ANNUAL REPORT 2024
| 2 | 2024 Annual Report Table Of Contents
| 3 | Introduction 4 Executive Summary 6 Research Fields 10 Transforming the Field of “Neglected Diseases” into a Legacy of Groundbreaking Research and Leadership 12 Breakthrough in Quantum Nanophotonics 14 Navigating Nanotechnology, Biology and the Realities of War 18 Pioneering Non-Invasive Neuroimaging 22 Research Staff 26 BINA's Members Awards 28 Research Collaborations Between BINA Members 30 Between a Tank and a Thesis 32 Balancing Crystals and Camouflage 34 Research Map 36
| 4 | 2024 Annual Report As an institution, BINA is set apart by its deep commitment to advancing nanotechnology and materials science and supporting personal growth and teamwork. Even during this challenging year BINA has remained a place of resilience, where passion for discovery meets dedication to creating meaningful solutions for tomorrow. The institute is poised to continue expanding its research capabilities, building stronger ties with the global scientific community, and shaping the future of technology and innovation for years to come. This year, we spotlight six articles whose represents the interdisciplinary and impactful nature of BINA’s research community. Prof. Shulamit Michaeli, nearing her retirement, has devoted her career to RNA biology and infectious disease research. Her groundbreaking studies in RNA processing have paved the way for new therapeutic approaches targeting parasitic diseases through nanotechnology. Michaeli’s work remains a testament to her lasting legacy as a leader and mentor in the field. Dr. Moran Yadid has brought a fresh perspective to cardiovascular research, focusing on vascular Introduction The Bar Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA) is a vibrant hub of innovation where science, technology and collaboration come together to shape the future. Led by the new leadership of Prof. Ehud Banin, who began his role of Director on October 8, 2023, alongside Manager Ilana Perelshtein, BINA thrives on fostering a close-knit community of researchers, students, and industry partners, all working towards groundbreaking discoveries.
| 5 | health through nanoengineering and organ-onchip technologies. By recreating human tissue environments at a cellular level, Yadid is developing innovative tools to study diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which could transform diagnostic and treatment options. Dr. Hanan Herzig Sheinfux specializes in quantum nanophotonics, pushing the boundaries of light confinement in nanocavities. His team has successfully developed nanostructures capable of trapping light within tiny spaces, a breakthrough with potential applications in telecommunications, optical computing, and quantum physics. Dr. Nisan Ozana is leading advancements in noninvasive neuroimaging through optical and acoustical methods that monitor cerebral blood flow and brain responses in real-time. His work in brain-computer interfaces (BCI) has the potential to help individuals with disabilities regain motor functions through noninvasive technology, underscoring BINA’s commitment to real-world impact in healthcare. Our PhD students have shown exceptional resilience, remaining dedicated to their research amid challenging circumstances. Shai Ben-Ami and Alon Kraus exemplify this spirit. Ben-Ami is working on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in silicon-oninsulator technology, a promising field for improving optical signal processing and enhancing integrated photonic circuits. Kraus, meanwhile, focuses on creating stable and efficient second harmonic generation (SHG) in Para Red organic crystals, which could lead to practical advancements in terahertz generation and photonics. In times of war, their unwavering commitment to pushing their research forward speaks volumes about their determination and dedication to advancing science. These researchers exemplify the innovation and resilience that define BINA. Their work reflects BINA’s scientific excellence and a deep commitment to addressing complex scientific and real-world challenges through collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
| 6 | 2024 Annual Report Executive Summary A Year of Resilience, Growth and Innovation at BINA Prof. Ehud Banin and Dr. Ilana Perelshtein
| 7 | This past year has been one of resilience, transformation and growth at the Bar Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA). Despite our unique challenges, we are incredibly proud of the strides we have made in research, collaboration, supporting our students and researchers, and our ability to continue infrastructure developments. Since stepping into our roles—Ilana just a few months before and Ehud actively on October 8, 2023—we have worked alongside our dedicated team to keep BINA on track and ensure that we continue to advance the frontiers of science and technology. At the start of our tenure, the war quickly became a major backdrop to our operations. Several of our colleagues and their families were impacted, with some losing loved ones and others called up for reserve duty. However, we quickly realized that our core mission was to maintain BINA’s operations and ensure a sense of normalcy for our researchers, students, and industry partners. We felt strongly that keeping the institute running smoothly was important for BINA and the entire Bar Ilan community. Thankfully, we were able to resume normal activities faster than we anticipated. By November, our operations were back to full capacity, and our equipment was being utilized by researchers and companies alike. We’ve also placed a strong focus on supporting our students throughout the year. Although we had to cancel our annual two-day conference, we created new spaces for students to learn, grow, and connect. One of the most exciting initiatives was the studentled "Pirate Club," where students could gather in a relaxed environment to discuss scientific ideas, challenges they faced, and ways to overcome them. It became a valuable space for peer support and intellectual exchange. Workshops on key professional skills, including AI, LinkedIn, and networking, to provide students with the “soft skills” were organized. We believe it is essential to provide our students with tools to help them thrive in their research and their future careers. This is one of our core missions—to prepare our students for life beyond academia and set them up for long-term success. "We created new spaces for students to learn, grow, and connect. One of the most exciting initiatives was the student-led "Pirate Club," where students could gather in a relaxed environment to discuss scientific ideas, challenges they faced, and ways to overcome them" This year, BINA awarded Reserve Fellowships to nine exceptional students who balanced their academic pursuits with an impressive commitment to national service. Each of these students served 90 consecutive days in reserve duty while also achieving remarkable milestones in their scientific careers, including publishing articles and maintaining high grades. The Reserve Fellowships celebrate their resilience, dedication, and contributions to both their country and their fields of study, embodying the spirit of excellence that defines BINA. At BINA, we recognize that industry collaborations are crucial for translating scientific research into real-world solutions, and this year we strengthened our ties with leading companies. We hosted two highly successful gatherings, one with Merck and another with Nova, which allowed us to showcase the incredible research happening at BINA and better understand what these companies are looking for in their partnerships. Moving forward, we aim to be a
