Month: June 2024

Dr. Patricia Mora-Raimundo, a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Avi Schroeder’s research group in the Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering, recently won first place in the Future Award competition of the EuroTech Universities Alliance. She received the prestigious award for working on an innovative method to transport drugs to the brain by using music.

The EuroTech Alliance is a strategic partnership between leading science and technology universities. On January 1, 2019, the Technion joined the alliance as the sixth member of the network and the first outside Europe. The Future Award was established by the scientific-technological alliance last year to honor researchers expected to make dramatic changes in their fields for the benefit of humanity. Winners are chosen based on their existing and potential contributions to advancing the United Nations’ vision as reflected in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015 and adopted by all member states.

Twenty-eight early-career researchers competed for the EuroTech Future Award in 2024. Patricia Mora-Raimundo of Technion, Yudong Xue of EPFL, and Melisa Benard Valle of Technical University of Denmark made the top of the list. The award jury, composed of the Vice Presidents for Research of the EuroTech member universities and the Head of the EuroTech Brussels Office, assessed the impact of the applicants’ work in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations; their excellence as researchers; and their ability to communicate about their work in a way that allows non-experts, particularly policymakers and citizens, to understand their contribution to a more sustainable world.

Dr. Mora-Raimundo completed her academic education in pharmaceutical sciences at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. During here postdoc, she has focused on developing new treatments for Parkinson’s disease, solutions for crossing the blood-brain barrier to treat brain diseases and creating nano-lipid particles to deliver nucleic acids to the body. She has won numerous awards, including the Azrieli Fellowship, and is a member of Teva’s National Forum for Innovation in Life Sciences.

Dr. Mora-Raimundo began her research on nanometric drugs at the University of Madrid, in the context of bone cancer and osteoporosis treatment. In 2020, during the last year of her doctorate, she spent a short period in Prof. Schroeder’s laboratory. The initial period was extended due to her interest in the research areas at the Technion laboratory, and she decided to continue her postdoctoral fellowship at the University.

In her proposal that won her the Future Award, Dr. Mora-Raimundo presents the MINND model: Music Input in Nanotechnology-based treatments for Neurological Disorders.

“My journey in the world of science began in 2012,” says Dr. Mora-Raimundo, “inspired by my grandfather, who instilled in me curiosity, faith in effort and perseverance, and shaped my character — and later my research. About a decade ago, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and his condition influenced me to choose research related to this disease. In the advanced stages of the disease, most of my grandfather’s abilities declined, but music continued to speak to him. This is the inspiration for the development I presented to EuroTech.”

Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disabilities and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Nanometric drugs promise improved solutions for treating these disorders — better than conventional treatments. One of the technological challenges in implementing nanomedicine is that to affect the brain, the nanometric particles must cross the blood-brain barrier. This barrier, which protects the brain from infections present in the blood, is a complex obstacle in therapeutic contexts as it hinders drug delivery to the brain. One of Dr. Mora-Raimundo’s tasks in her current research is to increase the number of particles crossing the barrier into the brain. Like the Pied Piper, she seeks to overcome the blood-brain barrier by using music allowing these particles to arrive to the brain.

“As mentioned, my grandfather is the inspiration, as despite suffering from Alzheimer’s, he continued to listen to music for a long time. I read extensive scientific literature on the subject and discovered that music creates new connections in the brain. Then I asked, could listening to music improve the delivery of therapeutic particles to the brain? The answer is still under research, and hopefully we will achieve promising results.”

The Office of the Executive Vice President for Innovation and Industry Relations is dedicated to enhancing the collaboration between the Technion and industry by identifying opportunities and maximizing their potential.

In a recent interview, Prof. Lihi Zelnik-Manor, Executive VP for Innovation and Industry Relations, talks about how Technion researchers have traditionally been at the forefront of cutting edge technologies, leveraging the university’s valuable multidisciplinary approach to create successful partnerships with industry players.

How can the Technion create and maintain fruitful collaborations with industry to ensure these make a real and meaningful impact?

Universities have historically focused their efforts on pursuing academic research, while industry has used its resources to manufacture products. Over the past few decades however, we have seen a spurt of collaborative relationships and a fluidity of roles: many academic institutions are facilitating the inception of companies while corporations have started to set up their own research and development centers. As the relationship between academia and corporations intensifies, universities are presented with different needs and challenges.

Ever since its formation, the Technion has strived to enrich research and academic development, generate valuable human capital, revolutionize knowledge, and impact the Israeli and global industry around the world. The university’s strategic vision emphasizes collaboration with industry, believing it can leave a significant mark on society by transferring the vast amount of knowledge and research it has accumulated within its labs to industry.

