Since its establishment, GTIIT aims to build into a high-level international research university in science and technology. As new freshmen arrive, Prof. David Gershoni, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT, talked about his insights on innovation and education as a physicist and encouraged students to work hard at the university.

Carry the mission and work for my dream

Prof. David Gershoni's life has been closely linked to the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. He received his B.Sc. in Physics from the Technion in 1980. He then pursued his graduate studies in the same institute, receiving his M.Sc. and D.Sc. in Physics from the Technion in 1986. In 1991, he returned to the Department of Physics at the Technion as a faculty member. Since April 2021, he has served as the Vice Chancellor of GTIIT.

For more than 40 years Prof. David Gershoni's curiosity for science and passion for experimental physics are the driving forces for his devotion to scientific research. "I've spent most of my life doing experiments, and the beauty of experiments is that you cannot predict the results without seeing the results. I want to understand, I want to see the evidence myself, I want to be the first to see the data. My goal is to show that it is possible to find technological solutions to experimental limitations. That's what has been driving me and leading my career."

"I will try my best to fulfil my mission at GTIIT; to make it better and help our students realize their dreams of becoming future scientists and engineers." Prof. David Gershoni said GTIIT was a good place to study. "People here share a common vision and are willing to devote efforts and hard work to make this place a better place. I'm honored to be one of them and witness the growth of GTIIT!"

Keep unique and break through in cooperation

"GTIIT is the only China-Israel university. It is a landmark cooperation between China and Israel in the field of education and research. It's already unique. While I know that there are other Sino-foreign universities in China, none of them is a research university. What we are trying to build here is a research university. The faculty are not only teachers but also researchers, thus offering our students unique opportunities. This makes it exceptional from my point of view."

When it comes to the understanding of innovation, Prof. David Gershoni believes that science is about innovation, exploration, and invention. "When you are dealing with scientific research, everything you do is innovation. Israel is considered a very innovative country, and the Technion is where this was initiated. The Technion is the technological engine behind Israel. It was established before the state was established. All the industries and technology in Israel are based on the graduates of the Technion. So when it comes to the national character of Israel, the Technion is a good example."

The reason why the Technion was brought to China is not only because of the rapid technological development in China, but also because both Chinese and Israeli people attach great importance to the value of education. "Jewish parents are very involved in their children's education, and I see the same in China, where parents are very concerned about their children's education. In addition, I find that Chinese are very hardworking. That's something that can connect very well with Israelis. Israelis learned to work together in such a small country because the only way to survive is to work together. I think this fits very well with the Chinese way of work and research."

Prof. David Gershoni is convinced that GTIIT offers students something different from other universities in China. "We guide young students not to be afraid of asking questions and to trust that they can find answers. We also teach them how to succeed."

"Our cooperation is based on the goals of talent cultivation and education that both China and Israel agree on. If both societies can work together in a coherent way, I believe it can be a great combination." Prof. David Gershoni agrees that collaboration inevitably encounters difficulties. "However, I believe the potential outweighs the difficulties. We need to be confident in meeting the challenges that may arise. This is also a good opportunity to enhance mutual understanding."

A thousand-mile journey starts with the first step

Prof. David Gershoni says that "smart" people are highly competitive in scientific research. "It means not only that you are talented, but you know how to explore, be devoted, work hard, learn from your mistakes, and have the confidence to solve problems. This is often more important than talent. When you have a problem, find your way to solve it. To some extent, university education is about developing your problem-solving skills, guiding you to explore your potential, and helping you become the best person you can be.”

Coming to university means that the days of being pushed to study are gone. University students must learn to independently plan their studies: What courses to take? How to succeed at exams? The university will provide all the means that students need, but the burden of proof is eventually on the students themselves.

Prof. David Gershoni encourages students to ask tough questions and then solve problems. "I don't understand this question. Can you explain it to me? Don't worry if you're the only one who doesn't understand, and never think about others. There are always people smarter than you, but you have other advantages. You can be more devoted. You can be much harder working. You can be more innovative. You can be more creative. This only comes from when you concentrate on your goal and devote all your efforts."

"There is a Chinese saying: 'A thousand-mile journey starts with the first step'. The beginning is always difficult. When you get used to it, life will be easy. So never lose hope, be confident, and don't be shy. And whatever you do, try to do the best."

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs