TAU: On the Frontlines of the Global War on COVID-19

Using ingenuity and innovation, strong ties with government and industry, and interdisciplinary expertise, TAU strives to ensure a safe future for all. 

Testing Lab: TAU faculty, staff and students worked 24/7 to build a public testing lab, helping Israel’s authorities process urgent test samples and relieving overburdened medical staff.

​Rapid Blood Test: A team led by Profs. Motti Gerlic and Ariel Munitz developed a fast blood test for antibodies against the coronavirus and is working with the Israel Defense Forces to test the method.

Cocktail of the Year: Dr. Natalia Freund identified a combination of COVID-19 antibodies, currently in clinical trials, that functions as medicine for patients and preventive treatment for high-risk populations.

Profs. Motti Gerlic (left) and Ariel Munitz.  

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Global First: TAU launched the first multidisciplinary Center for Combating Pandemics to improve preparedness and social resilience and bolster scientific knowledge for COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Using AI Techniques to Combat COVID-19: Funded by Google.org, TAU’s AI and Data Science Center is building models of coronavirus spread to improve public health measures.

Public Policy: TAU established a think tank comprised of 1,400 experts from different fields, and in partnership with other state authorities formulated a national exit strategy.

​​​Student Welfare: TAU provided emergency scholarships and counseling grants to 2,200 students. Another 1,400 students are expected to be eligible for aid in the near future. Support TAU's COVID-19 Emergency Scholarship Fund.

​Cellphone Mobility Data and COVID-19 Deaths: A study by Prof. Tal Pupko provides evidence from various countries that social distancing practices are more effective than strict lockdowns.

Employment Crisis: TAU faculty members, such as sociologist Prof. Sigal Alon, are studying the ramifications of COVID-19 on the job market, research with acute relevance to decision-makers.  ​                                                                                                                                                                                                  ​Pandemic Parenting: The pandemic has had tangible effects on parenting practices, according to TAU researchers. A recent study found that expressions of affection for children decreased in recent months.

Teacher Burnout: In a timely study with global relevance, Dr. Shahar Lev-Ari found that professional support helps teachers overcome stress relating to remote teaching, resulting in less burnout.

Photos by Moshe Bedarshi and Yoram Reshef