Six BIU Researchers Win Prestigious ISF-DFG Grants

Six outstanding researchers from Bar-Ilan University have been awarded the highly competitive ISF-DFG grant, marking a remarkable achievement for Israeli science and for the university’s international research collaborations. The joint program of the Israel Science Foundation (ISF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) represents a cornerstone of Israeli-German scientific partnership, funding only about 20% of submitted proposals.

These grants—each valued at 260,000–300,000 NIS per year for a three-year period—support fundamental research aimed at expanding human knowledge, rather than immediate problem-solving. By design, the program embodies the spirit of “science diplomacy”: strengthening bilateral relations through cutting-edge research while upholding values of excellence, equality, and diversity.

Breaking New Ground in Psychology and Mental Health

Professor Ilanit Hasson-Ohayon of the Department of Psychology will lead a cross-cultural study with colleagues from the University of Haifa and the University of Leipzig. Their project, Exploring Attitudes and Stigma towards the Use of Antipsychotic Medications, will investigate how stigma around psychiatric treatments impacts patients, caregivers, and psychiatrists. The findings are expected to shape more tailored, evidence-based approaches to recovery in mental health.

Challenging Ageism Through Research

Professor Liat Ayalon from the School of Social Work, in collaboration with Professor Klaus Rothermund from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, will explore how different forms of age-related stereotypes fuel discrimination against older adults. Her pioneering study distinguishes between descriptive stereotypes (e.g., portraying the elderly as sick or dependent) and prescriptive stereotypes (social norms dictating how the elderly “should” behave). The results will provide deeper insights into the mechanisms of ageism and inform strategies to combat it.

The Social Power of Animal Communication

Professor Lee Koren of the Faculty of Life Sciences, working with researchers from FAU Nuremberg, will study how social context influences the reliability of animal vocalizations. Building on more than 25 years of recordings of rock hyraxes, and employing advanced AI tools, the project will reveal how animals’ solo and group calls shape social dynamics. The research promises to shed light on the intersection of communication, trust, and survival in the animal kingdom.

Decoding the Brain’s Neural Patterns

Professors Mina Teicher and Hamutal Slovin of the Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, together with German collaborators from Forschungszentrum Jülich and Aachen University, will investigate precise spatio-temporal patterns in neuronal networks. Their work aims to answer one of neuroscience’s most critical questions: how the brain achieves robust and efficient information processing. This breakthrough could inspire a new generation of energy-efficient artificial neural networks, with applications in both health and technology.

Next-Generation Audio for Hearables

Professor Sharon Gannot of the Faculty of Engineering, partnering with Professor Timo Gerkmann from the University of Hamburg, will apply generative AI models—already revolutionizing text and image analysis—to binaural audio. Their project will develop algorithms for smart headphones and hearing aids that separate voices, reduce noise, and preserve spatial cues. The outcome could transform assistive hearing technologies, enhancing quality of life for people with hearing loss and even offering “super-hearing” to those with normal hearing

A Rare and Prestigious Achievement

This year’s cohort of ISF-DFG grantees at BIU underscores the university’s breadth of excellence—spanning psychology, social sciences, life sciences, brain research, and engineering. With awards granted to only one in five applicants worldwide, these successes highlight BIU’s role at the forefront of international scientific discovery and collaboration.

Bar-Ilan University proudly congratulates Professors Ilanit Hasson-Ohayon, Liat Ayalon, Lee Koren, Mina Teicher, Hamutal Slovin, and Sharon Gannot on this exceptional accomplishment. Their work exemplifies the power of science to expand knowledge, advance human welfare, and strengthen bridges between nations.