ABOUT

MINDUCATE is a new innovation and R&D center focusing on the science of learning.  The center is a joint endeavor of the Sagol School of Neuroscience and TAU-Online Center for Innovative Learning at Tel Aviv University and was founded last year as part of a global vision of Prof. Joseph Klafter, the president of TAU. The center gathers multidisciplinary top-researchers, PhD and post-doctoral fellow across the Tel Aviv campus aiming to create research-based cutting-edge solutions for enhancing human learning.

See Sagol School of Neuroscience website

See TAU-Online Innovative Learning website

THE CENTER'S GOALS ARE THREEFOLD: 

  1. Advancing and creating interdisciplinary research in the field of science of learning and implementing on campus.

  2. Creating a vivid ecosystem of academy, industry and community in the field

  3. Encouraging creation of new research-based start-ups and advancing sustainability of ideas in the learning technology domain through commercialization.

 
 

WE CALL PIS & STUDENTS FROM THE FOLLOWING FIELDS 

• neuroscience • learning sciences• education • engineering • cognitive science • linguistics • technology • computer science • robotics• and other disciplines to offer ideas for developing game-changing technologies/tools/products/programs to revolutionize the learning and education world.

 

FUNDING AND DURATION OF FUNDING

  • Each project will receive funding equivalent to 125% fellowship* (M.Sc, PhD or postdoc) for one year with an option for extension to a second year.

  • The PI is requested to submit a project with a selected student candidate.

  • PIs who do not already have a student candidate for the fellowship or relevant candidates that are searching for a PI can be assisted by the school to find a potential one, please contact Dr. Dana Bar-On: sagolschool@tauex.tau.ac.il

*Final budget and number of fellowships distributed are subjected to final approval by the university. 

 

CHALLENGES IN FOCUS  

  • Using AI and big data approaches for personalized learning (with relevancy to higher education).

  • Implementing neuroscience based technologies and methodologies to examine new approaches for learning enhancement and monitoring of learning and for understanding mechanisms of learning

  • Quantitative and objective online monitoring of learning, motivation, concentration

  • New technological tools for online and collaborative learning in higher education

  • Creative models and platforms for blended learning in higher education

  • Technological solutions for assisting/supporting learning in populations with special needs (with relevancy to higher education).

  • Exploring and building research based new technological learning environments and experiences (using VR, AR etc.)

Priority will be given to projects related or targeting the university itself – programs, tools, products etc. that can be applied and tested on the students on campus. 

The application should state specifically how can the proposal be tested and validated with preference to higher education implementation.  


THE CRITERIA FOR THE PROJECT SELECTION WILL BE:

  • High research quality of the project and expected impact in the field (40%)

  • Excellent track record and leadership skills of the Minducate fellow leading the project (40%)

  • A clear applied potential in the field of science of learning, preferably to be executed on campus (in higher education) (20%)


MENTORSHIP AND TRAINING

  • The Minducate fellows and their PIs will attend specific training and personal mentoring with professional mentors from the business, educational, technological and industry ecosystem to equip them with entrepreneurial as well as R&D skills assist with advancing their research projects from ideation to application.

  • The Minducate students will be expected to participate in all Minducate activities (events, seminars, conferences and courses – monthly basis).

 
 

ELIGIBILITY 

  • All Tel Aviv University's PIs are eligible to submit a proposal.

  • The PIs should assign a letter of commitment to the Minducate program.

  • Early stage researchers (postdoctorate fellows, up to 5 years from their Ph.D graduation) can submit an independent idea for a Minducate project and attach a support and commitment letter from a PI that will mentor and host them during the project. The PI should address the availability of funding for running the experiments.

  • The selected postdoctorate and PhD fellows are committed to participate and contribute to Minducate events (conferences, seminars, meetings).

  • PIs or post doctorate candidates who would like assistance in finding a partner can contact Dr. Dana Bar-On: sagolschool@tauex.tau.ac.il.

REVIEW PROCESS

  • A dedicated scientific committee composed of experts from academia and the relevant industry will select which projects are to be supported annually. See the committee members:
    https://www.minducate-tau.org/scientific-committee/.

  • The final student candidates for the proposal will be invited to personally present the project to the committee.

For more details about the center see: http://www.minducate-tau.org

 

TIMETABLE


Submission: 
25 Oct. 2018

Announcement: 
11 Nov. 2018

Start: 
From 20 Dec 2018

 

  • If the project is not conducted in the university, applicants should explain how they intend to reach their target population – ethical and other approvals needed.