BOG 2024: Launching the Chaoul Center for Nano-Scale Systems

During its recent Board of Governors meeting, Tel Aviv University inaugurated the Fred & Mirtha Chaoul and Family Center for Nano-Scale Systems. The 1,000 square-meter Center comprises the entire ground floor of the newly opened Roman Abramovich Building for Nano and Quantum Science & Technology. It will serve as the flagship facility of the Koum Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, providing a central workspace for the fabrication and characterization of nanoscale materials and systems, with specialized lithography, thin film, dry etching and microscopy equipment. 

“I believe the largest and most important nano center in Israel and, probably, one of the best ones in the world is the Center we’re sitting in now,” said Mr. Fred Chaoul, TAU Governor and Honorary Doctor, speaking at the inauguration. “I’m sure we will continue growing and overcome the difficult times we’re going through today,” he added.

TAU’s Nano Vision

As an early champion of nanoscience, Chaoul was one of the very first TAU supporters to recognize the importance and relevance of nano for TAU and Israel. He established the Chaoul Center for Nanoscale Materials and Systems in 2006 and the Marko and Lucie Chaoul Chair in Nano-Photonics, in honor of his parents, in 1994. Chaoul’s continued support for the discipline has played a central role in TAU’s vision of forging a leading nano research hub.

“The newly housed, much-expanded Chaoul Center is enabling the University to install the most cutting-edge equipment, to intensify ties with industry, to reinforce Israeli R&D in the nano field, and to advance pioneering devices that will enhance our lives, health and environment,” said TAU President, Prof. Ariel Porat. “This is the most comprehensive and industry-oriented facility of its kind in Israeli academia.”

The Chaoul Center will host under one roof a range of state-of-the-art clean room laboratories that, until today, were scattered across several campus locations.

“It will offer access to advanced scientific equipment to hundreds of students and scientists from diverse disciplines, both from TAU and other Israeli universities, as well as conduct prototyping services for over 40 industry partners,” said Prof. Tal Dvir, head of the Nano Center, adding that the Center will have a permanent staff of 8 engineers and technicians, including 5 at the PhD level. “The Chaoul’s family’s continuous dedication to strengthening our university and our country are inspiring,” he concluded.  

A True Friend

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Fred Chaoul fled World War II and the Holocaust, eventually settling in Switzerland. For over 30 years, the Chaoul family’s support of Tel Aviv University has provided a significant boost for Israeli academia, science and technology.  Fred Chaoul and his wife Mirtha have funded student scholarships; research in life sciences, engineering, and neuro-biochemistry; and faculty recruitment. 

“Throughout his decades of involvement at TAU, Fred has always had a special connection with the professors. He is drawn to the research and feels in his element when discussing their work and envisioning the potential,” said Prof. Yael Hanein, the former head of the Nano Center. “He’s a true friend.”

Chaoul was awarded a TAU honorary doctorate in 2007 and more recently served as TAU Global Campaign Cabinet Member. The warm and emotional Chaoul Center inauguration ceremony was attended by many guests and friends that the Chaouls have forged at the University throughout their many years of support.