A new study led by Dr. Milan Patra along with Professors Ittai Ben-Porath and Yuval Dor from the Faculty of Medicine of the Hebrew University has revealed that senescent human pancreatic beta cells, which play a crucial role in insulin production, exhibit enhanced functional maturation through chromatin reorganization. Additionally, the study finds that these cells show increased activity of the interferon pathway which stimulates the immune system. This finding may offer a potential new avenue for tackling type I diabetes.

Background: The Diabetes Challenge

Diabetes, characterized by insulin deficiency or resistance, hinges on dysfunctional pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for secreting insulin to remove glucose from the blood. Enhancing or preserving the function of these cells is pivotal for developing diabetes treatments. Globally, an estimated 463 million adults, or roughly 1 in 11, grapple with this condition, a figure expected to balloon due to aging populations, urbanization, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles. Projections indicate that by 2045, over 700 million could be afflicted, posing daunting challenges to healthcare, economies, and public health efforts. Urgent action is imperative to stem this tide, necessitating effective prevention strategies, better access to care, and innovative treatments.

Key Findings: Functionality and Immune Response

The study, published in Nucleic Acids Research, demonstrates that a significant portion of adult human pancreatic beta cells activate a gene called p16, which indicates that they are in an aging-like state, termed cellular senescence. Interestingly, these senescent cells, rather than showing signs of dysfunctionality, show elevated levels of genes that are important for their function. Thus, these cells appear to possess a higher level of functionality and maturity compared to their non-senescent neighbors. This is surprising, as previously identified senescent cells in other tissues are generally thought to be dysfunctional and have harmful effects.

By analyzing the gene organization of senescent beta cells, the researchers discovered that they change the packaging of the genes – the chromatin, generating a reprogrammed organization that allows activation of functionality. Because of this, it appears that the aging beta cells have the ability to release insulin in response to glucose in even larger amounts, which helps regulate blood sugar levels effectively.

This study also found that senescent beta cells have elevated levels of genes that communicate with the immune system. This response, termed the “interferon response” normally acts to indicate a viral infection to immune cells, recruiting their attack. However, the senescence beta cells activate this pathway in the absence of such infection: it is molecular changes in the cells themselves simulate this response. The potential consequence is increased stimulation of immune cells to attack beta cells, the fundamental process that drives type I diabetes. This means that aging beta cells might help regulate immune responses and could be important for understanding autoimmune reactions in type 1 diabetes. Potentially, blocking this response, or the process of senescence, could be used to prevent the progression of type I diabetes in its early stages.

Implications for Diabetes Treatment

The discovery that aging pancreatic beta cells can retain high functionality and respond to immune signals challenges the traditional view that senescent cells are purely detrimental. This new understanding opens the door to potential therapies aimed at preserving or enhancing the insulin-secreting function of beta cells in diabetic patients.

"These findings are pivotal because they suggest that senescent beta cells are not a liability, but may act, in a pre-designed manner, to improve insulin production as we age, countering other detrimental effects," said Professor Ittai Ben Porath. “Furthermore, if it will be further established that senescence of beta cells is a prominent feature of the early stages of type I diabetes, targeting of these cells through drug treatment could represent a novel approach for preventing autoimmune attack of beta cells."

Future Research Directions

Future research plans include delving deeper into the mechanisms driving the increased activity of functional-maturation programs in aging beta cells, influenced by chromatin dynamics. A comprehensive understanding of these processes holds promise for the development of targeted therapies aimed at enhancing beta-cell functionality and lifespan, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals grappling with diabetes. Understanding how the process of senescence affects the interaction of immune cells with beta cells, and whether this is indeed associated with diabetes, may open the door for new treatment approaches.