| 8 | 2024 Annual Report ״For us, it’s all about creating an environment where our researchers can ask bold questions and have the best resources at their fingertips to find answers.״
| 9 | bridge between academia and industry, anticipating key questions and trends in nanotechnology and advanced materials that will shape the next five to ten years. One of our goals for the future is to position BINA as a leader in transdisciplinary research and industrial partnerships, and this year we’ve made meaningful steps toward that goal. "One of our goals for the future is to position BINA as a leader in transdisciplinary research and industrial partnerships, and this year we’ve made meaningful steps toward that goal." Facility upgrades have been another major focus for us this year. We’re thrilled to report that we have embarked on a renovation project to improve our clean rooms and expand our capabilities. This has been a long-term goal for BINA, and thanks to support from university management, we’ve made it a reality. In addition to improving our clean rooms, we’ve acquired cutting-edge equipment, including advanced electron microscopes and a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. These tools will greatly enhance the scope of research we can support and allow us to remain competitive on a global scale. For us, it’s all about creating an environment where our researchers can ask bold questions and have the best resources at their fingertips to find answers. Ehud and Ilana’s working relationship grew even stronger this year, with their complementary skills further empowering BINA’s mission. Built on years of friendship, their partnership has become one of the highlights of a year filled with challenges and rewarding achievements. Reflecting on the past year, one of our greatest sources of pride is how our team has grown and evolved. We’ve bolstered our workforce, particularly in the fabrication division, a central pillar of BINA. Adding new talent enables us to meet the increasing needs of our researchers and industry collaborators while maintaining exceptional standards. Additionally, we held a workshop, “From Good to Excellence,” aimed at enhancing communication and leadership within our team. This growth lays a strong foundation as we set our sights on taking on even more groundbreaking projects in the years to come. Looking forward, BINA has exciting plans on the horizon. We aim to further expand our research capabilities and cutting-edge infrastructure, especially in nanotechnology, materials science, and bioconvergence. Our aspirations for the future include strengthening ties with the global scientific community, attracting more students and scholars, and continuing to offer world-class facilities that foster innovation. We also remain committed to being a hub for collaboration, ensuring that our efforts address critical challenges in both academia and industry. This past year has been a testament to BINA’s resilience, the strength of its people, and the power of perseverance. We are excited about the future and ready to continue our mission of advancing science and technology. Together, with our team, our students, and our partners, we believe BINA is poised for even greater success in the years to come. Ehud Banin & Ilana Perelshtein
| 10 | 2024 Annual Report BIOMEDICINE NANO & ADVANCED MATERIALS ENERGY ELECTROMAGNETISM & SPINTRONICS Research Fields
| 11 | CLEANTECH PHOTONICS BIOCONVERGENCE QUANTUM
| 12 | 2024 Annual Report As Prof. Shulamit Michaeli departs her position at Bar-Ilan University as Vice President for Research, she leaves a legacy that spans four decades of groundbreaking research and leadership. Appointed in 2017, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the university's scientific direction, with notable positions during her career as Dean of the Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences and founding Director of the Nano-Medicine Center at the Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA). Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing knowledge in RNA biology, infectious diseases, and nanomedicine. Prof. Michaeli’s academic journey began with a PhD in microbiology from Tel Aviv University, when for her post-doctoral training she decided to move to a field that had just gained traction, namely “neglected diseases,” particularly those caused by eukaryotic parasites like trypanosomes, which are responsible for diseases such as African sleeping sickness. “I wanted to study more advanced organisms and understand gene expression in eukaryotes,” she explained. Drawn to trypanosomes' unique survival mechanisms, such as their ability to evade the immune system through antigenic variation, she embarked on research that would later define her career. During her time at the University of California, Berkeley, and UCSF, she became an expert in trans-splicing, an RNA processing mechanism unique to these parasites. Prof. Michaeli’s work is also deeply intertwined with nanotechnology. Over the years, her lab has collaborated with the chemistry department to develop nanoparticles for drug delivery. Building on this expertise, Prof. Michaeli established her lab, first at the Weizmann Institute and later at Bar-Ilan, where she made significant contributions to Transforming the Field of “Neglected Diseases” into a Legacy of Groundbreaking Research and Leadership Prof. Shulamit Micheli
| 13 | RNA research. Her pioneering work on non-coding RNAs and small nucleolar RNAs helped unravel how RNA modifications affect ribosome function. Her recent collaboration with Ada Yonath, Nobel laureate and renowned Israeli crystallographer, led to groundbreaking discoveries about pseudouridine, an RNA modification critical for mRNA stability and functionality. “The combination of exact sciences, life sciences, and the medical need is the key to solving complex health issues” “We showed that even a single pseudouridine modification on the ribosome can alter protein synthesis patterns in the cell, allowing the parasite to adapt to different hosts,” she explains. This research has vast implications, not only for understanding trypanosomes but also for RNA biology and vaccine development, as the same modification made the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines successful. Prof. Michaeli’s work is also deeply intertwined with nanotechnology. Over the years, her lab has collaborated with the chemistry department to develop nanoparticles for drug delivery. These nanodrugs have shown promise in treating parasitic infections, like Leishmania, which is endemic in Israel and has recently impacted soldiers stationed near Gaza. She has worked on a unique nanodrug designed to burst the