Dr. Valerie Isaak

Senior Lecturer, School of Political Sciences
Herta and Paul Amir Faculty of Social Sciences

Field of Research:
Management

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Ancient Embroidery, Algorithms, and Innovation

“Through lectures, workshops, and field visits across Germany and Israel, this course takes public administration training beyond theory  –  preparing students with real-life skills in the meeting rooms, ministries, and institutions where policies take shape.”

– Dr. Valerie Isaak

The Project 

Over the past three years, I have been leading a transformative Campus Course on Public Administration in a Comparative Perspective for master’s degree students. This unique program enables students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts through guest lectures, workshops, and study tours in Israel and Berlin.

  • Fostering a deep understanding of policy design, policy implementation, and government relations.
  • Addressing pressing contemporary issues such as governance challenges, the recruitment of Haredim into the IDF, and the integration of women in leadership roles within the public sector.
  • Engaging students through working groups that prepare materials, provide theoretical insights, and lead structured discussions, ensuring a dynamic and intellectually enriching experience.

Fundraising Goals

With philanthropic support, we can sustain and strengthen the program’s ability to connect academic excellence with real-world public administration challenges. 

While students contribute to personal expenses such as flights and accommodation, we fully fund all academic components of the program. Philanthropic partnership is sought so that we can continue to provide:

  • Faculty involvement in course delivery.
  • Institutional visits during study tours.
  • Transportation and other academic-related costs.

Meet Valerie Isaak

Born in France, I immigrated to Israel at a young age. I hold a BA in Sociology and Political Science and an MPA in Internal and External Audit. After more than a decade in the field, I returned to academia to complete my PhD and postdoctoral research at the University of Haifa.

Since 2018, I have been part of the Division of Public Administration and Policy within the School of Political Sciences at the University of Haifa, where I currently lead the “Matzpen Division”, overseeing the master’s programs at the school. 

In the last three years, I have led the School’s master’s degree programs (Track B), developing innovative curricula that address community needs and generate real-world impact. I have spearheaded initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of society, integrating students from diverse backgrounds – including women, the ultra-Orthodox community, Ethiopian Israelis, and practitioners seeking academic advancement.

Managing a complex system of approximately 18 study programs, I have developed strategic budgeting mechanisms and work plans while leveraging creative resources and partnerships. Collaborating with civil society organizations, government ministries, army and other institutions, I work to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of higher education.

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