The research paper titled “Senescence of human pancreatic beta cells enhances functional maturation through chromatin reorganization and promotes interferon responsiveness” is now available in Nucleic Acids Research and can be accessed at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38682582/

DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae313

Researchers:

Milan Patra¹, Agnes Klochendler¹, Reba Condiotti¹, Binyamin Kaffe², Sharona Elgavish³, Zeina Drawshy¹, Dana Avrahami¹, Masashi Narita⁴, Matan Hofree^{5 6}, Yotam Drier⁵, Eran Meshorer², Yuval Dor¹, Ittai Ben-Porath¹

Institutions:

1. Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

2. Department of Genetics, the Institute of Life Sciences and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

3. Info-CORE, Bioinformatics Unit of the I-CORE at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

4. Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge

5. The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

6. School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Pictures

Title: Adult pancreatic islets marking senescent beta cells

Description: Beta cells (marked in green) in the pancreas are organized in structures termed islets. In most adults, it was found that a subset become senescent and display the marker p16, shown here in red. The image shows a typical islet in an adult pancreas. Scale bar = 50 μm. 

Credit: Nucleic Acids Research

 

Title: Senescent beta cells show high levels of proteins that display antigens to the immune system.

Description: Pancreatic islets from adult human subject stained for Insulin (INS) marking beta cells, for p16, and for HLA-I – the system by which cells display antigens to attract immune attack. Blue (DAPI) marks DNA. Arrows indicate p16high cells. Scale bar = 10 μm.

Credit: Nucleic Acids Research

Funding

 

Stichting Onderzoek Nederland (Y. Dor and I.B.-P.); Israel Science Foundation Legacy Heritage Program [1245/16 to I.B.-P.]; British Council BIRAX Program [65BX18MNIB to M.N. and I.B.-P.];Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund [3-SRA-2024-1479-S-B to Y. Dor and I.B.-P.]; Cooperation Program in Cancer Research of the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) and Israel's Ministry of Science, Technology and Space (MOST) [0004062 to I.B.-P.]; Human Islet Research Network [HIRN, U01 DK135001] and NIDDK [R01 DK133442 to Y. Dor]; Human Islet Research Network [HIRN, U01 DK134995 to D.A.]; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute Core Grant [C9545/A29580 to M.N.]; I.B.-P. holds the Woll Sisters and Brothers Chair in Cardiovascular Diseases; Y. Dor holds the Walter and Greta Stiel Chair and Research Grant in Heart studies. Funding for open access charge: Woll Sisters and Brothers Chair in Cardiovascular Diseases.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 25,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 86^th according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en

 

 

 

A recent study by MD-PhD student Eden Engal under the guidance of Dr. Yotam Drier and Prof. Maayan Salton from the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University has highlighted the crucial role of the SMCHD1 protein in the regulation of alternative splicing, shedding light on the disease development of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). This complex disorder, which leads to the progressive weakening and loss of muscle function, is driven by genetic factors. The team's findings enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms that underlie this debilitating condition.

FSHD is one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy, affecting approximately 1 in 20,000 people worldwide. It is caused by genetic mutations that lead to the inappropriate activation of the DUX4 gene in muscle cells and this activation disrupts normal muscle function and causes muscle cells to deteriorate over time. The severity of the disease can vary widely, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms while others may lose significant muscle function and mobility. There is currently no cure for FSHD.

As DNA is transcribed into RNA, parts of the genes are removed from the RNA in a process known as splicing. Which parts are removed is regulated by multiple proteins and can lead to production of different proteins from the same DNA, a phenomenon therefore termed alternative splicing. The new study found that in addition to SMCHD1 known role in regulating chromosome structure, it is also strongly affecting alternative splicing. Mutations in the SMCHD1 gene were already known to lead to DUX4 expression and FSHD, but it was not clear how.

A detailed analysis of RNA sequencing data from muscle biopsies of FSHD patients and cells genetically modified to lack SMCHD1 revealed extensive splicing errors in numerous genes due to the absence of SMCHD1. A comprehensive screening of splicing factors identified the involvement of the splicing factor RBM5 in these anomalies, and further experiments confirmed that SMCHD1 is required for recruiting RBM5 to its target RNA sites. Amongst the genes whose splicing was disrupted, the researchers identified the DNMT3B gene. They have then demonstrated that the changes in DNMT3B splicing lead to reduced DNA methylation at specific sites near DUX4 which in turn cause harmful overexpression of the DUX4 gene, significantly contributing to FSHD development.

