BGU and RPI Announce Partnership for Humanitarian Technology
Date: Sept. 3, 2026
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) has formed a new partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to drive breakthroughs in civilian safety and protective technologies for humanitarian efforts. This initiative is made possible by a $500,000 donation from siblings Melisa T. Gerber and David J. Gerber, which includes equal grants to both institutions.
The collaboration aims to combine the strengths of BGU and RPI in engineering and STEM fields, fostering innovation in areas such as earthquake-resistant buildings, enhanced glass safety, and smart sensors for detecting harmful substances.
BGU’s vice president, Raz Jelinek, stated this partnership “combines world-class scientific expertise” to create impactful technologies. Similarly, RPI’s Robert Hull expressed gratitude for the Gerbers’ support and excitement for new collaborations.
The program emphasizes cooperation between faculty and graduate students, funding tuition and research expenses while encouraging commercialization training. Regular meetings and joint retreats will ensure ongoing collaboration, with an emphasis on publishing results in leading journals.
Additionally, the H. Joseph Gerber and Sonia K. Gerber Research Fund has been established to honor the Gerber parents, promoting innovative research and collaboration between BGU and RPI.
David Gerber, an RPI alumnus, shared insights into his father’s journey as a Holocaust survivor and inventor, linking it to the collaborative spirit of the partnership. In parallel, the legacy of Sonia K. Gerber reflects a commitment to creativity and education in Israel.
Both siblings noted that the partnership and fund embody their parents’ values of innovation and meaningful engagement, aiming to continue their legacy through impactful research.
