Blavatnik School of Computer Science Celebrates 5 Years of Excellence

Ranked in the top 30 of computer science departments worldwide, and top 10 outside of the United States, the Blavatnik School of Computer Science has quickly gained a reputation for producing top-notch undergraduates and graduates in the field. These individuals go on to make vital contributions in advancing the economy and defense of Israel. "Their discoversies and participation in the scientific community has an influence that transcends our borders," says Prof. Yossi Azar, Head of the Blavatnik School. 

Moreover, the School cooperates closely with industry partners such as Google, Intel, HP and other leading companies in joint research projects and student internships and recruitment. 

The School was dedicated in 2008 the name of Len Blavatnik, a highly successful and self-made American businessman and philanthropist of Russian-Jewish origin. Blavatnik’s entrepreneurial prowess in founding Access Industries and expanding its holdings to include natural resources, media, telecommunications, real estate, technology and life sciences is testament to his ability to bridge different fields and cultures.  

As a philanthropist of outstanding generosity, he has advanced a wide range of social, educational, Jewish and cultural causes in Israel, Europe, Russia and the US. Blavatnik has demonstrated a deep commitment toward the State of Israel, actively promoting excellence in higher education and research. 

"We are proud of our partnership with Mr. Blavatnik, and look forward to continuing a tradition of excellence and achievement together with him," says Prof. Azar. 

In honor of his seminal contributions, Len Blavatnik will be awarded an honorary doctorate by TAU on June 6, 2013 during the 2013 Board of Governors Meeting of Tel Aviv University.

Summary of the Blavatnik School of Computer Science’s Accomplishments 2008-2013

• 6th in the world in algorithms

• Ranked 29th in the world for computer science

• Top ten in computer science outside the USA

• 1,480 publications

• 1,264 graduates

• 1,334 students enrolled today

• 294 MSc and PhD students enrolled today

• 20 prizes

• $20 million in research grants

• Lead partner in the new Israeli Center of Research Excellence in Algorithms

• Ranked 11th in the world in bioinformatics and computational biology

• 1st university outside the USA in bioinformatics and computational biology

• Strong in cryptography and security with 7 laureates of the Israel Defense Prize

• 100,000 citations

• Software greatest hits: 14,000 downloads of genetic analysis software to date

• 22 national and international conferences

• Development of an industrial affiliates program with participation by leaders in the field such as Google, Intel and Microsoft.