The Faculty's outstanding research profile is characterized by two trends. On the one hand, scientists seek to grasp the basic truths of their personal areas of research activity through meticulous theoretical or experimental research. On the other hand, researchers broaden their perspectives and horizons through interaction with other areas of inquiry in the exact and human sciences. New research initiatives are in various stages of development together at leading institutes and schools in Israel and abroad. Collaborative projects bring with them new understandings of old mysteries - as, for instance, in brain and cardiac activity studies, where biophysics and bioinformatics are part of the research process.

The growing trend toward interdisciplinary research has led to the establishment of new institutions both within the Faculty and outside it, via cooperation with other University faculties. Collaborations of an unprecedented nature have produced results both surprising and useful: Computer Science is solving problems in biology, Earth Sciences joined a NASA group, and interdisciplinary teams are cooperating on drug development, applied research, environmental studies, and more.

The Faculty has initiated an interdisciplinary research program in nanoscience and nanotechnology devoted to manipulating electronic and mechanical components in single atoms and in small atomic clusters. This new and exciting field of inquiry, which combines basic research with innovative technology, is sure to have a significant impact on applied science in the 21^st century.