Bioconvergence is a new multidisciplinary field based on the combination of engineering, hardware and software (computing, data processing and artificial intelligence [AI]) with biology and medicine. In July this year, BINA held its first bioconvergence workshop at Kfar Hamaccabiah with 80 researchers from the Faculties of Life Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Brain Research and Exact Sciences. The workshop introduced the new field and the possible directions for its implementation. Researchers had an opportunity to present their work and get to know each other. The workshop was very successful, and the deans of the relevant faculties allocated money for joint research and promotion of the bioconvergence approach within the university. To meet the needs of bioconvergence research that is underway at BINA, we applied to the Wolfson Foundation, received a grant, and are now in the process of purchasing a nanoscribe and bio-3D printer. BINA and bina (Bridge. Innovate. Nurture. Advance, the new translational research unit of the Weizmann Institute of Science) recently established a scientific collaboration called BINA2, initiated by VPRs Profs. Sagi and Michaeli, to initiate new applicative research projects. This year two studies were launched, with a researcher from each institute in each study. It is very important to preserve the database and the connections created in Israel and abroad under the Israel National Nanotechnology Initiative (INNI). The INNI site and contact point are moving to BINA and will undergo some changes, but they will remain the gateway to the nanotechnology industry in Israel. Outreach and Youth Programs Going into its 11th year, the Nano Brain Team program, co-sponsored by BINA and Ramat Gan Municipality, is designed to expose especially talented high schoolers to the latest developments in nanotechnology and materials science. The course provides these young scientists with hands-on experience as they pursue individually supervised projects. At the end of the course, the students participate in an exciting award ceremony, during which they present their work to their parents and municipality representatives and receive their diplomas. In 2015, 28 high school students successfully completed the Nano Brain Team program, for which they received academic credit. This year’s course included an additional summer lecture, as well as a guided tour of some of BINA’s laboratory facilities. High school student members of the Nano Brain Team can go beyond the core curriculum, gaining extra credit for matriculation in chemistry, life sciences, or physics under the supervision of BINA doctoral candidates. 57
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDU2MA==