The Academic Boycott of Israel | Status Report for June 2025
The comprehensive report by the Samuel Neaman Institute provides an in-depth analysis of the academic boycott against Israel, focusing on the impact of BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) activities on the Israeli higher education system and research community. It highlights the growing threat these campaigns pose to Israel’s global academic standing, which has long been marked by scientific excellence, extensive international collaborations, and strong research output.
The report documents cases of political filtering, institutional exclusion, and both overt and covert boycotts of Israeli scholars. These practices are increasingly affecting academic advancement, international visibility, and the ability to attract foreign students—posing a serious and escalating threat to Israeli academia.
Situating the boycott within a broader context of delegitimization efforts and rising global antisemitism, the report reveals links between hostile states funding and anti-Israel activism on U.S. and European campuses. It warns of the infiltration of radical political narratives into the humanities, suppression of pro-Israel voices, and growing ideological censorship, all of which erode core principles of academic freedom.
In response, the report outlines a series of actionable recommendations across three levels—national, institutional, and individual. These include enhancing international advocacy, establishing mechanisms to monitor and address boycott incidents, forging new global partnerships, creating a network of “academic ambassadors,” and providing the necessary tools, including legal support, to affected researchers. The central conclusion is that a coordinated, multidisciplinary, and long-term strategy—rooted in sound strategic planning—is essential to ensure Israel’s continued scientific prosperity despite the challenges posed by academic boycotts
Perceptions of Neonatologists towards Competency-Based Medical Education
The research goal was to examine specialist neonatologists’ perceptions of CBME implementation, identifying advantages and challenges. The study used mixed methods, involving 41 specialist neonatologists, half are women, from 13 departments. The study demonstrated CBME benefits in preparing neonatal fellow trainees and highlighted implementation challenges.
Medical Simulation Centers in Medical Schools – Summary of the round table held at the Samuel Neaman Institute on April 3, 2025
The Samuel Neaman Institute serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the advancement of medical simulation infrastructure and continuing medical education.
This report serves as a foundation and starting point for continued activity.
The Academic Boycott of Israel | Key Findings and Recommendations Summary
the report outlines a series of actionable recommendations across three levels—national, institutional, and individual. These include enhancing international advocacy, establishing mechanisms to monitor and address boycott incidents, forging new global partnerships, creating a network of “academic ambassadors,” and providing the necessary tools, including legal support, to affected researchers.
Geothermal Energy – the Application Potential at the Golan Heights
To assess the feasibility of deriving benefits from geothermal energy in the Golan heights, the Samuel Neaman Institute convened a stakeholder forum to discuss the geothermal geo-physical potential, possible applications, policy requirements, and environmental considerations. Participants included representatives from the Geological Survey of Israel, the Ministry of Energy, the Water Authority, the Ramat Golan Regional Council, and various Israeli companies whose operations are based on heat energy—such as Ormat, Enogia, OASIX, among others.
Confronting the Academic Boycott | Conference Summary from April 23, 2025
The program included opening remarks, a review of data and actions taken by the Neaman Institute regarding the issue, an in-depth legal lecture on the boundaries of the boycott’s legality, and two panel discussions focusing on the responses of Israeli academic institutions and the efforts of civil society organizations against the boycott phenomenon. Participants’ remarks were recorded and transcribed; below is a summary of their presentations.
International Round Table for Advancing Skills in STEM Education – Phase II
Phase II of the International Round Table for Advancing Skills in STEM Education focused on developing teaching and learning resources and assessment methodologies to assist in the acquisition of 21st century skills.
Book launch event for Prof. Meirav Aharon-Gutman’s book – “Standing on Their Own: On Urban Sociology and Mizrahiyut in Israel”
This report presents the proceedings of a conference held to mark the launch of Prof. Meirav Aharon-Gutman’s book, Standing on their own : on urban sociology and Mizrahiyut in Israel (2025).
It includes not only congratulations and commendations for the author and her work, but also a series of lectures by leading scholars addressing the book’s central themes.
Engineering Leadership: Skills and Competencies
Engineering leadership encompasses the ability to guide teams, processes, and projects in the design, development, and implementation of engineering and technological systems. This document provides background materials to support the development of Israel’s professional infrastructure for engineering leadership, with the goal of shaping programs that cultivate engineering leadership skills and competencies across academia and industry.
Before You Launch: Protocol for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Part 2: Case Study
In Part 1 we presented a lengthy before-you-launch protocol for entrepreneurs, comprising key issues and questions that demand forethought and early planning. In Part II we provide an interview with the CEO of an Israeli startup Darwin AI whose mantra is “The AI Hub for Government”.
CEO Noam Maital responds to the protocol questions, based on his experience with a successful startup Waycare and a startup-in-progress