BOG 2018: Advanced NanoFab Center at Tel Aviv University

“Building up the University’s capabilities in nanoscience remains a top TAU priority,” said TAU President Joseph Klafter at the inauguration ceremony of the Chaoul Center for Nanoscale Systems held in the Raya and Josef Jaglom Auditorium. “The major project we’re inaugurating today is central to achieving Tel Aviv University’s vision to forge a leading nano research hub in Israel for the benefit of the world.”

And that is exactly what the new Chaoul Center for Nanoscale Systems aims to do. Measuring 1,000 square meters, the Center will occupy the ground floor of the planned Roman Abramovich Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Building, slated to begin construction at the end of 2018. With a permanent staff of eight engineers and technicians, including five doctoral researchers, the Center will comprise cutting-edge clean rooms together with a visitor center, meeting rooms, offices and technical service areas.

The Center was established by longstanding TAU Friend, Fred Chaoul. “Fred was a believer in the power and promise of nano already 12 years ago when he established the Chaoul Center for Nanoscale Materials and Systems, and the Chair for Nanophotonics,” continued Prof. Klafter. “In fact, he was one of the very first TAU supporters to recognize the importance and relevance of nano to TAU and Israel.”

State-of-the-art facility

In response, Mr. Chaoul stated, “For Nano Center Director Yael Hanein and colleagues, today is a dream come true. Yael has worked tirelessly all these years for a dedicated, state-of-the-art building, which will probably be one of the most important scientific facilities in Israel, with the top labs, equipment and researchers. I want to thank the University – and Yael – for giving me the opportunity to be part of this team.”

Mr. Chaoul greeted friends from Argentina, Israel and Uruguay in attendance at the ceremony, among them 2018 TAU Honorary Doctor and former President of Uruguay Luis Alberto de Lacalle de Herrera. Chaoul also thanked his “friend, TAU benefactor Sami Sagol,” who recently made a major gift toward the nano research of TAU’s Prof. Tal Dvir.

To be managed by the TAU Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Chaoul Center will be the new state-of-the-art home for laboratories that are currently spread across several locations on campus. Once complete, it is expected to be the most comprehensive and industry-oriented nano facility in Israeli academia.

“To pursue nano research of the highest caliber, we need the ability to see things on the nano-scale – and this can only be done by combining our unique scientific insights with very big and expensive equipment,” explained Prof. Hanein. “We are very grateful to Fred and we hope to fulfill his trust in us to keep on advancing science.”

The Center will incorporate, build on and expand the multidisciplinary and cutting edge research conducted at the existing Chaoul Center for Nanoscale Materials and Systems.