lysosome of Leishmania parasites, a mechanism that she describes as “an unmet need,” especially since existing treatments are limited. Her lab’s work has demonstrated the potential of these nanodrugs in preclinical trials, and she is currently seeking funding to scale up and fast-track production for clinical trials, potentially in collaboration with the IDF and Sheba Medical Center. Beyond her scientific contributions, Prof. Michaeli has significantly influenced Israel’s scientific landscape. Her role as Director of the Life Sciences and Medicine Division at the Israel Science Foundation for eight years allowed her to support high-impact research nationwide. She has been a dedicated mentor to numerous students, many from countries where trypanosome-related diseases are endemic. Despite the war, which temporarily disrupted her lab’s international team, her Indian students returned to continue their research, underscoring their dedication and Prof. Michaeli's impact as a mentor. Lest you think Prof. Michaeli is officially entering retirement, Bar-Ilan President Arie Zaban has tapped her to lead the university into a new venture. In her upcoming role, she will be part of the Health Tech Valley Project, a collaborative initiative between BarIlan University and Sheba Medical Center. Michaeli will help develop a new generation of physician-scientists by overseeing the recruitment and establishment of wet and computational labs that bring together medical and academic expertise. “Why should I slow down?” she asks enthusiastically. "The President offered me another challenge.” This project reflects her belief in interdisciplinary collaboration as a catalyst for innovation. “The combination of exact sciences, life sciences, and the medical need is the key to solving complex health issues,” she stated. As she transitions from her position as Vice President for Research, Prof. Michaeli looks forward to continuing her research and expanding her work on nanodrugs and RNA biology. Her lab will continue its work, and she remains deeply committed to guiding the next generation of scientists. Michaeli's influence will continue to resonate through her scientific contributions and the many researchers she has mentored along the way.
| 14 | 2024 Annual Report Sketch of a polaritonic "hypercavity," which allows light to be confined for relatively long durations in a record-breakingly small volume.
| 15 | New Faculty Breakthrough in Quantum Nanophotonics: A Research Redefines Light Confinement Dr. Hanan Herzig Sheinfux We spoke recently with Dr. Hanan Herzig Sheinfux, a recent addition to Bar Ilan’s Physics Department and BINA. During his postdoctoral research at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) in Spain, Dr. Herzig made significant advances in quantum nanophotonics, uncovering new ways to confine light. His team developed nanocavities—tiny spaces that trap light—smaller than 100 x 100 nanometers and only 3 nanometers thick, surpassing existing capabilities in light confinement. This breakthrough is expected to open new doors for experiments in quantum physics and potential technological applications. Dr. Herzig made significant advances in quantum nanophotonics, uncovering new ways to confine light. The discovery happened serendipitously during routine testing. As Dr. Herzig Sheinfux explains, “The reflections from the material were stronger than we expected. That’s when we realized we might be able to confine light in ways we hadn’t thought of before.” The process involved drilling minuscule holes into a gold surface and layering them with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a material known for its unique light-like wave properties. These cavities are precise beyond belief—where even a mistake of 10 to 20 misplaced atoms could ruin the entire experiment. The significance of this discovery became clearer when unexpected performance enhancements in light confinement were observed, leading the researchers to understand that complex interference effects between multiple light modes were amplifying the process. "We didn’t anticipate how well the nanocavities would perform,” says Dr. Herzig Sheinfux. “It was exciting to figure out why they worked so much better than the theory predicted." Transitioning to Bar-Ilan: Navigating Challenges in Times of War Dr. Herzig Sheinfux, who officially joined Bar-Ilan University on October 8, 2023, spent his first few months in his new position in the Physics department trying to maintain focus. What had seemed important
| 16 | 2024 Annual Report before October 7, for instance, his ERC (European Research Council) grant application, took a back seat to his army and voluntary activities. "Fortunately, my collaborators are my friends, and I’ve received more support than anything else," he says, emphasizing the positive aspects of his international connections and the rationality that typically defines the physics community. The past year has been a whirlwind for Dr. Hanan Herzig Sheinfux, as he balances his roles in research, teaching, and supporting the university community. Reflecting on this busy period, and the difficulties posed by the ongoing war, he shares how he became involved in university-wide efforts to promote inclusivity and support for students and faculty. "While people tell me not to spend too much time on it, it’s something I’ve felt deeply connected to," he reveals. Despite these additional responsibilities, Dr. Herzig Sheinfux remains energized and optimistic about his work and collaborations, finding purpose both in his research and in fostering a supportive academic environment. "Fortunately, my collaborators are my friends, and I’ve received more support than anything else," he says, emphasizing the positive aspects of his international connections and the rationality that typically defines the physics community. Beyond the Lab: Shifting Research Focus and Fostering Creativity Dr. Herzig Sheinfux reflects on how his research path has shifted with each phase of his career. "I've never been successful in keeping the same research line for more than about three years before changing. Transitioning to Bar-Ilan hasn’t been any different. The work in this new publication is connected to research I did during my postdoc in Barcelona," he remarks. For Israeli scientists, resources are often more limited compared to global peers. "You're always competing with institutions that have ten times the number of students, money and prestige. You have to compete by doing things differently," he explains, highlighting his ability to explore diverse fields and find unique research angles. He explains that creativity is a skill that needs to be cultivated through practice. While excelling in cutting-edge research, Dr. Herzig Sheinfux also emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity in his students. He explains that creativity is a skill that needs to be cultivated through practice. “I challenge my students to come up with designs and ideas. These new ideas sometimes fail, but in failing, they learn better," he says. He also stresses the importance of following through on creative ideas. "It’s not enough to just have a good idea; you need to follow up on it."
