Winter 2011
RESEARCH

Open Research Day at the Open University

Open University researchers investigate a broad spectrum of topics – from a cure for stress to using yeast models in the battle against cancer, from enabling the computer to accurately identify human features to examining how trauma is expressed in Israel's cinematic productions.

Some 30 research projects were on display at the Open University's Open Research day. Attendees had an opportunity to view interactive presentations of the research projects and converse with the researchers themselves.

According to Prof. Anat-Barnea, Head of the Research Authority, this year's presentations can be "distinguished by the dramatic increase – some 15-fold since 2003 – in the actual number of research projects receiving outside funding and the move towards greater interdisciplinary cooperation in and outside the university."

Rt. Hon. Lord Woolf, Chancellor of the Open University of Israel commended the researchers, explaining that "research is the very essence of the University." Researchers were encouraged by President Hagit Messer-Yaron to "continue to be curious and most important, continue to excel in research."

The following pages reflect some of the varied projects displayed at Open Research Day.