Holon Institute of Technology Rector on Academia's Role and Future
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Professor Eduard Yakubov, Rector of the Holon Institute of Technology, discussed the institution's role in training engineers and fostering international ties. Founded in 1969, the institute now educates over 6,000 students and has undergone significant transformations under Yakubov's leadership. It plays a crucial role in supplying Israel's high-tech industry with skilled graduates and emphasizes support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The institute also engages in international collaborations, particularly with countries in Eurasia, and integrates AI into its curriculum to meet industry demands.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Holon Institute of Technology Rector Eduard Yakubov discussed the institution's role in Israeli industry and international collaboration.
- The institute, founded in 1969, educates over 6,000 students and is a key supplier of engineers to Israel's high-tech sector.
- Yakubov emphasized the institute's commitment to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and reservist soldiers.
- The institute has international agreements with 140 universities in 35 countries, focusing on Eurasian nations.
- Yakubov advocates for academic freedom but believes political activity should be separate from the educational process.
- The institute is integrating AI into its programs and developing interdisciplinary fields like medical technologies and design.
Professor Eduard Yakubov, Rector and former long-time President of the Holon Institute of Technology, discussed the institution's role in Israeli industry, its international scientific collaborations, and the integration of artificial intelligence in education in an exclusive interview with MIG TV. Founded in 1969 to address Israel's post-Six-Day War need for engineers, the institute now educates over 6,000 students and has become a leading technological institution.
Yakubov, who immigrated to Israel and initially worked at the Technion, joined the Holon Institute of Technology and emphasized his commitment to contributing to the country's development. He was instrumental in establishing Israel's first industrial mathematics program and later founded the Faculty of Science. He became president in 2013 during a critical period for the institute, which faced significant shortcomings identified by the State Comptroller. Yakubov agreed to lead, initially for two months, but stayed for 13 years, overseeing major transformations, expanding programs, and strengthening the scientific base.
The institute boasts approximately 200 full-time faculty, including about 80 professors. Yakubov highlighted the significant contributions of its graduates to Israel's high-tech industry, including early work in electronics for the Israel Aerospace Industries and ELTA. The institute is a major center for training electronic engineers, with 2,100 students in the department and plans to increase annual graduates from 250-270 to 350-400.
Yakubov stressed the institute's commitment to students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, noting that about 40% of students are the first in their families to pursue higher education. He also detailed financial support mechanisms, including scholarships and special consideration for reservist soldiers, waiving dormitory fees for days of service. He expressed pride in students' dedication to learning, even amidst military service.
The Holon Institute of Technology maintains international collaborations with 140 universities in 35 countries, with a focus on the US, Europe, and Eurasian nations, including a potential branch in Albania. Yakubov also emphasized strong ties with universities in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, viewing this academic cooperation as vital "people's diplomacy" that builds bridges of trust and friendship.
Regarding political activity on campus, Yakubov advocates for academic freedom but believes political expression should primarily occur outside the institution to avoid disrupting the educational process. He stated his role is to lead an educational institution, not to make political decisions for the academic community, and he refuses to participate in political strikes. He also described constructive dialogue with the institute's four types of employee unions.
The institute is expanding its reach with science and technology kindergartens and is developing new interdisciplinary programs, such as the integration of design and medicine, and a unique Faculty of Medical Technologies that combines medicine with computer science, AI, and machine learning. Yakubov noted that AI elements are being integrated into almost all courses, as the institute aims to prepare specialists directly needed by Israel's economy, positioning itself as an "Academy for Industry."