Over the years we have formulated and updated collaboration frameworks and plans, to make this knowledge transfer even more effective and impactful, with added productivity. We are formulating one such plan as we speak: we are taking a deep look at what works, what needs to be amplified and finetuned, and where resources should best be allocated. All of this is to ensure that the Technion continues to be the leading technological university in Israel, a pillar of its society and a driving force for industry.

What challenges and setbacks are you facing that could hinder collaborations?

To ensure collaborations with industry are successful we need to make sure that the two sides learn how to talk with each other: researchers tend to ask broad questions, look at the larger picture and deliberate issues for extended periods of time. Those who work at corporations are generally product oriented and focused on bringing the development to market as soon as possible.

One of our jobs is to help bridge these differences and match expectations, so that both sides can work with each other and create a collaborative and productive working environment.

People who work in industry are often so focused on developing a product that they can often be unaware of recent research findings that could impact their work. Since our labs are equipped with the latest technologies and are managed by skilled researchers who track global scientific developments, they can quicky update industry partners with this information. This can help modify products to suit the changing reality or help companies to make the necessary tweaks to resolve an even larger challenge.

Today, a significant part of our staff and students are immersed in research projects that could translate into commercial products. This is a source of pride, as the technologies developed in our labs are those that will make an impact on society and the medical world. Intensifying connections with industry, as is happening now, will only boost these results.

What distinct advantages and expertise do Technion researchers bring to collaborations with industry?

The Technion’s multidisciplinary approach to research is what confers upon its scientists an unprecedented and unparalleled level of flexibility when approaching a problem. Our research teams include members from a wide variety of faculties and fields, including chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering. This enables them to work together to tackle challenges as varied as sustainability and human health and find solutions to a variety of other pressing humanitarian problems.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a fast-growing field in which Technion researchers have joined forces over the years. Whereas the study of AI first emerged in the 1950s, we have seen a flourishing of this science only in the last few years, made possible by faster chips and the development of cloud computing.

This has triggered a global AI frenzy, with corporations spending billions of dollars and valuable human resources to get an edge over others and create practical tools to best make use of this technology.

Since the very beginning, the Technion has been at the forefront of AI research. Today, the 120 researchers that work in the university’s labs can tap into decades of accumulated experience and experiments to bring that ripe knowledge to the industry that is hungry for new AI-based solutions and applications.

It is the role of the Technion’s tech transfer unit to convert these high-scale projects into strong commercial products.

Another advantage of the Technion is the fact that many of its researchers, including myself, have worked in industry at some point during their careers, and are thus able to understand its needs and unique viewpoints. This background enables us to tutor our students and our fellow researchers with the practical knowledge relevant to industry. It also allows our students to successfully blend into the business world after they graduate, providing their new employers with an all-rounded and better-prepared force to meet the challenges of the future.

One should not forget that there are many similarities between a talented researcher and a talented entrepreneur. Both need to have the ability to be thorough and pay attention to detail, undertake a comprehensive study of the field they wish to explore, ask the right questions, and think independently.

What will impact the Technion’s research going forward?

It has always been in our DNA to perform innovative research and align forces with the industry. This collaboration will expand in coming years, and the ongoing open discussion, flow of information and the sharing of ideas will continue to be beneficial and fruitful for both parties.

We have seen this in the past, we continue to witness it today and we will experience even more of it in the future.

The Zimin Institute Conference addressed the various stages of translating basic ideas and research into applications that impact human health through artificial intelligence.

On May 27, the Zimin Institute Conference took place at the Technion, led by Tech-AI.Biomed – the medical arm of the Technion’s Artificial Intelligence Center, Tech.AI. The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan and Mr. Boris Zimin, president of the Zimin Foundation.

The conference focused on the translation of academic innovation into medical applications, and was divided into three main parts, all dealing with innovation in medicine: the idea, the transition from basic research to product, and real-world impact. During the conference, the winners of the 2024 Zimin Foundation grants were announced.

The partnership between the Technion and the Zimin Foundation was formalized in 2022 with an agreement in which the Foundation supports the establishment and operation of the Zimin Institute for AI Development in Medicine at the Technion.

According to Prof. Sivan, “This important partnership is a central component of the Technion Human Health Initiative (THHI), which aims to advance human health through interdisciplinary research that harnesses technologies, including artificial intelligence, for the benefit of medicine. As a leading institution in both medical research and artificial intelligence, the Zimin Institute exemplifies two of our prominent strengths. We thank the Zimin Foundation, appreciate its decision to establish its third institute at the Technion, and congratulate it on the first conference being held at the Technion.”