"Our findings underscore a vital link between SMCHD1 and the regulation of splicing mechanisms that, when disrupted, activate pathological processes in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy," stated Eden Engal. "This understanding opens new avenues for potential therapeutic strategies that target these splicing errors, offering hope for mitigating the disease's progression."

This research emphasizes the significant role of SMCHD1 in gene splicing regulation and its impact on the genetic foundations of FSHD, pointing to promising directions for therapeutic intervention.

The research paper titled “DNMT3B splicing dysregulation mediated by SMCHD1 loss contributes to DUX4 overexpression and FSHD pathogenesis” is now available in Science Advances and can be accessed at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38809976/.

Researchers:

Eden Engal^1,2,3, Aveksha Sharma², Uria Aviel^1,4, Nadeen Taqatqa², Sarah Juster4,5, Shiri Jaffe-Herman2, Mercedes Bentata^1,2, Ophir Geminder^2,3, Adi Gershon², Reyut Lewis¹, Gillian Kay², Merav Hecht¹, Silvina Epsztejn-Litman⁴, Marc Gotkine^6,5, Vincent Mouly⁷, Rachel Eiges^4,5, Maayan Salton², Yotam Drier¹

Institutions:

1. The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
3. Department of Military Medicine and "Tzameret", Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
4. Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center
5. Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
6. Department of Neurology, Hadassah Medical Center
7. UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm UMRS974, CNRS FRE3617, Center for Research in Myology, Sorbonne University

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's premier academic and research institution. Serving over 23,000 students from 80 countries, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en. 

 

In an important advance in the fight against cancer, a research team from The Hebrew University has developed a new method to predict the behavior of cancer cells with high accuracy. This innovative approach, combining nano informatics and machine learning, could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of cancer by allowing for the rapid identification of cancer cell subpopulations with varying biological behaviors.

In a novel study led by doctoral student Yoel Goldstein and Prof. Ofra Benny from the School of Pharmacy in the Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with Prof. Tommy Kaplan, Head of the Department of Computational Biology at the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Hebrew University, The Hebrew University, an innovative method was developed to predict cancer cell behavior using nano informatics and machine learning. This discovery may lead to a significant breakthrough in cancer diagnosis and treatment, enabling the identification of cancer cell subpopulations with different characteristics through simple and quick tests.

The initial phase of the study involved exposing cancer cells to particles of various sizes, each identified by a unique color. Subsequently, the precise amount of particles consumed by each cell was quantified. Machine learning algorithms then analyzed these uptake patterns to predict critical cell behaviors, such as drug sensitivity and metastatic potential.

"Our method is novel in its ability to distinguish between cancer cells that appear identical but behave differently at a biological level," Yoel Goldstein elaborated and explained "This precision is achieved through algorithmic analysis of how micro and nanoparticles are absorbed by cells. Being capable to collect and analyze new types of data brings up new possibilities for the field, with the potential to revolutionize clinical treatment and diagnosis through the development of new tools."

The research has paved the way for new types of clinical tests that could significantly impact patient care. "This discovery allows us to potentially use cells from patient biopsies to quickly predict disease progression or chemotherapy resistance," stated Prof. Benny. "It could also lead to the development of innovative blood tests that assess the efficacy of targeted immunotherapy treatments as example."

Current tools for predicting and detecting cancer often lack accuracy and efficiency. Traditional methods like imaging scans and tissue biopsies can be invasive, costly, and time-consuming, leading to delays in treatment and potential misdiagnoses. These approaches may not capture the dynamic nature of cancer progression and can result in limited insights into the disease's behavior at a cellular level. Consequently, patients may experience delays in diagnosis, suboptimal treatment outcomes, and increased psychological distress. This highlights the urgent need for more effective and non-invasive diagnostic tools, like the recent breakthrough achieved by researchers at The Hebrew University, which represent a significant advancement in personalized medicine, providing hope for more effective and customized treatment strategies for cancer patients.

