with similar courses at MIT and the Weizmann Institute of Science, Dr. Rozenkrantz creates a supportive and welcoming environment where graduate students can tackle academia's unspoken expectations while gaining practical tools for effective scientific communication, networking, leadership, and balancing career with personal life. Additionally, the course addresses sensitive issues that are relevant in academia (and any ambitious career), including imposter syndrome, conflict management, burnout, and more.

Complementing this hands-on training, Faculty member Dr. Nir Qvit has authored The Ultimate Student's Guide to Scientific Research (Routledge, 2024), an in-depth roadmap for a scientific career. The book, based on extensive academic experience, covers key topics like research design, securing funding, lab management, and career development. This guide focuses on critical decision points in a scientific career and offers practical guidance for both traditional and alternative career paths in science.

Congratulations to Prof. Samer Srouji on his appointment as a full professor!

Prof. Srouji, an expert in oral and maxillofacial surgery, has an impressive record in both the medical and academic fields. He graduated with honors from the Hebrew University in dentistry and specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Rambam Medical Center. He also conducted research at the Technion, and in 2017 was appointed Associate Professor at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine.

Prof. Srouji founded the Department of Oral, Facial, and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel and established advanced laboratories, including a 3D printing lab and a tissue engineering lab - leaders in their field in Israel. He has developed innovative methods for tissue and bone reconstruction.

Prof. Srouji carries out research in tissue engineering and clinical research in reconstructive surgery and facial trauma. He has published groundbreaking studies on tissue regeneration, including the integration of stem cells and nano-material scaffolds for bone healing, gaining international recognition as a leading expert and he is a sought-after speaker at international conferences. In addition, he has led collaborations with international research institutions and founded the Galilee College of Dental Sciences, Israel's third-largest institution for dental specialization. He holds patents in his name and has received competitive research grants totaling over one million dollars.

Prof. Srouji teaches medical students as part of their clinical rounds in the ENT and Oral & Maxillofacial departments. His department was recognized as an Outstanding Teaching Department in 2019. In particular, he teaches a unique medical 3D course - Introduction to Tissue Regeneration and 3D Printing, an innovative course for medical studies in Israel.