Prof. David Harel, President of the Academy, participated in the 23rd annual Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum, held in Kyoto, Japan, on October 4–6, 2026. One of the leading international gatherings in science and technology, the forum brings together distinguished scientists, academy presidents, world leaders, and policymakers from around the globe to discuss major global challenges and the relationship between science, technology, and society.

 

During the forum, Prof. Harel participated in discussions on developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and their implications for scientific research, education, and higher education. Among other activities, he chaired a session titled "Transforming Education in the Age of AI," which explored the opportunities and challenges posed by AI for educational systems and the training of future generations of researchers and scientists.

 

Prof. Harel also attended the annual meeting of presidents of national academies of sciences, held as part of the forum. This year's meeting focused on promoting scientific mobility in a divided world, building trust, and laying the foundations for sustainable international scientific cooperation. The meeting brought together academy presidents and representatives from Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, South Korea, Slovakia, Finland, Taiwan, and other countries. In his remarks, Prof. Harel emphasized the vital importance of nurturing the next generation of scientists and expanding opportunities for international exchanges among early-career researchers, as a means of strengthening scientific ties and international collaboration.

 

Meeting of the Presidents of National Academies of Sciences. Prof. Harel is fourth from the left in the back row. Courtesy of the Science Council of Japan (SCJ). 

 

As part of Israel's participation in the forum, the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities selected two early-career researchers to take part in the forum's Young Leaders Program and funded their participation: Maria Kaeek of the Weizmann Institute of Science and Dr. Lior Abramson of Tel Aviv University. The program brings together promising young researchers from around the world with leading scientists, including Nobel Laureates, providing opportunities to discuss challenges facing science and society and to establish international scientific connections.