The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has officially launched the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health (ICAMH), a landmark initiative established in response to the escalating mental-health and addiction crisis in Israel and around the world. Founded in collaboration with the Israel Center on Addiction (ICA), the centre aims to become a leading hub for research, innovation and treatment in this critical field.

The Israel Observatory on Femicide, directed by Prof. Shalva Weil from the Seymour Fox School of Education at the Hebrew University, reports a troubling surge in femicide across Israel, with 32 women killed because they were women since January—the data point to rising firearm-related murders and distinct cultural dynamics influencing the patterns of violence. The Observatory calls on policymakers to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life.

Shanghai Ranking by Research Fields for 2025: The Hebrew University ranks among the world’s top 50 in four fields, including Public Administration, which jumped dozens of places to reach 23rd worldwide—higher than Harvard.

A 12,000-year-old clay figurine unearthed in northern Israel, depicting a woman and a goose, is the earliest known human-animal interaction figurine. Found at the Late Natufian site of Nahal Ein Gev II, the piece predates the Neolithic and signals a turning point in artistic and spiritual expression. Combining naturalism, light manipulation, and symbolic imagination, it reveals how early communities used art to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Exploring one of science’s most exciting frontiers, Life in Space bridges astrophysics and biology to uncover the conditions that make life possible — on Earth and beyond. Designed for students and general readers alike, it introduces the emerging field of astrobiology through vivid explanations, real-world examples, and ethical reflections on humanity’s role in the cosmos. From the detection of habitable planets to the search for biosignatures and intelligent life, the book offers a captivating, comprehensive view of life’s place in the universe.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud to announce the establishment of a new International Research Center on Democracy, Security and Human Rights, in collaboration with the Max Planck Society, Germany’s leading research organization.

Students from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, and Georgetown University participating in the Middle Meets program met this week with Pope Francis and senior Vatican officials to discuss dialogue and reconciliation amid war. The initiative, founded by the Hebrew University’s Entrepreneurship Club, unites Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze students in open discussions about conflict and coexistence. The meeting, held in collaboration with Scholas Occurrentes, highlighted the students’ shared commitment to building trust and hope across divides

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem yesterday welcomed H.E. Lt. General (Rtd) Albert Kendagor, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the State of Israel, for a visit focused on expanding academic collaboration between Israel and Kenya.

Hebrew University proudly announces its 2025 “40 under 40”leaders—forty exceptional alumni under the age of 40 whose achievements in innovation, science, education, public policy, culture, and technology are shaping Israel and the world. Chosen from hundreds of candidates, they represent the next generation of leadership and embody the spirit of excellence that defines the Hebrew University community.

New research shows that eosinophils, immune cells usually linked to allergies, also play a protective role against Candida infections by using the CD48 receptor to recognize the fungus and release proteins that stop its growth. This discovery is important because it reshapes how we understand the immune system and opens the door to new therapies that could strengthen natural defenses against life-threatening fungal infections, a growing challenge in hospitals worldwide.

Researchers have created a new type of drug molecule that can precisely destroy TERRA, an RNA molecule that helps certain cancer cells survive. Using advanced “RIBOTAC” technology, their compound finds TERRA inside cells and breaks it down without harming healthy molecules. This discovery could pave the way for a new generation of RNA-based cancer treatments, targeting the disease at its genetic roots rather than just its symptoms.

A common human cold sore cream may soon help cats with painful eye infections: researchers found that 1% penciclovir cream (Fenlips®), when applied to cats’ eyes, was safe, well-tolerated, and maintained antiviral levels for over eight hours—suggesting that twice-daily use could effectively manage feline herpesvirus type 1, a leading cause of eye disease in cats.