| 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."
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