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Edited by: Fern Sidman
The aftermath of recent geopolitical events, notably the October 7 attacks, has cast a shadow over the landscape of Israeli academia, as was recently reported on the Globes.co.il web site. As researchers grapple with the fallout, a comprehensive survey sheds light on the multifaceted challenges they encounter, revealing disparities across disciplines and generations.
International collaboration has long been integral to scientific progress, fostering peer review and knowledge exchange across borders. However, recent findings from a survey conducted by The Israel Young Academy and the Afik in Academia Israeli Women Professors Association suggest that young Israeli researchers are encountering significant obstacles in securing vital international partnerships, according to the February 11th report on the Globes web site. This trend, if left unaddressed, could have profound implications for Israel’s academic and economic strength.
The survey, which garnered responses from 1,015 senior faculty members across all Israeli universities, paints a concerning picture. Many young researchers are already experiencing the repercussions of strained international ties, including limitations on mutual visits, collaborative research opportunities, and the recruitment of international students, as was noted in the Globes report. Moreover, respondents express pessimism about the future, anticipating further damage to their ability to secure research grants, publish in prestigious journals, and collaborate with non-Israeli counterparts.
Prof. Miri Yemini, a member of The Israel Young Academy and Professor of Education at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, emphasized the tangible impact of these challenges. The report on the Globes.co.il web site said that she recounted instances where researchers faced explicit discrimination, such as being denied publication opportunities due to their affiliation with Israeli institutions. Additionally, in the Globes report, Yemini highlighted the more subtle but pervasive damage occurring behind the scenes, which may manifest as a decline in academic activity over time.
While explicit instances of discrimination may be few, the broader ramifications of strained international relations are harder to quantify. Yemini warns that factors such as budget cuts and logistical challenges further obscure the true extent of the problem, according to the information provided in the Globes report. A modest decline in academic activity, if attributed solely to external factors, could mask the underlying impact of diminished international collaboration.
Yemini also said that the disparities in the damage inflicted by recent events are starkly evident across academic disciplines. While the exact sciences, engineering, and medicine appear relatively unscathed, the humanities and social sciences bear the brunt. The report on the Globes website pointed out that Yemini attributed this discrepancy to inherent differences between disciplines, highlighting the language-dependency and perceived niche nature of research in the humanities and social sciences.
Despite hopes for improvement over time, Yemini dispelled any notion of a positive trend emerging, Globes.co.il reported. The enduring damage to international ties poses significant implications for various sectors critical to the country’s resilience and recovery, including education, social work, and psychological health.
Beyond academic repercussions, researchers report widespread economic and emotional hardships, exacerbated by the disruptive impact of the war that the Hamas terror organization launched on Israel on October 7th. Notably, 11% of respondents reveal direct personal impacts, such as the loss, injury, or abduction of individuals close to them. On that nightmarish day, 1200 Israelis and others were brutally massacred when 3000 Hamas terrorists invaded Israel’s southern communities. Over 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas and brought into Gaza. Currently, 134 hostages remain in captivity while international attempts to negotiate their release are ongoing.
The burden of navigating these challenges falls disproportionately on young researchers, particularly those without tenure. Juggling demanding professional obligations with familial responsibilities amplifies the strain, with gender disparities further exacerbating the situation. The Globes report indicated that young female researchers, in particular, face heightened vulnerability across financial, emotional, and daily life domains.
Yemini underscores the importance of providing adequate support to researchers at all career stages, emphasizing the necessity of emotional and psychological space for fostering quality scientific inquiry, according to the information provided in the Globes report. The implications of neglecting these needs extend beyond individual researchers, impacting the vitality and sustainability of Israel’s academic landscape for years to come.
The survey also revealed a fluctuating desire among researchers to leave Israel, measured on a scale from zero to ten. At the close of 2022, the score stood at 0.9, signaling a minimal inclination to seek opportunities abroad. However, after Minister of Justice Yariv Levin’s announcement of a judicial overhaul plan and the ensuing protest movement in March 2023, the score spiked to 3.4, as was pointed out in the Globes report. Presently, it has moderated to 3.3. Comparatively, the desire to leave before the events of October 7th averaged 2.92, indicating that while external factors have influenced researchers’ sentiments, the inclination to leave has not surpassed the level prompted by the judicial reform plan, the Globes report added.
Interestingly, when researchers were queried about their willingness to accept positions at elite universities, the score rose to approximately 4. This finding is noteworthy, considering that elite universities have faced scrutiny for tolerating anti-Israel sentiments. The allure of prestige, resources, international connections, and the opportunity to conduct high-level research, coupled with easier recognition, appears to outweigh concerns, with some researchers expressing the intent to bring these assets back to Israel in the future, as was reported in the article on the Globes.co.il web site.
In addition to mapping the current situation, the survey sought to identify potential avenues for improvement. Researchers ranked various proposals based on their perceived efficacy. The most sought-after assistance was funding for mentoring students pursuing higher degrees, including incentives for international students. Globes reported that other priorities included funding for hosting overseas visitors, supporting article publication in accessible journals (given the high fees associated with journal access), funding for research utilizing unique Israeli expertise, and training on handling international opposition and advocacy. Proposals such as joint degrees with foreign institutions and training in social networks received lower rankings.
Yemini’s journey from Ukraine, marked by the specter of anti-Semitism, imbues her perspective with resilience and determination. Drawing parallels to her past, she highlighted the imperative for Israeli researchers to excel in their fields, transcending barriers and dispelling prejudice, according to the Globes report. Yemini’s optimism resonates with a conviction that adversity breeds excellence, inspiring researchers to strive for unparalleled achievement. Amidst challenges, she sees an opportunity for Israeli academia to rise to new heights, fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Yet, amidst the backdrop of conflict and uncertainty, Yemini acknowledged the multifaceted challenges confronting Israeli academia. The specter of virulent and unabated anti-Semitism looms large, casting shadows of doubt and apprehension. While some may envision Jewish students fleeing anti-Semitism on foreign campuses as a potential boon, Yemini tempers expectations, Globes reported. The complexities of ethnic science and the sobering reality of active conflict deter simplistic solutions. Moreover, parental concerns compound the issue, underscoring the intricate web of considerations at play.
Yemini’s insights underscore the critical role of governmental support and regulatory frameworks in fortifying Israeli academia, the report on the Globes web site said. While resilience and determination drive individual efforts, systemic support is essential for fostering a conducive environment for academic excellence.
