An Israeli university is taking a new approach to learning by treating passengers traveling on the Israel Rail Service to a series of lectures by the institution’s top scientists.
This year, Israelis who opt to travel by train are getting more than just a ride – they’re getting an education. Thanks to an initiative from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Rail Service, train passengers are being treated to lectures by some of the university’s most prominent professors.
‘Scientists on the Train’ is a monthly series developed by the Hebrew University. A professor chooses a train to lecture in and passengers are invited to attend, free of charge.
A recent lecture was dedicated to National Science Day, celebrated in Israel to mark Albert Einstein’s birthday and honor the great scientist’s contribution to the country. A member of the early Zionist movement, Einstein was one of the founders of the Hebrew University and bequeathed his intellectual property to the institution.
The lecture series is designed to open peoples’ minds to new ideas and to show the public that professors don’t just live in ivory towers but use science and other types of research to improve the lives of everyone.