Research and Innovation Newsletter - Summer 2026

Research Excellence in Action: Innovation, Collaboration, and Impact

At Afeka, research is driven by a commitment to addressing real-world challenges through scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological innovation. We are delighted to share the success of two newly funded research projects that exemplify these values and demonstrate the growing impact of Afeka researchers across both the national and international research landscapes.

The first project, led by Dr. Ohad Eisenhandler from Afeka in collaboration with Dr. Mor Kaspi from Tel Aviv University, has been awarded funding by the Israeli Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety. The project focuses on the future of sustainable mobility and will develop a holistic framework for operating demand-responsive, autonomous electric shuttle services, combining simulation, optimization, and adaptive decision-making strategies. By addressing challenges such as fluctuating demand, charging constraints, and the need to maintain service efficiency, the research aims to support the implementation of smart, accessible, and environmentally sustainable Mobility-as-a-Service solutions.

The second project, led by Dr. Gur Mittelman from Afeka, has been awarded funding by the prestigious BARD Fund (the United States–Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund). The project brings together researchers from Afeka Academic College of Engineering, the Agricultural Research Organization (Volcani Institute), Tel Aviv University, University of Houston, and University of New Mexico. The research aims to develop innovative semi-transparent agrivoltaic systems that simultaneously generate renewable electricity and improve agricultural productivity in hot and arid environments. By optimizing the interaction among sunlight, crops, and photovoltaic technologies, the project has the potential to enhance food security, reduce water consumption, and expand sustainable energy production in desert regions.

These achievements highlight the strength of Afeka’s research community and the importance of strategic partnerships that bridge academia, government agencies, industry, and leading international research institutions.

In this issue, we also invite you to read special interviews with Dr. Oshrit Hooper and Dr. Ohad Eisenhandler, who share insights into their research, the challenges that inspire them, and their perspectives on the future of engineering, innovation, and applied research. On behalf of the Research Authority, we warmly congratulate all the researchers and collaborators involved in these successful projects. Their achievements are a source of pride for the entire Afeka community and a testament to the impact that research can have on society.

Enjoy this edition of the newsletter and discover the exciting research taking place across Afeka.

Dr. Idith Melamed Havin,
Research Authority Manager and Chief Editor

Dr. Yossi Luzon,
Senior Lecturer at the School of Industrial Engineering & Management and Scientific Editor