Donor Recognition

Albert and Alba Cuenca, prominent businesspeople and philanthropists from Argentina, dedicated their lives and resources to strengthening the State of Israel and supporting its institutions. They became exemplary figures of devotion, generosity, and love for the country. As active members of the Argentine Friends Association of Tel Aviv University, they combined business success with a deep commitment to the values of solidarity, education, and humanism.

Their generosity was particularly evident in their longstanding and significant support of Tel Aviv University. Thanks to their contributions, the university was able to promote innovative research initiatives, especially in the fields of medicine and aging, thereby positively impacting the well-being of society in Israel and around the world.

Beyond academia, Albert and Alba Cuenca supported and were involved in numerous social and educational projects across Israel, including inclusion programs for children with special needs, children with diverse abilities, and children on the autism spectrum. Their active involvement in the Friends Association also helped strengthen the bonds of friendship and partnership between Argentina and Israel.

At Tel Aviv University, the Cuenca Research Institute for Treatment Approaches to Age-Related Diseases is now operating in their name. This institute is part of the university’s network of research foundations and represents a meaningful contribution to scientific research in this important field. In Jerusalem, the Cuenca name is associated with the Albert and Alba Cuenca Elementary School (Efrata), located in the Baka neighborhood. Since 1986, the couple supported the school through renovations, development of educational infrastructure, the establishment of innovative facilities, and the promotion of inclusive education.

A Multidisciplinary Vision of Aging

The Cuenca Research Institute for Treatment Approaches to Age-Related Diseases was established from a broad and innovative perspective on the field of gerontology. It views aging as a complex and multifaceted process shaped by physical, psychological, social, familial, and economic factors. Rather than seeing old age solely as a period of decline, the Institute promotes a vision of aging as a meaningful and potentially healthy and active stage of life. Its mission includes addressing difficult-to-measure challenges like loneliness, emotional distress, and social disconnection, emphasizing their significance in both research and practical care.

The Institute functions as an interdisciplinary hub within the university, bringing together expertise from various fields including medicine, health sciences and social sciences. It operates in three main domains: education, research, and policy and discourse. A central goal of us is to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications, while also encouraging a new generation of professionals to dedicate themselves to the crucial and wide-reaching field of aging.