Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences

The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences was established in 2009. It is located in the Goodman Brain Sciences building on the Edmond J. Safra campus of the Hebrew University in Givat Ram, Jerusalem.{{Cite web |date=7 March 2013 |title=Construction of brain research center set to begin |url=https://www.jpost.com/health-and-science/construction-of-brain-research-center-set-to-begin |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915135219/https://www.jpost.com//health-and-science/construction-of-brain-research-center-set-to-begin |url-status=live }} The mission of the center is to gain more insight into the theoretical, biological and cognitive aspects of the brain; pursue interdisciplinary research to meet the scientific and technological challenges of the 21st century; promote academic collaboration and engage in community outreach.{{Cite web |last=curata |date=6 June 2017 |title=Hebrew University to Dedicate New Home of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) |url=https://www.afhu.org/2017/06/06/hebrew-university-to-dedicate-new-home-of-the-edmond-and-lily-safra-center-for-brain-sciences-elsc/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=American Friends of the Hebrew University |language=en-US |archive-date=27 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927131446/https://www.afhu.org/2017/06/06/hebrew-university-to-dedicate-new-home-of-the-edmond-and-lily-safra-center-for-brain-sciences-elsc/ |url-status=live }}

In 1991, the university founded the Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation (ICNC) which introduced a new interdisciplinary doctoral program combining life science, psychology, cognition and other disciplines associated with brain research.{{Cite web |title=The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences – From Vision to Impact |url=https://elsc.huji.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Elsc-Annual-Report-2020scrn.pdf |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=elsc.huji.ac.il |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915142558/https://elsc.huji.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Elsc-Annual-Report-2020scrn.pdf |url-status=live }}

In 2006, the president of Hebrew University, Menachem Magidor, appointed the Neuroscience International Review Committee to explore possibilities for the expansion of neuroscience research. With the financial support of the Edmond Safra Foundation, the university opened a new center dedicated to the study of the brain.{{Cite web |date=12 June 2017 |title=New Hebrew University center premises to unlock the mysteries of the brain |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/hebrew-uto-unveil-largest-neurological-center-496585 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915143659/https://www.jpost.com//israel-news/hebrew-uto-unveil-largest-neurological-center-496585 |url-status=live }}

The center's International Steering Committee established in 2009 is composed of 11 prominent neuroscientists, including Nobel laureates Bert Sakmann, Richard Axel and Edvard Moser.{{Cite web |title=The Hebrew University of Jerusalem – Division of Marketing & Communication |url=https://www.huji.ac.il/cgi-bin/dovrut/dovrut_search_eng.pl?mesge124436056932688760 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=www.huji.ac.il |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915144019/https://www.huji.ac.il/cgi-bin/dovrut/dovrut_search_eng.pl?mesge124436056932688760 |url-status=live }}

The center runs two main academic programs: A five-year Ph.D. program in computational neuroscience open to students from many different disciplines established in 1992; and an undergraduate program offering a major track in brain sciences and a minor track in computational neuroscience established in 2021. Classes are held in English, which makes study accessible to foreign students from around the world.{{Cite web |date=4 June 2018 |title=First conference at only multidisciplinary brain research center on earth |url=https://www.jpost.com/health-science/1st-conference-at-only-multidisciplinary-brain-research-center-on-earth-559148 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915144712/https://www.jpost.com/health-science/1st-conference-at-only-multidisciplinary-brain-research-center-on-earth-559148 |url-status=live }}

