Professor Tamar Dayan Resigns as Tel Aviv Natural History Museum Chair Citing Future Concerns

Professor Tamar Dayan announced her resignation as chair of the Steinhardt Natural History Museum at Tel Aviv University after nearly 30 years, expressing deep concerns about structural changes underway at the university. These changes, initiated by the university's new rector, Professor Noga Kronfeld-Shorer, who was once Dayan's student, are seen by Dayan and museum staff as potentially damaging to the museum's scientific status, its researchers, and staff.

Dayan was expected to complete her term in October and was even offered a two-year extension, which she declined. She played a pivotal role in establishing the museum and elevating it to a nationally and internationally recognized scientific institution. The proposed changes include integrating the museum more formally into the Faculty of Life Sciences, creating an academic unit led by the museum director who would report to both the dean and the rector, and granting tenure to 11 researchers who previously had only annual contracts.

Despite these intended improvements, Dayan warned in her resignation letter that the changes might leave the museum without a clear scientific development status within higher education, unlike other university-affiliated national museums. The involvement of an external strategic consulting firm, Seldor, sparked unease among museum employees, who feared loss of independence and questioned the suitability of a business-oriented consultancy for a natural history institution.

Following Dayan's resignation, seven voluntary board members, including Professors Ami Federman, Aharon Fogel, and Itamar Borovitz, also resigned in protest, emphasizing the museum's national scientific and public importance and opposing the proposed changes. The university rejected some of the consultancy's recommendations, such as dispersing faculty across departments or reducing collections.

Tel Aviv University stated that the museum remains a campus gem, credited Dayan for her leadership, and described the changes as internal management adjustments aimed at better integrating the museum's academic activities within the university. The administration hopes the board members will reconsider their resignations once they understand the reforms. The university also noted Dayan reached retirement age but was offered an exceptional extension, which she declined.