The research paper titled “Particle uptake in cancer cells can predict malignancy and drug resistance using machine learning” is now available in Science Advances and can be accessed at
10.1126/sciadv.adj4370.

Researchers:

Yoel Goldstein¹, Ora T. Cohen¹, Ori Wald², Danny Bavli³, Tommy Kaplan^4,5, Ofra Benny¹

Institutions:

1. Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
2. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
3. Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University
4. School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
5. Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Picture

Illustration. Credit: Made by Ofra Benny by OpenAI software DALL-E

 

Title: Yoel Goldstein and Ofra Benny in the Lab. Credit: Yoram Aschheim

 

Disclaimer: In these challenging times of war and crisis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem is resolute in its dedication to advancing research and education. We stand in full support of the brave individuals on the frontlines, safeguarding our nation and the well-being of all Israelis, and extend our deepest gratitude and unwavering solidarity to our community and fellow citizens. Together, we shall prevail against the challenges that confront us, and our shared commitment to the well-being of all Israelis and the pursuit of knowledge remains resolute.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's premier academic and research institution. Serving over 23,000 students from 80 countries, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en. 

 

 

 

The study was conducted in the spring of 2023 in the Be’eri forest and near Kibbutz Re’im to investigate the impact of Eucalyptus trees on herbaceous plant communities. Tragically, mere months after this research, the Hamas launched an attack on Israel and the region was struck by devastating events. Our thoughts are with all those affected, both physically and mentally. We remain hopeful for the restoration of this region, known for its stunning natural beauty, and aspire that our findings will contribute to these restoration efforts.

The Western Negev region of Israel, characterized by its extensive Eucalyptus plantations, has been the subject of ongoing debate due to Eucalypti being an alien species. Eucalyptus is famous for allelopathy - the chemical inhibition of one plant species by another - which can significantly impact local vegetation. This study, conducted in the Be’eri forest and near Kibbutz Re’im, focused on understanding these effects on herbaceous plant communities that are crucial for ecosystem services, such as grazing and cultural significance.

New study by Yuval Neumann and Dr. Niv DeMalach from the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University examined the impact of three Eucalyptus species: E. camaldulensis, E. loxophleba, and E. torquata. Key findings include:

Herbaceous Biomass Reduction Under the Eucalypti canopy a significant reduction in herbaceous biomass was observed, even when controlling for shading.

Flowering Density of Red Anemones: A negative impact on the flowering density of red anemones (A. coronaria) was observed.

Ecosystem Services: Eucalypti provide numerous ecosystem service, such as s security-forestation (hiding settlements), as nectar providers, or shade providers. Their potential negative impact on ecosystem services is through reducing the flowering density of red anemones, which in turn are an economical ecosystem service as they attract tourism.

Differences between the species: The study found major differences in the three Eucalyptus species’ effect on herbaceous communities, with E. torquata having a negative effect on biodiversity (of up to ~90% reduction), while the other two species did not show an effect.

Given the findings, the researchers advise caution in planting certain Eucalyptus species’ trees in areas intended for tourism, such as the 'Darom Adom' (red south) festival, and in regions home to rare or protected species. Significant differences between Eucalyptus species were noted, with some species exhibiting minor negative effects. Therefore, the researchers recommend prioritizing species with minimal impact for reforestation efforts.

This study underscores the need for careful consideration of the ecological impacts of Eucalyptus plantations in the Western Negev. While these trees offer certain benefits, their allelopathic properties can negatively influence local plant communities and ecosystem services. Reforestation efforts should be led by data-driven decision-making, and supported by further research, to deepen our understanding.

