Science Walks

30.10, 20.11, 25.12, 08.01, 12.02, 12.03, 30.04
Times vary

A series of encounters in nature with leading women and men of science, offering a glimpse into the worlds of knowledge, research and curiosity that drive their work.

• 30.10 — Prof. Ron Milo
• 20.11 — Asaf Ben David
• 18.12 — Dr. Efrat Zlotnik
• 8.1 — Dr. Itai Optovitzky
• 12.2 — Prof. Amit Rafael Zoran
• 12.3 — Prof. Ehud Becher
• 30.4 — Dr. Nurit Boubalil

The encounters will take place in the gardens and nature park of Ramat Hanadiv, and will include an easy walk alongside an open conversation with scientists from a variety of fields. Through personal stories, questions from the field and insights from research, we will be exposed to different ways of observing nature, people and the world around us.

Walking and spending time in nature have always provided fertile ground for thought, discovery and the exchange of ideas. Along the paths between the landscape, vegetation and animals, we will create a direct encounter between human curiosity and scientific knowledge, and examine how small questions lead to great discoveries.

Nature invites us to stop, observe and listen. Together with the researchers, we will set out on a journey of thought, inspiration and dialogue about nature, science and the fascinating connections between them.

Date: Each walk has its own date.
Price: NIS 85 per individual encounter.
Price for the full series: NIS 525.
Duration: Approximately one and a half hours.
Difficulty level: Very easy.
Meeting point: At the entrance to the gardens, near the gallery shop.
The number of participants is very limited!

Discussion facilitators:

• Dr. Amir Arnon — Wildlife Interface and Conservation Coordinator at the Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park
• Eli Finarov — Ramat Hanadiv Wildlife Research and Conservation Team
• Paul Benjamin — Head of Gardening at Ramat Hanadiv
• Genia — Researcher on behalf of the Van Leer Institute and Ramat Hanadiv
• Dr. Tsach Glaser — Director of the Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park
• Dr. Liat Hadar — Head of Research at Ramat Hanadiv

Dates of the encounters:

30.10 | 10:00 — Prof. Ron Milo
A researcher at the Weizmann Institute of Science, connecting biology with the major questions of environment and sustainability. His laboratory conducted a “population census” of nature around the world, mapping the total weight of all living organisms on Earth and comparing it with the weight of things created by humans. His research also deals with carbon fixation and possibilities for producing food and materials more efficiently. Alongside his scientific work, Ron finds inspiration on the trails of the country, plays the harmonica and loves singing with his wife and daughters.

20.11 | 10:00 — Asaf Ben David
An ecologist, researcher and tracker, environmental educator and nature guide for thirty years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in science education and a master’s degree in bird ecology, and is currently completing a doctorate in tracking and citizen science. Asaf is the author of An Israeli Guide to Tracks, inviting readers to get to know animals through the signs they leave in the field.

25.12 | 10:00 — Dr. Efrat Zlotnik
She holds a doctorate in neuroscience from the Hebrew University and is currently fulfilling an old dream by studying medicine. She lives in the north and is the mother of five children. In this encounter, we will embark on a journey into the memory system: how the brain stores experiences, why it sometimes omits details, and how our memories shape who we are.

8.1 | 10:00 — Dr. Itai Optovitzky
Head of the Department of Animal Sciences at Tel-Hai University in the Galilee and a researcher at the MIGAL Institute, he observes the world through the small creatures that drive it. From childhood, when he kept an insect observation journal, to his research on spiders and insect nutrition, nature is both a laboratory and a way of life for him. On the shared walk, we will become acquainted with the hidden world of insects, discover their survival strategies and understand their vital role in the web of life.

12.2 | 10:00 — Prof. Amit Rafael Zoran
A researcher, designer and scientist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he explores the encounter between humans, technology and nature. His research focuses on perception, consciousness and the human connection with the forest and the natural world, bringing together ancient mystical traditions and ways of life deeply connected to nature.