“Tikkun Olam” is a concept in Judaism meaning “repair the world”.
Technion takes pride in its faculty, students and alumni who work to make the world a better place by protecting the environment, helping the under-privileged, and giving back to our communities.
This month, we are highlighting a few ways in which Technion contributes to making a difference in the world. The hope is that these efforts may inspire others to do the same!
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Technion’s Chapter of Engineers without Borders (EwB) is part of the university’s Center for Global Engineering, whose mission is to support community-driven development programs worldwide through partnerships and sustainable engineering projects. Students participate in transformative experiences that enrich global perspectives and create responsible global leaders, and work locally and globally to plan and implement sustainable programs with different communities to improve the quality of life. Learn about EWB’s projects in Israel, Ethiopia and Nepal!
TRAINING GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND
Technion’s guide dog program is the largest fostering program of its kind in northern Israel and one of numerous ways Technion students are encouraged to contribute to the wider community. Technion students foster the puppies for an 18-month period in order to expose the dogs to the widest possible range of settings and experiences.
“The Technion is very dog-friendly, and the service dogs in training have become part of the campus life and landscape,” said Alon Wolf, the Technion’s vice president for external relations and resource development. “In many ways it’s the university as a whole, and not just the students, who are taking part in this task that does so much for the greater good.”
CLEAN WATER FOR DEVELOPING NATIONS
Researchers at the Technion Institute of Technology and their partners in Africa received the Mauberger Foundation prize for the development of a technology that creates water from heat, which aims to provide clean water to developing countries. The Mauerberger Foundation award, granted for the first time, aims to strengthen academic ties and exchange of ideas between researchers in Israel and Africa.
SAVING OUR CORAL REEFS
Design technologies might hold a key to rehabilitating our underwater world! Coral reefs worldwide have been harmed due to global warming, pollution, and touristic scuba diving. Professor Ezri Tarazi, head of the Industrial Design Graduate Program in the Technion Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, led an Israeli team that designed, 3D printed, and installed the world’s first bioplastic and ceramic coral reef in the Red Sea. Some 40 different species of fish are now sleeping, hiding, and laying their eggs on the artificial reefs!
SUPERHERO HANDS
Haifa 3D, an Israel-based non-governmental organization co-founded by Technion alumnus Yoav Medan, uses 3D printing technologies and plastic to provide customized bionic hands, arms, and accessories to children and adults born without hands. The organization benefits from close cooperation with researchers and workers at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. It also receives used equipment donations. Prosthetics are printed free of cost, and in some cases, recipients, especially growing children, will receive multiple prosthetics over time. Superhero hands are a popular choice!
Technion is doing their part to help the well-being of our world and its inhabitants, and we encourage you do your part as well! Help out around your hometown and reinforce sustainable habits within your household – You can make a difference!
Contribute to The Technion Fund to support Tikkun Olam initiatives to further research and breakthroughs that will heal the world.