The research paper titled “The effects of Eucalyptus on herbaceous plant communities in the Western Negev” is now available in Hebrew at Ecology and Environment (ekologia ve seviva) and can be accessed at https://magazine.isees.org.il/?p=57779

Researchers:

Yuval Neumann and Niv DeMalach

Institution: The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University in Jerusalem (Israel)

 

Pictures: Credit: Yuval Neumann

Anemones in the Be’eri Forest in Southern Israel. 

Anemone Against a Winter Flow in Be’eri Forest in Southern Israel

The research site near Reim Junction

 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's premier academic and research institution. Serving over 23,000 students from 80 countries, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en. 

 

 

 

A new study led by Prof. Ronen Hazan and his team, from the Faculty of Dental Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with the team of Vet Holim, JVMV -Veterinary medical center in Kiryat -Anavim, Israel, has shown an advance in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections in animals. This research, focusing on a five-year-old Siamese cat Squeaks with a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection post-arthrodesis surgery, marks the first published documented application of personalized phage therapy in veterinary medicine.

Squeaks, initially treated at the JVMV for injuries sustained from a high-rise fall, developed a severe infection in the right hind leg following multiple surgeries. This infection persisted despite various antibiotic treatments over four months. Facing a potential implant-replacement surgery, the team turned to the new treatment which involved a meticulously designed combination of a specific anti-P. aeruginosa phage, a virus that kills bacteria, applied topically to the surgical wound and ceftazidime administered intramuscularly. Moreover, the owners of the cat, after short demonstration, provides most of the treatment doses of phages and antibiotics at their home.

The integration of phage therapy with antibiotics was aimed at targeting the pathogen effectively and directly at the site of infection, leveraging the phage’s ability to be applied topically, which simplifies administration and maximizes its concentration at the infection site. This approach allowed the surgical wound, which had remained open for five months, to fully heal after to fourteen weeks of treatment.

The successful outcome of this case underscores the critical need for novel therapeutics like phage therapy to address the growing concern of antibiotic-resistant infections, which affect up to 8.5% of surgical sites following orthopedic surgeries in companion animals. These infections not only pose significant health risks to the animals but also increase the morbidity, mortality, and costs associated with these procedures.

Recent studies suggest that phage therapy, already showing high success rates in human medicine for treating orthopedic infections and chronically infected wounds, can offer a promising solution for similar issues in veterinary practice. Moreover, the successful treatment of this cat by its owners at home highlights the practicality and efficacy of personalized phage therapy, which could be extended to treat other pets facing similar antimicrobial resistance challenges.

Interestingly, opposite to common situations, this case was performed on an animal based on the team's insights from treating humans first.

The positive reception from veterinarians and pet owners regarding phage therapy points to a growing awareness and acceptance of this treatment option. As the new treatment continues to be explored in veterinary settings, it not only improves the health and well-being of pets but also offers valuable data that contribute to the broader application of phage therapy in both animals and humans. This bridging of data can enhance treatment protocols and outcomes across a variety of bacterial infections, potentially changing the landscape of infection treatment in both veterinary and human medicine.

The research paper titled “Successful phage-antibiotic therapy of P. aeruginosa implant-associated infection in a Siamese cat” is now available in Veterinary Quarterly and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.2024.2350661.

Researchers:

Ron Braunstein¹,  Goran  Hubanic²,  Ortal  Yerushalmy¹,  Sivan  Oren-Alkalay¹,  Amit  Rimon^1,3,  Shunit Coppenhagen-Glazer¹,  Ofir  Niv²,  Hilik  Marom²,  Alin  Barsheshet², Ronen  Hazan¹

Institutions:

1) Institute of Biomedical and Oral research (IBOR), Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

2) Vet Holim, JVMV -Veterinary medical center, Kiryat-Anavim, Israel

3) Tzameret, The Military Track of Medicine, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel

Picture: Squeaks, Relaxing after full recovery

Credit: Milat and Larry Berkley

 

Funding

This work was supported by the EveryCat Health Foundation, Wyckoff, New Jersey, under GRANT EC23—0000000060. 

