About Us

Department of Information Science

The Department of Information Science at Bar-Ilan University is the only iSchool (Information School) in Israel, and it is part of a prestigious global network of 130 iSchools from leading universities around the world. The department's researchers are recognized as leaders in the field of Information Science, conducting groundbreaking, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, information technology, humanities and behavioral and social sciences. Their work also addresses the ethical, societal, psychological, and legal impacts of emerging technologies. Additionally, the department is at the forefront of developing novel data-driven and AI-based research methods that enable valuable insights from big data corpora across various domains, enhancing decision-making, innovation, and policy creation in fields ranging from healthcare to education and beyond.

The Information Science Department offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary program that prepares students for the digital world. Our curriculum covers a wide range of topics in the realm of the web and data, including web technologies and full stack development, generative AI and cybersecurity, psychotechnology and human-computer interaction (HCI), data management and analytics, machine learning, Big Data and relational and NoSQL databases. Students also gain practical skills in data and system architecture, network and knowledge graph construction and analysis, social media analytics, and AI-powered digital marketing and LCNC platforms.

Graduates are well-prepared for careers as full stack developers, data analysts, digital specialists, data product managers, cyber researchers and AI experts, working in various sectors such as high-tech companies, and government, healthcare, financial and GLAM institutions. Hands-on experience and industry partnerships ensure our students are equipped for success in Israel's leading organizations.

The researchers in the Information Science Department at Bar-Ilan University conduct top-tier research in a variety of interconnected fields. Their work can be grouped into several key clusters:

  1. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science: This cluster includes research on AI applications, applied machine learning, data modeling, and personalized medicine. Researchers explore the use of advanced algorithms and data analysis techniques to enhance decision-making processes, improve healthcare outcomes, and solve complex problems across domains.
  2. Human-Computer Interaction and Psychotechnology: This area focuses on how people interact with technology, particularly through personal information management, internet psychology, and educational technology. Studies in these fields aim to optimize the user experience, understand digital behavior, and design systems that help individuals manage vast amounts of personal data.
  3. Computational Humanities and Social Sciences: Researchers work on digital humanities, computational humanities and social sciences, and the study of the Hebrew book, applying digital tools to traditional humanities disciplines. This cluster also encompasses cultural analytics, crowdsourcing and network science, focusing on how social networks and communities contribute to knowledge creation and dissemination.
  4. Information and Communication in Society: In this cluster, researchers examine the role of information in government and political information, communication in times of crisis and emergency, and ethics in information science. These studies aim to understand how information flows through society, especially in critical situations, and how ethical frameworks can guide the responsible use of information.
  5. Knowledge Management, Preservation, and Dissemination: This research area focuses on how knowledge is created, shared, preserved, and analyzed across various domains. It encompasses Open Science and the Science of Science, with an emphasis on transparency, collaboration, and accessibility in research. Central to this field is Scientometrics, which measures and evaluates the impact of scholarly work and research performance. Researchers explore innovative ways to organize, access, and disseminate information in the digital age, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and long-term preservation across platforms. This area advances frameworks that support open knowledge-sharing and data-driven decision-making in science and beyond.

The department’s research activities contribute to the advancement of knowledge in these fields while offering practical solutions to real-world challenges.

We invite you to visit our Facebook page to get an impression of the department’s projects, activities, and the atmosphere that encourages research, learning, and leadership.

 

Department of Information Science, Bar-Ilan University

Ramat Gan 5290002

Phone: 03-5318351

Email: Information-Science.Dept@biu.ac.il