The strategic establishment of academic research institutions in peripheral areas has been acknowledged as a powerful catalyst for regional development [1] . Such institutions contribute to innovation, education, and regional economic and social resilience [2] [3] . MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, located in Israel’s northern periphery, exemplifies how multidisciplinary research centers can integrate scientific infrastructure with local development. The synergy between academia, industry, and government, fostered through collaborative networks, supports inclusive growth. Moreover, higher education investments in remote regions help decentralize national innovation systems and reduce spatial inequality [4] .

The researcher’s academic productivity was assessed using data from ResearchGate (RG) and Google Scholar (GS) ( Figure 4 ).

Significant differences appeared in RG metrics (p < 0.05) between environmental science and medical science ( Figure 5 vs. Figure 6 ). Tel-Hai/MIGAL professors performed similarly to peers elsewhere, with mixed higher/lower values across disciplines.

In general, differences were found between RG and GS metrics, particularly in citation counts. GS identified standout researchers in each discipline, but overall patterns were like RG findings.

The above-mentioned data support the hypothesis that integrating teaching at Tel-Hai Collage with research at MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, enabled high academic performance, without reducing productivity (see Figures 4-8 and Table 1 ). This is a proof of that the academic structure at MIGAL-Tel Hai in place between 1985-2010 was effective. Transparent evaluation using online tools supports international comparison and affirms the model’s replicability.

At MIGAL, the role of a Principal Investigator (PI) is defined by a combination of academic leadership and institutional responsibilities. Each PI is required to lead an independent research group and hold an academic appointment at Tel-Hai College. In addition, PIs are expected to supervise M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, actively apply for competitive grants, and participate in both academic and administrative functions within the institution.

The funding structure for PIs at MIGAL reflects a balanced model: 50% of the budget is allocated for teaching responsibilities, 25% for student supervision, and 25% is covered directly by MIGAL’s internal budget. This structure enables researchers to maintain active research programs while contributing to the educational and administrative missions of the affiliated academic institution.

An illustrative example is Prof. Gad Degani, who secures funding through a diverse portfolio, including competitive research grants and national fellowships. His laboratory’s average annual research expenditure is approximately 40,000 NIS, supporting both operational costs and student training activities.

The Scientific Director of MIGAL is selected from among the institute’s senior researchers who have demonstrated prior experience in academic leadership and institutional management. This position entails a central role in shaping the scientific agenda and ensuring the coherence of research activities across the institute.

The Scientific Director serves as the chairman of the institute’s academic council (see Figure 1 ), a member of all key decision-making committees and represents MIGAL in both national and international scientific and governmental forums. A critical aspect of the role includes fostering collaboration between the various research groups within MIGAL and maintaining close academic coordination with the Faculty of Science and Technology at Tel-Hai College (see Figure 2 ).

In addition to facilitating research integration, the Scientific Director acts as the primary scientific advisor to the CEO of MIGAL, providing strategic input on research direction, scientific priorities, and development opportunities. To preserve scientific integrity and institutional trust, the director is required to maintain a position of independence and avoid any conflicts of interest in all institutional matters.

Most of the research groups at MIGAL conducted also applied research. In accordance with the structure of the research departments (see Figure 2 ), the research focused on agriculture, environment, food, nutrition and health. Based on these studies at MIGAL and the teaching and learning in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Tel Hai College, a scientific and professional infrastructure was created to develop the region. This infrastructure made it possible to choose the fields of Agrotech and Foodtech as suitable for the industrial development of the Upper Galilee region with the help of the government [7] .

There was a difference in the requirements from a researcher at MIGAL and a faculty member at Tel-Hai College, stemming from the distinct emphases of the two institutions, although there is considerable overlap between them. In both cases, a prerequisite is that the individual holds a PhD and is a qualified researcher.

However, at MIGAL, a researcher appointed as a group leader must demonstrate additional qualifications beyond the ability to lecture or serve as academic staff at Tel-Hai College. Specifically, he is expected to lead a research group with graduate students, secure research funding from various sources—including national and international competitive grants, and contribute to MIGAL’s organizational and administrative development.