Research at ELSC focuses on enhancing the understanding of brain mechanisms, spanning genetic, molecular, cellular and synaptic levels, as well as theoretical and computational studies of biological and artificial neural networks. This basic scientific research of brain function also extends to investigations of brain dysfunction, incorporating translational and clinical research. This includes psychological studies such as those by ELSC member Merav Ahissar to elucidate conditions such as dyslexia and autism.{{cite web |last1=SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH |first1=JUDY |title=Hebrew U. researchers gain insight into brain mechanisms underlying dyslexia |url=https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/health-and-science/hebrew-u-researchers-gain-insight-into-brain-mechanisms-underlying-dyslexia-479604 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |access-date=25 September 2024 |language=en |date=25 January 2017 |archive-date=25 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925142532/https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/health-and-science/hebrew-u-researchers-gain-insight-into-brain-mechanisms-underlying-dyslexia-479604 |url-status=live }} Ami Citri's lab uses molecular, synaptic, local circuit and behavioral data to study a small region of the brain called the claustrum. Varying its activity levels in mice has been shown to affect sleep, responsiveness and impulsive behavior – findings which could lead to new treatments for disorders like ADHD.{{Cite web |last=Lev |first=Gid'on |date=14 July 2024 |title=Gatekeeper of the Consciousness: Israeli Study Finds Brain Area Regulating Attention and Wakefulness |url=https://www.haaretz.com/science-and-health/2024-07-14/ty-article/israeli-study-finds-brain-area-regulating-attention-and-wakefulness/00000190-ace2-d9f4-afd5-eeef185a0000 |website=www.haaretz.com }}

Advanced quantitative MRI methods are employed by ELSC member Aviv Mezer and his team{{Cite web |last=GHERT-ZAND |first=RENEE |date=20 September 2023 |title=Israeli researchers develop noninvasive method to assess iron levels in brain |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-researchers-develop-noninvasive-method-to-assess-iron-levels-in-brain/ |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=25 September 2024 |archive-date=25 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925084147/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-researchers-develop-noninvasive-method-to-assess-iron-levels-in-brain/ |url-status=live }} to characterize changes in the biological composition of brain tissue as a person ages.{{Cite web |last=Mezer |first=Aviv |date=14 January 2020 |title=A Better MRI Test to Study Aging in the Brain |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/healthcare-of-tomorrow/articles/2020-01-14/commentary-a-better-mri-test-to-study-aging-in-the-brain |website=US News |access-date=16 September 2024 |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916084712/https://www.usnews.com/news/healthcare-of-tomorrow/articles/2020-01-14/commentary-a-better-mri-test-to-study-aging-in-the-brain |url-status=live }}

Other studies utilize diverse methodologies, ranging from transcriptomics to electrophysiology and neuron-imaging, specifically targeting age-related diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.{{Cite web |date=28 August 2024 |title=New Research Unveils Cellular Pathways to Alzheimer's and Alternative Brain Aging |url=https://en.huji.ac.il/news/new-research-unveils-cellular-pathways-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-and-alternative-brain-aging |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=en.huji.ac.il }}

In 2024, ELSC members have published studies that offer new perspectives on the brain, such as the research of Naomi Habib and her team on early stage detection of Alzheimer's;{{Cite web |last=BLETTER |first=DIANA |date=6 September 2024 |title=In game-changer, Israeli researchers find Alzheimer's markers 20 years before onset |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-game-changer-israeli-researchers-find-alzheimers-markers-20-years-before-onset/ |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=23 September 2024 |archive-date=11 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911011505/https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-game-changer-israeli-researchers-find-alzheimers-markers-20-years-before-onset/ |url-status=live }} the questioning of the role of neurons as being responsible for all important processes in the brain by Inbal Goshen and her team{{Cite web |date=18 September 2024 |title=חשבנו שהנוירונים אחראים לכל התהליכים החשובים במוח. ייתכן שלגמרי טעינו? |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/magazine/2024-09-18/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/00000192-0544-dc60-a5fb-ed6ea43d0000 |website=www.haaretz.co.il }} and the finding of David Omer and his team that marmosets, a nonhuman primate, call each other by designated names.{{Cite journal |last1=Oren |first1=Guy |last2=Shapira |first2=Aner |last3=Lifshitz |first3=Reuven |last4=Vinepinsky |first4=Ehud |last5=Cohen |first5=Roni |last6=Fried |first6=Tomer |last7=Hadad |first7=Guy P. |last8=Omer |first8=David |date=30 August 2024 |title=Vocal labeling of others by nonhuman primates |url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp3757 |journal=Science |language=en |volume=385 |issue=6712 |pages=996–1003 |doi=10.1126/science.adp3757 |pmid=39208084 |bibcode=2024Sci...385..996O |issn=0036-8075 |access-date=23 September 2024 |archive-date=3 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903115148/https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp3757 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}

Naomi Habib uses data from 1.6 million cells analyzed by algorithms and machine-learning techniques to identify specific cellular interactions. The study shows that Alzheimer's disease is not just a form of accelerated aging. On the basis of molecular markers, scientists will be able to pinpoint an individual's "cellular path" and likelihood of developing the disease.