The Institute is headed by Prof. Shai Shen-Orr from the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine.

Participants in the conference included Zimin Institutes Director Dr. Mark Shmulevich, Zimin Institute Tel Aviv University Director Prof. David Mendlovic, Leonid Solovyev, director of operations at the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, and Ronit Samler, director of the Technion Technology Transfer Office (T3) at the Technion.

Supported by Mobileye, Nvidia, Harel Technologies, IBM Research, and Technion’s Zimin Institute for AI Solutions in Healthcare, the event drew 500 industry executives, academics, and students. Prof. Shen-Orr highlighted the rapid development within Tech.AI, noting the establishment of new centers and initiatives. The conference provided a valuable platform to present Technion’s AI capabilities and foster new partnerships.

Speakers at the conference, in order of appearance:

Prof. Rafael Beyar, former CEO of Rambam Health Care Campus and former dean of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, on innovation in medicine in clinical, academic, and industrial fields.

Prof. Yoni Savir from the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, on the use of artificial intelligence to improve medical diagnosis and biopsy-based treatments. Prof. Savir won the Zimin Foundation grant in 2023.

Prof. Uri Shalit from the Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences, on a personalized recommendation system for treating hospitalized patients suffering from heart failure and acute kidney injury. Prof. Shalit won the Zimin Foundation grant in 2023, together with Prof. Danny Eitan from the Rambam Healthcare Campus, and Dr. Oren Caspi.

Prof. Lihi Zelnik-Manor, Technion vice president of innovation and industry relations, on innovation in medicine at the Technion.

Prof. Shai Shen-Orr from the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, head of the Zimin Institute at the Technion, on CytoReason, the company he founded.

Prof. Tamir Tuller from Tel Aviv University on a computational model of gene expression: introduction and biomedical applications. OncoDecipher, the company founded by Prof. Tuller, grew out of a Zimin Foundation grant.

Dr. Renana Sabi from the Faculties of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at the Technion, manager of Tech.AI-Biomed, on the mindset changes needed to turn an idea into a product.

Dr. Orna Berry, former chief scientist at the Ministry of Economy and Industry and current senior executive at Google Cloud.

Leor Stern from Google Research Center.

Prof. Michal Rosen-Zvi, director of AI and life sciences research at the IBM Research Laboratory, on the promise of generative AI in overcoming challenges in drug development.

Udi Goori, general manager, Israel, at Elevance Health, proactive care.

Nobel Prize laureate in chemistry, Distinguished Professor Dan Shechtman from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, on internal entrepreneurship as a key to success in large organizations.

For photos from the conference see here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jwfAV3Apa5TrdqKDo6Jud3E-6_DquTzr?usp=sharing

An article published by Technion researchers in the prestigious journal Nature presents new insights about the evolution of the immune system. The team’s findings highlight the modularity and flexibility of the evolution of immunity. The study was led by researchers from the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Shai Shen-Orr, Dr. Tania Dubovik, and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Martin Lukačišin, in collaboration with Rambam Health Care Campus and Carnegie Mellon University.

The immune system is complex, and its main function is to protect the organism from viruses, infections, and other hostile agents.  At the core of this system are different types of immune cells, each with its own function, which work together to provide the necessary protection for the body. The interaction between the immune system and the dynamic environment requires it to change constantly. The primary mechanism that drives changes in the living world is evolution, based on adaptation to environmental changes through the formation of mutations — random genetic changes. However, due to natural selection, not every random genetic change is beneficial to the individual, and even if the change is beneficial, it is not preserved and passed on to future generations.

Immune system genes evolve faster than other genes in the genome, especially in mammals and birds, indicating the importance of the role of the immune system in adapting to the environment in health and disease.  Despite this, its evolutionary dynamics have not been studied in depth until now. This is largely due to the fact that the immune system is complex, and highly variable between individuals, which has resulted in a tradition of studying it in laboratory animals inbred for genetic uniformity and kept in a clean, bug-free environment.

The Technion researchers leveraged a unique model of genetically different mice, which harbors similar variation to that observed in humans. Using this model, the researchers measured the variation in immune cell types between the mice and identified the genes that control the abundance of each immune cell type.  Many of these genes affect the entire system through the regulation of cell division, migration, and death, by controlling the same cell type in which they are expressed. However, within these genes, the researchers identified a set of genes that are expressed in one cell type and control another. By scanning the genomes of 60 vertebrates spanning an evolutionary timeline of ~600 million years, the researchers demonstrated that the latter group is richer in mutations and provides a favorable space for evolution to generate novel interactions between cell types by increasing diversity without significant damage.

