On 5 May 2025, the Open University of Israel hosted a special event to mark Europe Day, organized by the International Office in collaboration with the Department of Resources and External Relations. The event aimed to strengthen the University's international visibility and promote new partnerships with European Union Member States.
We were honored by the presence of diplomatic representatives and science and culture attachés from several EU embassies in Israel. Their interest in fostering academic cooperation with the Open University was both encouraging and inspiring.
The event was opened by the President of the Open University, Professor Iris Shagrir, who warmly welcomed the guests and extended her wishes for a Happy Europe Day. In her address, she emphasized the symbolic significance of this day, celebrated annually on 9 May, as a tribute to the shared values of peace, democracy, and international cooperation.
Following the opening remarks, guests attended a series of short presentations by Open University researchers, showcasing innovative work in a variety of fields. In addition to these talks, participants had the opportunity to experience firsthand the University's technological capabilities: they were invited to immerse themselves in a virtual classroom through the use of dedicated VR headsets. This interactive experience offered a glimpse into the future of digital learning and demonstrated the University's investment in cutting-edge educational tools.
The event also included a guided tour of the University's video studios and educational technology labs, where guests learned about the development of high-quality digital content and the pedagogical innovations that support distance learning at scale.
We hope this event marks the beginning of a fruitful dialogue with EU Member States and academic institutions across Europe. The International Office remains committed to supporting these efforts and welcomes further initiatives to advance joint research, academic exchange, and innovation with European counterparts.