Higher Education Adapts to AI and Expands Medical Training, Says Council CEO
Dr. Maya Lugassi Ben-Hamou highlighted the vital role of higher education, AI adaptation, and the expansion of medical faculties to combat doctor shortages.
Speaking at the "People of the State" conference hosted by ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth, Dr. Maya Lugassi Ben-Hamou, CEO of the Council for Higher Education and the Planning and Budgeting Committee, addressed the growing skepticism surrounding the value of traditional degrees in the era of artificial intelligence. Against the backdrop of a 2% rise in student enrollment, reaching 350,900 students, she emphasized that higher education remains vital for acquiring critical thinking skills and adaptability.
The Impact of AI on Higher Education
Addressing the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, Ben-Hamou noted that academia is actively adapting its frameworks to meet future challenges. She highlighted that the council has established dedicated committees focused on policy, research, and teaching methodologies, viewing AI as a transformative technology that shapes reality rather than just another tool.
"We understand that no one truly knows which professions will change and remain. What is certain for us is that all fields will undergo some form of adaptation," Ben-Hamou stated.
To support cutting-edge research, the council has invested over 400 million shekels in robust computing power for academic researchers. Furthermore, six out of 12 newly approved academic programs in AI have already launched this year, engaging nearly 100 students in specialized tracks.
Expanding Medical Education
Ben-Hamou also addressed the critical shortage of physicians in the country, particularly in peripheral regions. She outlined the decisive steps taken in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, which include opening three new medical faculties at Reichman University, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and the University of Haifa.
This expansion has driven the number of first-year medical students to 1,490, a significant increase compared to just 700 students six years ago. The initiative also encompasses clinical training enhancements and a joint program allowing researchers to split their time between academic institutions and hospitals.