| 17 | This mentoring approach ties closely with his broader philosophy that research requires a blend of technical mastery and creative exploration, from mentoring students and turning screws to coding and writing papers. “You don’t have to be equally good at everything, but you always need to be willing to learn and improve” he adds. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Future Research Goals When asked about his future research direction, Dr. Herzig Sheinfux is cautious about predicting obstacles, noting that the unknown is an integral part of experimental science. "You never know what technical obstacles you’ll face. If you did, they wouldn’t be obstacles," he says. For him, the beauty and reason for pursuing physics at the nano level lies in the intrinsic rewards of understanding, rather than the pursuit of specific applications. Moving forward, his research will focus on two main areas at the intersection of condensed matter physics and optics. He aims to apply concepts from optics to the behavior of electron waves and to use optical techniques to answer questions related to condensed matter physics. “Each part of what I intend to do has been done before, but putting all the pieces together is the challenge,” he notes. This innovative work not only deepens our understanding of quantum phenomena but also holds the promise of practical applications in fields like telecommunications and quantum computing. However, Dr. Herzig Sheinfux is keen to manage expectations, cautioning against overhyping the immediate technological impacts. For him, the beauty and reason for pursuing physics at the nano level lies in the intrinsic rewards of understanding, rather than the pursuit of specific applications.
| 18 | 2024 Annual Report Moran Yadid, a prominent researcher in the Faculty of Medicine, stands at the intersection of biology, engineering, and nanotechnology. Her groundbreaking research spans cardiovascular health, organ-onchip technology, and the exploration of extracellular vesicles (EVs), offering a transformative approach to studying human biology. At the heart of her work lies the study of how the cardiovascular system interacts with other organs, regulating vital functions and offering insights into diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular events like heart attacks. With a background in biomedical engineering, Yadid explained how she expressed interest in becoming a doctor even as a young child. After serving in the military, she was drawn to the newly formed faculty of biomedical engineering at the Technion. “I said, okay, let's try it. And then I will study medicine. I started biomedical engineering, and I fell in love with research.” New Faculty Navigating Nanotechnology, Biology and the Realities of War Dr. Moran Yadid Her groundbreaking research spans cardiovascular health, organ-on-chip technology, and the exploration of extracellular vesicles (EVs), offering a transformative approach to studying human biology. Though initially focused on the engineering side, she later embraced the biological aspects, particularly during her PhD, when she studied control mechanisms in the heart and how mechanical loading affects molecular motors in cardiac muscle. This led her to Harvard for her postdoctoral research, where she was introduced to the emerging field of organ-on-chip technology.
| 19 | "Today, to make progress towards the establishment of in vitro models like organs-on-chips, we need to combine these tools from engineering and biology," Yadid reflected, underscoring the vital fusion that drives her research today. Cardiovascular Research and Organ-on-Chip Technology Yadid's work is deeply connected to the cardiovascular system and its complex interaction with other organs. Endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, play a crucial role in regulating tissue function and metabolism, but their dysfunction can lead to a range of diseases. "The heart is not just a regular pump. It's an adaptive pump,” she explained. “The mechanisms of how the body controls or regulates the heart's activity and the vessels' compliance is intriguing." Organs-on-chips play a central role in Yadid’s lab, serving as a revolutionary tool to simulate human organ systems on a microscale. These models are created using human cells and engineered materials, mimicking the structure and function of organs. Her team, for example, has developed heart and muscle-on-chip models equipped with embedded sensors to monitor tissue function in real time. "We have a human heart on a chip, with human heart cells forming tissue that mimics natural heart contractions—it's literally beating in the dish." “We use this to measure the mechanical functions of the heart”. Healthy (left) and diabetic (right) endothelial cells
| 20 | 2024 Annual Report She describes how these engineered heart tissues mimic the electrical and mechanical properties of native heart tissue, offering an unprecedented tool for studying drug toxicity and therapeutic interventions without relying on animal models. “We use this to measure the mechanical functions of the heart,” she explained. Extracellular Vesicles and Nanotechnology Yadid’s research also delves into extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny particles that cells release into bodily fluids such as blood and urine. These vesicles facilitate cell-to-cell communication by carrying biomolecules like proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, playing a role in various physiological and pathological processes. Yadid’s lab focuses on the impact of EVs derived from blood vessels, particularly those from endothelial cells on cellular homeostasis, metabolism, and stress responses. The nanoscale nature of EVs makes them especially relevant to nanotechnology, which is crucial for their manipulation and study. Her work connects biology and nanotechnology, focusing on human health at the molecular and cellular levels. "One of the main focuses of my lab is understanding how vascular tissues—the blood vessels—serve as the common link between different organs and facilitate communication among them. All blood vessels are interconnected." Engineered human heart tissue
| 21 | Perseverance Through Challenges This year, Yadid’s research journey faced unique obstacles. During an October family vacation abroad, Yadid found herself and her family unexpectedly delayed, eventually making the choice to wait at the airport for any available flight back to Israel. "I decided to just go to the airport and wait until we could find a flight home,” she recalls. "One of the main focuses of my lab is understanding how vascular tissues—the blood vessels—serve as the common link between different organs and facilitate communication among them. All blood vessels are interconnected." With disruptions affecting every aspect of life, she and her team worked to maintain stability. “At first, I told my students to stay out of the lab,” she explains. “But after days of reading the news and feeling stressed at home, I returned to the lab and encouraged my students to resume their work as well.” Yadid underscores the importance of routine and the dedication her team has shown despite challenges As schools and childcare centers closed again in September, Yadid noted that lab member Benjamin Rosenzweig has been particularly instrumental in keeping lab operations on track. “Benjamin took it upon himself to keep things running, during the first days of the aggravation, then followed by the rest of the team. It is truly amazing, that Michal, my lab manager cames to the lab everyday despite having a baby at home, and that all the lab members are so supportive to each other” she says. The determination and resilience her team has shown drives their research forward, even under difficult circumstances. A Promising Future for Science and Health ״By integrating cutting-edge technologies like organson-chips and the study of extracellular vesicles, she is enhancing our ability to understand diseases and pioneering potential therapies that could revolutionize medicine.״ Moran Yadid’s journey illustrates the power of persistence and innovation in science, even when faced with personal and national crises. Her work in nanotechnology, biology, and cardiovascular research is opening new frontiers in our understanding of human health. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like organs-on-chips and the study of extracellular vesicles, she is enhancing our ability to understand diseases and pioneering potential therapies that could revolutionize medicine. In the face of adversity, Yadid and her team show that science, like the human spirit, can endure and thrive under the most challenging circumstances.
