Energizing a Physics Exchange

Five outstanding physics majors from Shandong University in China are spending their junior year at Bar-Ilan University's Department of Physics, exploring hot fields such as quantum computing and solid state physics. As participants in the department's undergraduate exchange program which is taught in English, they take in-depth courses and conduct novel laboratory investigations alongside noted Israeli scientists and researchers from the US, Germany and other countries. "Their presence in our department is mutually beneficial," relays Dr. Yossi Ben-Zion, department deputy chair and the program director. "They excel in their studies and lab work, and learn about Israel and Jewish heritage, while exposing our Israeli students to a different culture and perspective on physics." He notes that most of the Shandong contingent plans on staying on at BIU next year for a direct MSc study track.

Launched in fall 2017 at the initiative of BIU physicists and their research colleagues in Shandong, the program is now expanding its reach to attract top students from around the globe. The program focuses on a range of subjects, including quantum mechanics, modern optics & lasers, condensed matter physics, electromagnetic fields, and nonlinear dynamics & chaos. The program includes trips around Israel – to Jerusalem's Old City, the Center for Israeli Innovation in Tel Aviv, a typical Kibbutz, Masada and the Dead Sea. Dr. Ben-Zion also arranges informal meetings, where he presents engaging computer presentations about Jewish holidays, Shabbat, the synagogue and customs. "The Chinese students want to understand the meanings behind our traditions," he explains. "We also had a department event where they spoke about Chinese history, culture and society."

Quancheng Liu, 21, says "It has been a great experience conducting serious research in statistical physics and quantum physics with BIU Prof. Eli Barkai." His first time in Israel, he says he was excited to join the program after hearing so much about Israeli innovation and culture. "The people here are very friendly and the staff meets with us each week to make sure things are going well. My professor is very patient and gives me whatever help I need. I hope I'll be able to stay on for another year at least."

Ruoyu Yin, 22, who participated in the program last year and is now enrolled in his first year of Master's studies at BIU, is writing a scientific paper about his theoretical research on statistical physics. "My experiences at BIU have really broadened my horizons. I've been able to talk to a number of the university's renowned professors. In China, where professors are given much respect, you tend to approach them after emailing and getting their okay. I also had an opportunity to join an academic conference in Germany that my BIU professor co-organized." After obtaining his MSc, he plans to pursue PhD studies abroad and then return to Israel for his postdoc. He foresees his future in academia and possibly here in Israel if he is able to find a position.

"Our department aspires to have an international flavor," says Dr. Ben-Zion, mentioning the warm ties with Shandong University and his interest in continuing to develop the cooperation in different directions. "The Shandong exchange students and other young researchers from overseas have enriched our department. We hope when they return to their home countries, they will serve as goodwill ambassadors for Israel."

For more on BIU's physics exchange program:
https://biuinternational.com/short-term…/third-year-physics/