50-Years-Magazine-digital

Delivering Excellence for All in Israel 41 unique histories of each culture. To support its mission, the Institute organizes and sponsors research groups, seminars, international workshops, conferences, and lectures. Additionally, it hosts the Diwan, a monthly meeting focused on religions in the Middle East, fostering ongoing dialogue and scholarly exchange. Astrophysics Research Center of the Open University (ARCO) The Astrophysics Research Center of the Open University (ARCO) is a dynamic and collaborative research hub. ARCO integrates the research interests of the university’s physics faculty and staff, focusing on a diverse range of astrophysical and cosmological topics. Our research spans from the study of planets and extreme stellar phenomena to the expansive universe and its fundamental forces. We primarily engage in theoretical research and data interpretation, contributing to various international projects, such as SKA, LOFAR, Swift, Fermi-LAT, CTA, ARIEL, and PLATO. This broad engagement supports ARCO’s unique position as the only institution in Israel offering a specialized MSc program in astrophysics, distinct from the general MSc in physics available at other universities, which offers less focus on astrophysical content. Aligned with the Open University of Israel’s vision, ARCO is committed to fostering diversity within its staff, including representation from minority groups often underrepresented in academia. Our research spans four major areas: physical cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, planets and exoplanets, and gravitational physics, with each group led by faculty members and comprising researchers and postdocs. Theoretical research at ARCO is supported by advanced numerical simulations, semi- analytical models, and analytical calculations, utilizing the university’s High Performance Computing (HPC) Center. Graduates of our program are in high demand in high-tech and high-finance sectors as well as start-ups driving the Israeli economy. They take leading roles in academia, STEM education, and industry, significantly contributing to Israel’s economic and social development.