| 22 | 2024 Annual Report Dr. Nisan Ozana, a leading researcher at Bar-Ilan University's Faculty of Engineering, is transforming the fields of neuroengineering and biomedical optics with his pioneering work in neuroimaging. Driven by a desire to unlock real-time insights into brain function, Dr. Ozana’s research focuses on developing highly sensitive, non-invasive neuroimaging technologies that measure cerebral blood flow for clinical and functional applications. His research promises to deepen our understanding of the brain and improve medical outcomes, such as for patients who face brain injuries or require brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for movement assistance. His research promises to deepen our understanding of the brain and improve medical outcomes, particularly for patients who face brain injuries or require brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for movement assistance. “My work sits at the intersection of engineering, neuroimaging and neuroscience,” Ozana explains. He recalls the start of his career in neuroengineering, where he first began applying optical sensing to the brain. “I first saw the limitations of fMRI in measuring brain responses in real-time. That’s what led me to explore optical methods for functional imaging,” he shares. This experience propelled him toward his postdoctoral research, where he developed highsensitivity systems for measuring cerebral blood flow. Today, Ozana’s lab at Bar-Ilan University continues to push the boundaries of non-invasive neuroimaging with cutting-edge optical and acoustical methods. A significant focus of Dr. Ozana's current research is the use of diffuse optics and speckle sensing for neuroimaging. These techniques, which assess blood flow in the brain, have traditionally faced issues with low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the past, limiting their effectiveness. “To overcome this, we’re using simple megapixel cameras which allow us to measure the photons that travel through the skull and brain tissues using spatio-temporal speckle analysis and interact with the brain tissue,” Ozana explains. “These sensors enable us to detect and measure cerebral blood flow signals at high sensitivity, which is key when dealing with such subtle signals,” he adds. New Faculty Pioneering Non-Invasive Neuroimaging Dr. Nisan Ozana
| 23 | In the future, his lab will also incorporate nanofabrication to further enhance neuroimaging. Dr. Ozana explains: “We plan to build custom silicon devices for interferometric methods in the Nano Center at Bar-Ilan. This will allow us to isolate only the photons that travel into the brain, refining our imaging even further.” The fabrication of these devices relies on nanotechnology to create highly sensitive tools that enable precise tracking of cerebral blood flow, hemoglobin levels, and other neural indicators. “We aim to make these systems not only sensitive but also portable and applicable to real-life settings, which we’re starting to test in clinical environments,” he says. “We plan to build custom silicon devices for interferometric methods in the Nano Center at Bar-Ilan. This will allow us to isolate only the photons that travel into the brain, refining our imaging even further.” The implications of Ozana's work extend beyond pure research. His team is collaborating with medical centers, including Bar-Ilan’s Brain Sciences Center, and researchers from institutions worldwide. This global, interdisciplinary approach reflects his dedication to bridging the gap between fundamental neuroscience and practical, life-changing applications. “Neuroimaging is multidisciplinary at its core. We have students focusing on signal processing, some on device fabrication, and others on artificial intelligence—all working to create tools that work in real-world clinical settings,” Ozana explains. One of his lab’s ambitious goals is to integrate these systems into motor imagery BCIs systems. “We’re working on the motor cortex to pick up signals of intention, like moving a hand,” Ozana says. By creating neuroimaging systems with realtime feedback, his team hopes to help people with disabilities regain motor function. “Motor imagery is From Intention to Movement: Hybrid Optical, Acoustical and Electrical sensing for Brain Computer Interface
| 24 | 2024 Annual Report especially fascinating—we aim to detect neural signals when someone merely thinks about moving their hand, even if no movement occurs. These signals are subtle, but we believe that with our technology it's possible,” he explains. In the future, Ozana envisions expanding this technology to other brain functions and different brain areas. The recent Iron Swords war has placed additional challenges on Ozana and his team, affecting both their research and daily lives. “In the beginning, our lab had to shut down,” he shares. Despite these disruptions, his commitment to research has remained unwavering. “I believe that this is a time to work even harder,” he says. “It’s important to continue our research, even in difficult times, because we’re working to improve the world. This drive to create, innovate, and help others defines our lab and our mission.” His team is working on non-invasive techniques to monitor intracranial pressure (ICP) in brain injury cases— an area where accurate, real-time data can make a life-saving difference. Ozana’s work also has potential applications for injured in war. His team is working on non-invasive Multimodal Speckle Sensing of Cerebral Blood Flow Combined with Magnetoencephalography for Simultaneous Optical and Electrical Brain Signals Monitoring
| 25 | techniques to monitor Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) in brain injury cases—an area where accurate, real-time data can make a life-saving difference. “Our goal is to develop optical techniques to track the CBF in the ICU continuously and non-invasively, allowing for safer, continuous monitoring,” he says. Looking to the future, Ozana’s lab aims to build neuroimaging systems that achieve the high sensitivity of invasive electrodes but are entirely non-invasive. “There’s a growing interest in invasive BCIs, where electrodes are implanted to read brain signals. But my vision is to achieve high levels of sensitivity without requiring surgery,” he explains. Step by step, his team is moving closer to this goal, making progress in neurofeedback systems and real-time brain monitoring technologies that could transform the way we interact with our brain’s signals. Dr. Ozana’s commitment to advancing neuroimaging exemplifies the spirit of innovation and resilience. His lab’s work in optical and acoustical neuroimaging is paving the way for new medical applications, improving our understanding of the brain, and pushing the frontiers of neuroengineering. Dr. Ozana’s commitment to advancing neuroimaging exemplifies the spirit of innovation and resilience. His lab’s work in optical and acoustical neuroimaging is paving the way for new medical applications, improving our understanding of the brain, and pushing the frontiers of neuroengineering.