Inbal Goshen challenges the traditional view that neurons alone are responsible for brain processing. She shows that astrocytes (non-neuronal brain cells) play an important role in brain plasticity and memory, so that stimulating astrocyte activity may alleviate Alzheimer's associated plaques.

Hagai Bergman, a neuroscientist and physician at ELSC and the Faculty of Medicine of the Hebrew University, was awarded the Israel Prize for Life Sciences in 2024. Bergman's research has enhanced understanding of basal ganglia physiology and made significant contributions to the study and treatment of Parkinson's disease.{{Cite web |title=Hagai Bergman has been awarded for the Israel Prize in Life Sciences Research – Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin |url=https://www.ecn-berlin.de/news-reader/Bergman-Israel-Prize.html |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=www.ecn-berlin.de |archive-date=17 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917093725/https://www.ecn-berlin.de/news-reader/Bergman-Israel-Prize.html |url-status=live }}

In 2024, Haim Sompolinsky, one of the founders of the center, was the first Israeli scientist to win the Brain Prize, an international prize awarded annually to leading brain researchers.{{Cite web |last=GHERT-ZAND |first=RENEE |date=8 March 2024 |title=Physicist Haim Sompolinsky first Israeli to win largest brain science research prize |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/physicist-haim-sompolinsky-first-israeli-to-win-largest-brain-science-research-prize/ |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=15 September 2024 |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915152803/https://www.timesofisrael.com/physicist-haim-sompolinsky-first-israeli-to-win-largest-brain-science-research-prize/ |url-status=live }} Sompolinsky, a pioneer in computational neuroscience, uses theoretical models like the "ring attractor" to study the dynamics of neuronal networks and their relation to animal and human behavior.{{Cite web |last=Stambler |first=David |date=3 June 2024 |title=Danish King awards prestigious brain research prize to top Hebrew University professor |url=https://www.cfhu.org/news/danish-king-awards-prestigious-brain-research-prize-to-top-hebrew-university-professor/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=The Canadian Friends of Hebrew University |language=en-US }}

Hermona Soreq, another founding member of the center,{{Cite web |title=פרס א.מ.ת. {{!}} פרס האמנות, המדע והתרבות |url=https://emetprize.com/award-page/2/187 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=emetprize.com }} won the 2022 EMET Prize for her research achievements in molecular biology, the nervous system and the genetics of degenerative diseases.{{Cite web |date=3 March 2022 |title=Congratulations to Prof. Hermona Soreq on being awarded the EMET Prize! |url=https://iias.huji.ac.il/news/congratulations-prof-hermona-soreq-being-awarded-emet-prize |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=iias.huji.ac.il |archive-date=18 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918150910/https://iias.huji.ac.il/news/congratulations-prof-hermona-soreq-being-awarded-emet-prize |url-status=live }} Soreq's interdisciplinary approach has led to a better understanding of the role of acetylcholine in the brain and its involvement in the brain's response to stressful situations.{{Cite web |title=about |url=https://www.rappaport-prize.org.il/en/hermona-soreq |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=www.rappaport-prize.org.il |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320132555/https://www.rappaport-prize.org.il/en/hermona-soreq |url-status=live }}

