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Episode 15 Dvir Mintz
postcad icon Research Forward
calendar icon July 25, 2025
time icon 01:15:56

Beyond the Protocols: Flexibility, Leadership, and Lessons from the Frontlines

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IN THIS EPISODE

In this powerful episode of the Research Forward Podcast, host David Mayo sits down with Dr. Dvir Mintz, Director of the Preclinical Research Authority at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, to explore what it means to lead a critical animal research facility during a time of war. While on vacation abroad, Dr. Mintz was thrust into crisis management as conflict erupted back home, forcing him to coordinate operations remotely under extreme conditions.

Through candid storytelling, Dr. Mintz shares how his team’s preparedness, adaptability, and deep sense of community enabled them to maintain animal welfare and research continuity despite missile threats, disrupted supply chains, and staffing challenges. He discusses the importance of radical self-reliance, the mental health of animal care workers, and how lessons from events like Burning Man helped shape a resilient, self-sustaining operational model.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership under pressure, offering valuable insights for anyone involved in research, crisis planning, or team management.

 

 


 

About Dvir Mintz

Dr. Dvir Mintz is the Director of the Preclinical Research Authority (PCRA) at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. With a background in veterinary medicine and a PhD in microbiology, Dr. Mintz has dedicated his career to laboratory animal science, working across diverse species from rodents to wildlife. He has held key roles at the Weizmann Institute and Hebrew University, and is an expert in managing complex research facilities under crisis conditions. His leadership during wartime, including remote management during active conflict, exemplifies his commitment to animal welfare, operational resilience, and team empowerment. Dr. Mintz is also an appointed ad hoc consultant for AAALAC International and a strong advocate for a culture of care in research environments.

 

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