| 26 | 2024 Annual Report Research Staff
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| 28 | 2024 Annual Report Prof. Nessim Daniel Department of Chemistry “Honorary membership”, from the IVS Dr. Nitzan Gonen Faculty of Science Life Fellow of the Young Academy of Europe Best Lecturer Award Bar Ilan University (top 10 among >800 lecturers) Krill Award for Excellence in Scientific Research the Wolf Foundation Our lab research was selected as one of the 4 most promising studies by "Globes" Magazine BINA'S MEMERS AWARDS
| 29 | Dr. Tomer Lewi Faculty of Engineering The Rector's Prize for Scientific Innovation Prof. Ayal Hendel Faculty of Science Life The Rector's Prize for Scientific Innovation Prof. Dror Fixler Faculty of Engineering President‘s International Fellowship Initiative Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Outstanding General of Northern Command in Swords Iron War IEEE Photonics
| 30 | 2024 Annual Report LIFE SCIENCES Nissan Yissachar Erez Levanon Nitzan Gonen Ronit Sarid Ehud Banin Galit Shohat-Ophir Yaron Shav-Tal Yossi Mandel Chaya Brodie Shulamit Michaeli CHEMISTRY 1. Micro-printing H2 sensors. 2. Directing neural growth by standing acoustic waves. 3. Acoustically Directed Bone Growth. 4. Spectroscopic Analysis of Thermally Driven Reactions. 5. SHG. 6. An ultra-sensitive dual imaging system of diffusion reflection and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy using metal enhanced fluorescence. 7. Deep penetration depth in Leishmania. 8. Photon Number Splitting Attack – Proposal and Analysis of an Experimental Scheme. 9. All-optical, computation-free time-multiplexing superresolved imaging based on speckle illumination. 10. Compact monolithic wavelength-tunable microcavity diode laser based on electro-optic phase modulation using 2D nanomaterial thin films. Joint Papers. 11. Quantum chemical calculations of molecular clusters. 12. Peptide bond formation in amino acid clusters. 13. Gas Phase Bond Formation in Dipeptide Clusters. 14-19. Untitled. 20. Reconfigurable meta-optics based on vanadium oxide. 21. Femtosecond Laser ablated nanoparticles. 22. Optical properties of chalcogenide and 2D materials. Joint Papers. 23. Nanospectroscopy of 2H-WS2 and 2H-WSe2. 24. Interfacial freezing in emulsions. 25. Chiral symmetry breaking in self-shaping emulsions. 26. Untitled. Joint Papers. 27. Untitled 28. Exploring microbiome differences between males and females. 29. Acid stable OER electrocatalysts. 30. Chiral Induced Spin Selectivity. 31. X-ray medical imagin. 32. Nonlinear interferometer. 33. BIRD. Joint Papers. 34. BIRD. Joint Papers. 35. Using acoustic alignment of collagen fibers and mineral crystallites for construction of bone mimetic materials. 36. Design and analysis of Alumina coatings for improved LIB cathodes. 37. Solid electrolytes development for all solid-state batteries. Joint Papers. 38. Design of wireless charging for in operando battery analysis in NMR. 39. Untitled. 40. Li intercalated 2D devices. 41. Optical Materials. 42. X-Ray. 43-44. Renewable energy. Joint Papers. 45. Molecular clusters. Joint Papers. 46. 3D manipulation of neuronal networks by magnetic nanoparticles. Joint Papers. 47. Superconducting single photon detectors and other effects. Joint Papers. 48. Untitled. 49. Development of Antimicrobial agents. Joint Papers. 50. Antibiofilm agents. 51. Biosensors. 52. Engineering probiotics for ophthalmology. 53. Experimentally testing the role of blood vessels in the full scattering profile. 54. High power pulsed lasers ALTIA. 55. Plasmons in laser cavity. 56. Quantum temporal imaging. 57. Temporal meta surfaces. 58. Gambling Strategies and Prize Pricing Recommendation in Sports Multi-Bets. 59. Superresolution, photon-number-splitting, detection of lasing. Joint Papers. 60. Quantum sensing and temporal quantum optics. Joint Papers. 61. Classical and quantum imaging. 62. Quantum Illumination and quantum radar. 63. X-ray imaging. Joint Papers. 64. Surface freezing induced effects in emulsions & oil/ water interfaces. 65. Surface freezing induced phenomena in emulsions. 66. X-ray quantum interferometry. 67. Studying retina diseases with spatial genomics. 68. Studying neuronal encoding of motivation with spatial genomics. 69. Towards in situ sequencing of immune response. 70. Implantable bridges for neuronal recovery. 71. Untitled. 72. Spatio-temporal analysis of RNA within the brain at a nano-scale resolution sequencing. 73. RNA editing in single cells. 74. Untitle. Collaborations 2023-2024 David Zitoun Yitzhak Mastai Malachi Noked Hagay Shpaizman Shlomo Margel Daniel Nessim Aharon Gedanken Adi Salomon Doron Aurbach Dan T. Major Gil Goobes Yaakov Tischler Lior Elbaz Hannah-Noa Barad Amikam Levy Sharon Ruthstein 10 48 3 35 38 36 44 43 45 37 27 29 71 26 14 49 73 72 50 51 52 15 28 29 2 1 33 34 4