In 2021, Naomi Habib, an assistant professor at ELSC,{{Cite web |last=Stambler |first=David |date=5 May 2020 |title=Hebrew University's Dr. Naomi Habib on her team's faster, cheaper COVID-19 tests |url=https://www.cfhu.org/videos/hebrew-universitys-dr-naomi-habib-on-her-teams-faster-cheaper-covid-19-tests/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=The Canadian Friends of Hebrew University |language=en-US }} won the Krill Prize for Excellence in Scientific Research for her study of communication between brain cells and how the immune system and environmental risk factors impact on aging.{{Cite web |last=רעות |date=28 June 2021 |title=Naomi Habib |url=https://wolffund.org.il/naomi-habib/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Wolf Foundation |language=en-US }} Her focus is on the mechanisms that lead to devastating brain diseases like Alzheimer's. By mapping cellular changes, she seeks to discover both triggers of the disease and protective molecules.

In 2010, Baruch Minke, professor emeritus at ELSC, won the EMET Prize for brain research and the 2010 Prince of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research.{{Cite web |last=Leichman |first=Abigail Klein |date=30 August 2010 |title=Fruit fly fluke |url=https://www.israel21c.org/fruit-fly-fluke/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=ISRAEL21c |language=en-US |archive-date=17 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917103853/https://www.israel21c.org/fruit-fly-fluke/ |url-status=live }} Minke discovered a new type of ion channel, the Transient Receptor Potential or TRP channel while studying phototransduction and vision in fruit flies.{{Cite web |title=ELSC Members |url=https://elsc.huji.ac.il/people-directory/faculty-members/baruch-minke/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=elsc.huji.ac.il |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001101356/https://elsc.huji.ac.il/people-directory/faculty-members/baruch-minke/ |url-status=live }}

File:DSC01434-neuron screen-edited-croped 22.24.12.jpg

The Goodman Brain Sciences building was designed by the British architect Norman Foster.{{Cite web |date=12 August 2021 |title=Foster + Partners Completes Safra Center for Brain Sciences in Jerusalem |url=https://www.archdaily.com/966667/foster-plus-partners-completes-safra-center-for-brain-sciences-in-jerusalem |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=ArchDaily |language=en-US |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915144712/https://www.archdaily.com/966667/foster-plus-partners-completes-safra-center-for-brain-sciences-in-jerusalem |url-status=live }} The building is a reinforced concrete structure with an overhanging steel roof.{{Cite web |date=13 August 2021 |title=Foster + Partners wraps aluminium screens around university laboratory in Jerusalem |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2021/08/13/edmond-and-lily-safra-center-for-brain-sciences-foster-partners/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Dezeen |language=en |archive-date=18 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918152929/https://www.dezeen.com/2021/08/13/edmond-and-lily-safra-center-for-brain-sciences-foster-partners/ |url-status=live }} Construction commenced in 2013 under the supervision of an Israeli architectural firm.

The façade consists of an aluminum "neuron screen" inspired by the drawings of Santiago Ramón y Cajal. The data for the screen was derived from a digital reconstruction of the neurons of a rat brain provided by Henry Markram and ELSC member Idan Segev.{{Cite web |date=16 June 2018 |title=A look into the human brain with a world-renowned Israeli neurobiologist |url=https://www.jpost.com/Jerusalem-Report/In-sickness-and-in-health-540756 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en |archive-date=18 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918165048/https://www.jpost.com//jerusalem-report/in-sickness-and-in-health-540756 |url-status=live }}

The architectural team placed great emphasis on environmental design for optimal energy saving. The building consists of two parallel wings housing 28 labs around an open central courtyard. In an interview with Haaretz newspaper, Spencer de Grey, the chief designer of the project, commented that in his opinion the common spaces were the most important part of the building.{{Cite web |last=Rosenblum |first=Keshet |date=4 March 2013 |title=Cerebral Design for Hebrew University's New Brain Science Building |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/culture/2013-03-04/ty-article/.premium/building-for-the-human-brain/0000017f-ee3d-d0f7-a9ff-eefde07e0000 |website=www.haaretz.com }}

