Ariane de Rothschild Women’s Doctoral Programme

A four-year scholarship granted to outstanding female Ph.D. students in various disciplines for study in institutions of higher education in Israel.

 

The programme was established in 2009 and today is offered at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, the Weizmann Institute and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

The challenge

In global society, outdated gender stereotypes perpetuate the unfounded notion of incompatibility between a woman's personal responsibilities and her research and teaching. This 'glass ceiling' exists in all of Israel's universities, especially in academic careers, in ‘STEM’ fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and for certain peripheral or marginalised communities.

Our ambition

The Ariane de Rothschild Women’s Doctoral Programme dispels these stereotypes and enables a greater number of talented female scholars from diverse backgrounds to pursue a Ph.D. in STEM fields. In so doing, the programme enables its participants to introduce a diversity of voices into Israel’s institutions of higher education and opens the path toward key positions in academia for which a doctorate is essential.

Support outstanding female doctoral students from diverse backgrounds

to remediate their continued under-representation in Israeli higher education and enhance their academic standing in a variety of fields.

To provide the means for brilliant young female doctoral students to advance their research careers

while also devoting time to their families and communities.

To provide society with role models

and highlight academic studies as a tool for social mobility.

Our solutions

A scholarship

Awarded to female students who have demonstrated academic excellence and whose personal backgrounds reflect social diversity, leadership and social involvement.

Volunteering

Participants commit to 56 hours of volunteering in the community through educational projects each year. While assisting youths with their academic work, they also share their own journey in higher education and its impact on their lives.

Development

Based on the participants’ unique perspectives and talents and on the Foundation’s expertise and experience, a holistic development programme has been established, providing lectures, workshops and community-building events for the participants.

Community

Being part of a meaningful, supportive network of young researchers helps students overcome the challenging Ph.D. journey together and will open new opportunities for their future.

Results

151

doctoral students since the programme’s inception in 2009

24%

of participants are from Arab society

11%

of participants are from the Jewish religious or Haredi sector

The way forward

  • Pursue and develop collaborations with additional academic institutions
  • Enhance the holistic enrichment programme provided for participants, encompassing professional training and development opportunities, workshops and social activities