Prof. Ada Yonath, 1939–2026
The Technion community mourns the passing of Prof. Ada Yonath of the Weizmann Institute of Science, recipient of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Prof. Yonath, one of the most important figures in the history of Israeli science, grew up under difficult circumstances, lost her father at a young age, and worked while in high school to help support her family. From these challenges emerged a world-renowned scientist who expanded the boundaries of human knowledge through vision, determination, and rare scientific courage. She led pioneering research that resulted in the mapping of the three-dimensional structure of the ribosome, the cell’s “protein factory.” Her research shed light on how antibiotic drugs work and on the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, making a significant contribution to the global fight against infectious diseases. In recognition of her scientific achievements, Prof. Yonath was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2009.
In 2002, Prof. Yonath received the Harvey Prize, the Technion’s most prestigious award, and in 2024, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Technion “in recognition of her pioneering contributions to mapping the structure and deciphering the function of the ribosome – the universal complex for the translation of genetic information to proteins – and discovering the ways in which antibiotics act on bacterial ribosomes; and with great appreciation for your role in promoting science in the State of Israel and around the world.”
Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan paid tribute to her, saying: “Ada Yonath was an extraordinary scientist who expanded the boundaries of human knowledge through perseverance, rare courage, and scientific vision. She pursued a challenging path and persevered for decades until she succeeded in deciphering one of the most fundamental and complex mechanisms in nature. Her achievements transformed molecular biology and deepened our understanding of life itself. Beyond her immense contribution to science, Ada was a source of inspiration to generations of researchers in Israel and around the world. The Technion community mourns her passing.”
“Prof. Yonath was a great and pioneering scientist who fought for the validity of her scientific path and prevailed against all doubts,” said Prof. Ami Aronheim, Dean of the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine. “Her legacy and unique scientific contributions will endure for generations.”
The scientific community in Israel and around the world bids farewell to an outstanding researcher who inspired generations of scientists in Israel and worldwide and was a devoted ambassador of Israeli scientific excellence. Her scientific and human legacy will continue to illuminate the path for generations to come.
May her memory be a blessing.