Disclaimer: In these challenging times of war and crisis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem is resolute in its dedication to advancing research and education. We stand in full support of the brave individuals on the frontlines, safeguarding our nation and the well-being of all Israelis, and extend our deepest gratitude and unwavering solidarity to our community and fellow citizens. Together, we shall prevail against the challenges that confront us, and our shared commitment to the well-being of all Israelis and the pursuit of knowledge remains resolute.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's premier academic and research institution. Serving over 23,000 students from 80 countries, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en. 

 

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH from The Jerusalem Post

Although pro-Hamas presidents, professors, and students at universities throughout the US, Europe, and elsewhere are bashing Israel for political reasons, Israeli universities are nevertheless flourishing academically and in their research activities.

Five out of nine Israeli universities have improved in this year’s rankings, while the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has come out ahead of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot. The rankings were determined in the 2024 edition of the Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), which is based in the United Arab Emirates.

Harvard University in Boston, which has been – along with Columbia University in New York – the scene of the most vicious antisemitic and anti-Israel demonstrations, leads the list globally, while 95% of Chinese universities have risen on the back of heavy investment in research and development in that country.

 

The spokespersons of all nine Israeli research universities declined to comment when asked by The Jerusalem Post.

Overall, said CWUR, Israel is increasing its competitiveness in higher education on the global stage, with five institutions moving up from last year, one maintaining its spot, and three falling in the standings. Nevertheless, the threats to boycott Israeli academics have cast a shadow on them because joint research and the granting of funds for research are the lifeblood of academia, and if they follow through on their threats, it will hurt Israeli universities and medical centers.

Students seen at the campus of ''Mount Scopus'' at Hebrew University on the first day of the opening of the university year on October 23, 2022. (credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)

 

Hebrew University rises due to faculty quality 

Hebrew University of Jerusalem rose four spots to 66th in the quality of its faculty, but declining in the quality of education and research indicators. The Weizmann Institute of Science has climbed 13 places to 74th, while Tel Aviv University (TAU) maintained its 154th spot – ahead of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa at number 180 and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Beersheba in 352nd position. The remaining Israeli universities in the Global 2000 are Bar-Ilan University (576), University of Haifa (670), Ariel University (1507), and Reichman University (1870).

Commenting on the national picture, CWUR president Dr. Nadim Mahassen, said: “While five out of nine Israeli universities saw improvements in this year’s rankings, what is of concern is Israel’s global share in scientific research, which fell by 9% in the last five years. Without additional government investment in research and development, Israel faces the possibility of declining in the future.”

 

He added that “while this year’s rankings confirm the world-class standing of the US higher-education sector, the decline of nearly two-thirds of American institutions is concerning, amid stiff competition from Chinese universities. The overall slide of US institutions mirrors those of UK, Russian, and Japanese universities, while France saw improvements as a result of the growing number of mergers between its institutions. China’s remarkable rise is due to heavy investment in research and development, and recruitment of talented researchers in classified areas, such as semiconductors, from the US and elsewhere through the Qiming program. With Chinese universities challenging their Western counterparts, American and European institutions cannot afford to be complacent.”

CWUR analyzed 62 million outcome-based data points to rank universities from around the world according to four factors: quality of education (25%), employability (25%), quality of faculty (10%), and research (40%). This year, 20,966 universities were ranked, and those that placed at the top made the Global 2000 list – which includes institutions from 94 countries.

For the 13th year in a row, Harvard is the top university in the world. It is followed by two other private American institutions, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford, while the UK’s Cambridge and Oxford – ranking fourth and fifth respectively – are the world’s top public higher education institutions. The rest of the global top ten is rounded out by private US universities: Princeton, Columbia, Pennsylvania, Yale, and Caltech.

Despite claiming eight of the top ten places globally, American universities have been struggling to maintain their dominance against rivals worldwide.