| 31 | Joint Papers Issai Shlimak (Physics), Olga Girshevitz, Nahum Shabi, Medina Telkhozhayeva (Nano Center); David Cahen (Chemistry), Eti Teblum (Nano Center); Daniel Nessim (Chemistry), Eti Teblum (Nano Center); Zeev Zalevsky (Engineering), Eti Teblum (Nano Center); Tomer Lewi (Engineering), Yafit Fleger (Nano Center); Ehud Banin (Life Sciences), Aharon Gedanken (Chemistry), Nataliia Dudchenko (Nano Center); Dror Fixler (Engineering), Nataliia Dudchenko (Nano Center); Adi Salmon (Chemistry), Yossi Abulafia (Nano Center); Zeev Zalevsky (Engineering), Yossi Abulafia (Nano Center); Lior Elbaz (Chemistry), Gili Taguri (Nano Center); Daniel Nessim (Chemistry), Gili Taguri (Nano Center); Amos Sharoni (Physics), Gili Taguri (Nano Center); Gil Goobes (Chemistry), Gili Taguri (Nano Center); Adi Salmon (Chemistry), Moshe Feldberg (Nano Center); Zeev Zalevsky (Engineering), Olga Girshevitz, Yossi Abulafia (Nano Center); Daniel Nessim (Chemistry), Olga Girshevitz (Nano Center); Daniel Nessim (Chemistry), Medina Telkhozhayeva (Nano Center); David Cahen (Chemistry), Yaakov Tischler (Chemistry), Anat Itzhak (Nano Center); Malachi Noked (Chemistry), Ilana Perelshtein (Nano Center); Ehud Banin (Life Sciences), Ilana Perelshtein (Nano Center), Aharon Gedanken (Chemistry); Dror Fixler (Engineering), Ilana Perelshtein (Nano Center); Daniel Nessim (Chemistry), Ilana Perelshtein (Nano Center); Michael Stern (Chemistry), Joseph Kantorovitsch Nano Center); Dror Fixler (Engineering), Aharon Gedanken (Chemistry)- Joint Papers; Doron Aurbach (Chemistry), Yulia Vestfrid (Nano Center) - Joint Papers; Malachi Noked (Chemistry), Gal Rodovsky (Nano Center) - Joint Papers; David Zitoun (Chemistry), Adi Salmon (Chemistry); David Zitoun Chemistry, Yitzhak Mastai (Chemistry); David Zitoun (Chemistry), Barad Hannah-Noa (Chemistry); Zeev Zalevsky (Engineering), Doron Gerber (Life Sciences), Yossi Mandel (Life Sciences); Doron Aurbach (Chemistry), Daniel Nessim (Chemistry); Doron Aurbach (Chemistry), Malachi Noked (Chemistry), Doron Naveh (Engineering); Chaya Brodie (Life Sciences), Doron Gerber (Life Sciences); Yitzhak Mastai (Chemistry), Shulamit Michaeli (Life Sciences), Aharon Gedanken (Chemistry); Amos Sharoni (Physics), Yitzhak Mastai (Chemistry), Orit Shefi (Engineering); Erez Levanon, (Life Sciences), Galit Shohat-Ophir (Life Sciences). Moran Yadid Kaminka Gal MEDICINE COMPUTER PHYSICS ENGINEERING Eli Sloutskin Moshe Deutsch Hanan Herzig Sheinfux Yoni Toker Avi Peer Assaf Hamo Michael Rosenblu Shimon Weiss Yosi Yeshurun Amos Sharoni Sharon Shwartz Doron Naveh Assaf Albo Avi Zadok Gur Yaari Tomer Lewi Rachela Popovtzer Shahar Alon Orit Shefi Boris Desiatov Dror Fixler Zalevsky Zeev Eliahu Cohen Moti Fridman 9 7 6 69 68 67 70 16 23 22 20 21 17 18 40 41 42 11 30 46 47 32 24 64 65 66 25 13 74 39 12 5 59 60 61 62 63 58 55 53 57 54
Students on the frontlines | 32 | 2024 Annual Report Shai Ben-Ami’s journey toward his PhD has been marked not only by his cutting-edge research but also by his commitment to Israel's defense forces. As a member of the Israeli tank brigade in reserve duty, Shai found creative ways to make the most of his time during his service, blending his scientific pursuits with his military responsibilities. Shai’s research focuses on Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS), a complex interaction between light and sound waves, pursued for its potential applications in quantum circuitry, lasers, and sensing technologies. His work seeks to overcome significant challenges related to the limitations of the widely used silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. He is investigating surface acoustic waves as a way to guide and overlap optical and acoustic fields in the same medium, a breakthrough that could become a landmark in the field. Despite the demanding nature of this research, Shai has managed to keep it moving forward—even while serving in the field. His commitment paid off when he later won the prestigious Azrieli Fellowship to support his research. "It wasn’t like they did me a favor. I studied well for the defense, and I think I did just as I wanted," Shai reflects. During a recent stint of reserve duty on Israel’s northern border, Shai was able to use his time strategically, focusing on preparing for his PhD defense and continuing to read scientific papers. "The defense date was just a week and a half after I got released from this round of miluim (reserve duty),” Shai recalls. Despite the challenging conditions, he successfully defended his PhD proposal. His commitment paid off when he later won the prestigious Azrieli Fellowship to support his research. "It wasn’t like they did me a Between a Tank and a Thesis Shai Ben-Ami Makes the Most of his Reserve Duty
| 33 | favor. I studied well for the defense, and I think I did just as I wanted," Shai reflects. Shai also used his expertise in physics and engineering to propose ideas during his military service. While stationed in the north, he recognized the difficulty of identifying incoming enemy aircraft—small, agile, and flying low enough to evade radar. Drawing on his scientific background, Shai suggested solutions to address these technological challenges, combining his experience in the field with his knowledge of optics and engineering. With his promising work in SBS, coupled with his innovative thinking even in the heat of military service, Shai Ben-Ami is making strides in both the lab and the field. Beyond the support of his team at Bar-Ilan University, who helped keep his research afloat during his absences, Shai is quick to emphasize the role of his family in enabling his success. "It’s really important to mention all the support and help I got from my wife, Rotem, and my family at home," he says. "I couldn’t have done anything without that support. My wife faced a very difficult time alone with our oneand-a-half-year-old daughter Romi during my long absences." Shai’s resilience and ability to balance his responsibilities as a researcher, teacher, and soldier demonstrate his dedication to both his country and his academic pursuits. With his promising work in SBS, coupled with his innovative thinking even in the heat of military service, Shai Ben-Ami is making strides in both the lab and the field.
