Israel’s Council for Higher Education approved on Tuesday three appointments to the Planning and Budgeting Committee, the body that oversees higher-education planning and distributes state funding worth billions of shekels to universities and colleges. The move comes amid ongoing public debate over diversity in academia and fears of political interference in setting research and teaching priorities.
The council, chaired by Education Minister and council head Yoav Kisch, approved the appointments of Prof. Limor Samimian-Darash of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Prof. Miriam Markovitz-Biton of Bar-Ilan University as new committee members. It also renewed the term of Prof. Shuki Shmer, chairman of Assuta and a former director general of the Health Ministry, for another term.
The Planning and Budgeting Committee is one of the most influential bodies in Israel’s academic system. It sets budget policy for higher education, allocates funding to institutions, promotes national programs in research and teaching, and determines strategic priorities for universities and colleges.
Samimian-Darash researches public policy, governance, decision-making and risk management, and teaches at the Hebrew University’s School of Public Policy and Governance. Markovitz-Biton is a full professor at Bar-Ilan’s law faculty and is known for her work in public law, contract law and social justice. Shmer previously served as Health Ministry director general and as the IDF chief medical officer.
Kisch welcomed the appointments, saying, “The Vatat is one of the most significant bodies shaping the future of higher education in Israel.” He added that he hoped Shmer’s continued service and the newcomers’ “experience, knowledge and abilities” would help advance academic excellence, research and innovation in Israel.