The Vector Core Facility is a core technology and research center for the design of viral vectors used to deliver genetic material into cells.{{Cite web |title=Vector Core |url=https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-vector-core-facility/viral-vector-tools/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=elsc.huji.ac.il |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916085526/https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-vector-core-facility/viral-vector-tools/ |url-status=live }}

The Fablab is a fabrication laboratory for the design of custom hardware solutions for

neuroscience experiments. The unit uses 3-D printers and CNC milling machines.{{Cite web |title=FabLab |url=https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-fablab/fablab-facilities/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=elsc.huji.ac.il |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916093931/https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-fablab/fablab-facilities/ |url-status=live }}

In 2012, the center opened a unit for imaging services for all Hebrew University

laboratories. In addition to its MRI scanner, eye-tracking system, BIOPAC system, active noise control system and visual stimuli delivery system, the unit

provides assistance with paradigms and scanning optimization.{{Cite web |title=MRI ELSC Neuroimaging Unit |url=https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-neuroimaging-unit/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=elsc.huji.ac.il |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916093932/https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-neuroimaging-unit/ |url-status=live }}

The center runs a core microscopy unit open to all Hebrew University laboratories. It is equipped with multi-photon, confocal and fluorescence microscopes, and provides consulting services.{{Cite web |title=ELSC Core Microscopy Unit |url=https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-core-microscopy/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=elsc.huji.ac.il |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916095122/https://elsc.huji.ac.il/research-and-facilities/expertise-centers/elsc-core-microscopy/ |url-status=live }}

To make science more accessible, ELSC holds conferences, seminars and cultural events that are open to the general public. "Art & Brain Week" is an annual event organized in collaboration with the Jerusalem Cinematheque{{Cite web |title=Art & Brain Week |url=https://jer-cin.org.il/en/lobby/art-brain-week-0 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Jerusalem Cinematheque – Israel Film Archive |language=en |archive-date=25 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925185254/https://jer-cin.org.il/en/lobby/art-brain-week-0 |url-status=live }} which offers scientific lectures followed by films or cultural programs.{{Cite web |title=The Martine De Souza-Dassault Brain Art Gallery |url=https://elsc.huji.ac.il/events-and-outreach/outreach/art/the-martine-de-souza-dassault-brain-art-gallery/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=elsc.huji.ac.il |archive-date=16 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916100102/https://elsc.huji.ac.il/events-and-outreach/outreach/art/the-martine-de-souza-dassault-brain-art-gallery/ |url-status=live }}

The center's Martine de Souza-Dassault Brain Art Gallery, also open to the public, displays art based on the science of the brain,{{Cite web |last=Magazine |first=ArchiExpo |date=3 September 2021 |title=Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences in Israel |url=https://emag.archiexpo.com/edmond-and-lily-safra-center-for-brain-sciences-in-israel/ |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=ArchiExpo e-Magazine |language=en-GB }} and sponsors an artist residency program in which scientists team up with artists to discuss the workings of the brain and its impact on art.

• Science and technology in Israel
• Architecture of Israel

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/08/29/marmoset-monkey-name-study/ "Marmoset monkeys call each other by name, study suggests"], The Washington Post
• [https://www.haaretz.com/science-and-health/2024-07-14/ty-article/israeli-study-finds-brain-area-regulating-attention-and-wakefulness/00000190-ace2-d9f4-afd5-eeef185a0000 "Israeli study finds brain area regulating attention and wakefulness"], Haaretz
• [https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-747733 "Israeli scientists claim the brain can stop the urge to take fentanyl"], Jerusalem Post
• [https://www.jpost.com/science/article-759824 "Jerusalem and Toronto scientists reveal different DNA densities in stem cells"]
• [https://gsna.co.il/project/the-edmond-and-lily-safra-center/ The Edmond and Lily Safra Center]
• [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305807918_Safra_Neuron_Screen_Design_and_Fabrication Safra Neuron Screen Design and Fabrication]
• [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-020-0624-8 Disease-associated astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease and aging, Naomi Habib]

Category:Neuroscience research centers in Israel

Category:Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Category:Science and technology in Israel

Category:Safra family

Category:2009 establishments in Israel