| 34 | 2024 Annual Report For Alon Krause, M.Sc student, this year has brought an unusual set of challenges and triumphs in his work on nonlinear optical crystals, specifically those based on the azo dye Para Red. These specially designed crystals are crafted to modify laser light, shifting it from invisible infrared light to the visible spectrum, and even near-ultraviolet light. This advancement holds promise across several fields, from photonics to medical and material measurement applications. However, Krause’s commitment to this innovative research has been tested by the demands of serving in Israel’s reserve forces, or miluim, for nearly nine months over the past year and a half. Reflecting on the complexities of balancing his research with military obligations, Krause notes that while he could manage some reading and occasional lab visits on days off, the bulk of his work required his physical presence in the lab. “There’s just no replacement for actually being in the lab and controlling all of this stuff,” he explains. During his service in the artillery corps, Krause’s main role was overseeing the logistics of ammunition transport, which took him to the northern borders of Israel. His responsibilities have kept him on call and ready to deploy, which made consistent lab work a considerable challenge. As he looks to the future, Krause expresses gratitude for the support he's received from his academic and personal circles, which has allowed him to balance his dual roles as a researcher and a soldier. Despite these interruptions, Krause’s lab and university support network have provided essential help. “My lab partners and my supervisor, Prof. Adi Salomon, were very helpful, running experiments and coordinating with me remotely,” he says, acknowledging how their efforts enabled him to continue his work to some degree. He is also grateful for the secretariat at the Nano Center and Chemistry Department at Bar Ilan University, who helped streamline the bureaucratic processes. “The university system had to adapt to the reality of students like me who are trying to be in two worlds,” he adds, noting that the process, though challenging, has been effective. Balancing Crystals and Camouflage Alon Krause’s Journey Through Research and Reserve Duty
| 35 | In the lab, Krause’s research is a blend of optics and nanotechnology, pushing the boundaries of what organic crystals can achieve in laser modulation. His crystals are unique for their ability to efficiently convert light frequencies, thanks to a precise crystallization process that optimizes their shape and structure. “In nonlinear optics, it is important to produce the correct crystal polymorph. Specifically in second-order nonlinearity, the crystal structure must not have inversion symmetry,” Krause explains, noting that each step in the crystallization process must be carefully tuned to ensure this property and the crystal's performance. Figure - Camera photos of the nonlinear response of the para red crystals By creating crystals with highly stable and uniform properties, Krause aims to apply them in fields such as terahertz generation, a promising technology with applications in medical imaging and material analysis. He also foresees their use in calibration systems for cutting-edge microscopes, such as one based at Saint-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, a collaborative lab in Paris. In addition, Krause plans to achieve strong coupling between these crystals and plasmonic nanostructures to explore how such coupling might influence optical and chemical properties in a variety of materials. “This is a field I am very excited about, and I think it’s something I would be very proud of producing in the end,” he says. The coming months will be pivotal for Krause, who aims to submit his thesis by February, though he hopes to finish as early as December and begin his PhD in the nanocenter. As he looks to the future, Krause expresses gratitude for the support he's received from his academic and personal circles, which has allowed him to balance his dual roles as a researcher and a soldier. Reflecting on the opportunity to share his story, Krause remarks, “It’s nice to see that army reservists are being highlighted like this. It’s very important.” His dedication to his research, even during a year marked by intense national events, underscores a commitment to scientific advancement that transcends the lab and the field. Figure - Micrographs of various para red crystals produced during the research Figure - A vial containing a batch of synthesized crystals
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