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BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY A spotlight on environmental regulation


Bar-Ilan University’s master’s program in regulation and environmental policy equips students with the necessary tools to take a seat at the decision-making table. We take a look at the course – as well as the university’s commitment to the field


The only degree of its kind in Israel, and one of only a few in the world, Bar-Ilan University’s master’s program in regulation and environmental policy at the Faculty of Law aims to equip the next generation of policymakers with the necessary tools and knowledge to confront the ecological and climate challenges facing the world. The curriculum is based on an in-depth,


multidisciplinary teaching and research framework, designed to prepare students to engage in the field in its entirety. Not only are students exposed to modern regulation theories and their application to the environment, but they’re also provided with the tools needed to conduct research in the area. This degree, headed by Professor Oren Perez,


dean of the Faculty of Law, and Dr Orit Rotem from the Department of Geography and Environment, prepares students to undertake practical work in the private and public sectors. Graduates are well-equipped to join enforcement agencies, local governments, corporate responsibility units and more. The program is taught in Hebrew, but the


faculty offers possibilities to pursue an English- language PhD or postdoc studies in the field.


A perfect match “In 2013, when I started my undergraduate studies, I recognized there’s a connection between the environmental and regulatory professions,” says Tzach Teplitzky, who holds a bachelor’s degree in sustainability studies and government, diplomacy and strategy from Reichman University. Tzach, who’s also qualified as a lead quality


auditor for integrated management, safety and environmental protection systems, is already working as director of regulation and sustainability at a global Israeli company. However, he felt something was missing. “If I want to take part in decision-making processes at the highest levels, I’ll be required to provide a regulatory response along with my environmental solutions,” he says. “With the opening of the track in regulation and environmental policy, I made the decision to continue my studies.” He hopes the knowledge and expertise he’s


gained through the program will help him achieve his career goals. “I aim to serve as VP of sustainability and regulation at a global corporation, while also being a council member in a local authority,” says Tzach.


A force for good The master’s program isn’t the only instance of the university’s work in the environmental regulation sphere. Enter the Bar-Ilan Environmental Regulation Clinic, founded in 2001 to advance environmental policymaking through legal counsel, research and education. The clinic combines legal research with


practical work while also emphasizing the link between regulation, environmental problems and social justice. On one hand, it offers legal aid to organizations and communities suffering from environmental problems, including representation in front of authorities and court appearances. On the other, it handles projects designed to raise environmental awareness, from legislation through to action, to promote transparency in the public sector. This one-stop-shop integrates academic study


with practical work and encourages initiative. Through an annual program, third-year law students join the clinic to gain professional and academic experience. In addition to the field work, students participate in lectures and workshops on environmental law and policy from legal, philosophical and economic perspectives.


2022 | Israeli Academia 11


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