About Us

The Institute of Information Processing and Decision Making (IIPDM) at the University of Haifa is an interdisciplinary research institute, dedicated to fostering a unique cooperative research and training environment that drives advancements in both basic and applied research.. Our primary focus is aimed at unraveling the ,ysteries of the human mind through an array of diverse research methods, ranging from animal models to human behavior and brain imaging. The IIPDM members and trainees pursue a wide array of research topics, all with the common objective of gaining a better understanding of human cognition.

Our studies encompass a wide array of questions, with a strong focus on practical implications, such as developing neuroscientific methods for overcoming debilitating habits, designing cognitive training techniques for advance older populations, safer decisions during driving, and much more.

Our Mission

In addition to our interest in unraveling the complexities of the human mind and conducting research with the potential to benefit society, we hold an equally important responsibility to train and nurture the future generations of Israeli scientists. Our students are not merely passive observers; they are equal partners in our scientific endeavor and receive all the support and resources available to our institute. By providing them with the infrastructure and the academic environment they need, we aim to instill in them a passion for scientific exploration and a deep commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding, which can help them realize their potential in the hope to advance Israeli scientific society also in the future.

Our Philosophy:

The Institute of Information Processing and Decision Making (IIPDM) stands out from traditional research labs due to its innovative and unique structure.. Operating as a collective research institute, we adopt a model similar to a “research kibbutz”, where all resources, including lab space, equipment, programming and technical support, are pooled together and made accessible to all members of the Institute. This includes the 11 principle investigators and their teams, comprising over 70 students. The time-sharing method for utilizing these resources is optimal for conducting cutting edge research that requires expensive research equipment and specialized facilities. Indeed, our collaborative model provides a wide array of laboratory and support facilities that are available to all of us and are efficiently utilized. Optimizing the use of research tools and resources is not the only benefit of our unique model. The collaborative structure of the Institute also fosters fruitful collaborations between the Institute members and enables us to push the boundaries of knowledge and maintain a position of excellence in scientific research.