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

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.

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