According to Prof. Shen-Orr and his team, “One of the important implications is that the ability of the immune system to evolve new functions is dependent more on the interaction between different cells than within a cell type, giving us an understanding of how complex modular systems evolve. This modularity was observed in the past in how genes and proteins evolve new functions, but it has never been studied in complex network systems, such as the interacting cells of the immune system.”

Further research into immune system evolvability could thus not only enlighten the design principles behind immune responses, but also contribute to biomimetic solutions, e.g., in the system-of-systems approach to engineering, which, similarly, is based on interactions between functional units.

The research was generously supported by the Israel Science Foundation (ISF), the Applebaum Foundation, the Milgrom Foundation, the Kollek Research Fund, the Bruce and Ruth Rappaport Cancer Research Center, and the Eli Kaufman Fellowship.

For the full paper: www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07661-0

A Technion study reveals that observing natural elements during daily actions such as walking to and from work improves mood and reduces stress and anxiety, according to participants’ reports. The research was led by Dr. Whitney Fleming, a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Assaf Shwartz’s research group. Prof. Shwartz is a socioecologist and head of the Landscape Architecture Department in the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning at the Technion.

The study used eye-tracking technology to examine the benefits of daily interactions with nature. As part of the study, Technion students were asked to take a walk around campus, simulating a regular walk to or from work or studies. The students were divided into three groups. The first group was asked to observe nature during the walk and stopped ten times at “green” points with natural elements. The second group was also asked to stop ten times, but at “gray” points with built, artificial elements such as buildings, roads, and cars. The third group combined both, observing both natural and artificial elements.

 

Individuals who directed their gaze more frequently at green elements reported a decrease in stress and anxiety after the walk, compared to measurements taken before the walk. This reduction was not recorded in the other groups. Researchers tracked the participants’ eye movements and found a correlation between the duration of viewing natural elements such as trees, bushes, and lawns, and improvements in mental health indicators. The most beneficial impact was observed from viewing trees.

Prof. Shwartz stated: “We are in a very stressful period with complex mental challenges, and nature can play a central role in our ability to cope. By using cutting-edge eye tracking technology, our research shows that simply being mindful of nature, even during a regular walk to or from work or studies, can be beneficial to mental health and help relieve stress. Previous studies have shown that interaction with nature has benefits for mental health and quality of life, but this study demonstrates for the first time that even a few fleeting glances at nature during daily routines can yield these benefits.” Prof. Shwartz added, “Our research shows how important it is to incorporate natural elements in urban planning. However, this integration is not enough, landscape architects and planners should also think about innovative means to enhance the experience of this nature and ensure that residents actually notice these elements. The challenge is to design our cities in a way that encourages interaction between people and nature. Such interactions will improve both the residents’ quality of life and their connection to nature, and desire to preserve it.”

The study was supported by a European Union ERC Starting Grant and the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program.

Read the full paper here: The nature gaze: Eye‐tracking experiment reveals well‐being benefits derived from directing visual attention towards elements of nature – Fleming – People and Nature – Wiley Online Library

Technion alumnus Col. (Res.) Prof. Salman Zarka, director of Ziv Medical Center, spoke at the ceremony on behalf of the award recipients: “We must bring forth light to ourselves and to the entire world”

The Technion awarded honorary fellowships this week to men and women who made exceptional contributions to the Technion, the State of Israel, and humanity. The recipients are Adina Bar Shalom, Paul Charney, Robert Davis, Stephen Seiden, and Col. (Res.) Prof. Salman Zarka. The ceremony took place within the framework of the Technion’s Board of Governors, in the presence of Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, Chairman of the Board Gideon Frank, Chairman of the Board of Governors Scott Leemaster, and was hosted by Prof. Avi Schroeder from the Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering.

“Many of the Technion’s friends came to the Board of Governors’ meeting from near and far, despite the situation,” said Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan. “These are challenging days for all of us, but they have taught me three important lessons: the first is that decentralization of responsibility and authority is essential in crisis resolution. The Technion teams – management, administrative and academic staff, and students – demonstrated great creativity in dealing with unexpected challenges. The second lesson is the importance of community and the strength we draw from each other. We provided vital support to all those whose lives were disrupted on October 7 and during the subsequent war, and to the reservists who left everything to defend us. Cohesion and mutual support are what allowed us to face the challenges of the moment and will aid us in the recovery process. The third, and perhaps the most important lesson, is the significance of our values, not just as an ideal but as a practical tool in dealing with crises. The values of the Technion guided us, and each time we realized how stable they are and how deeply embedded they are in the Technion’s culture and in our lives. This is an emotional moment for me, to stand here today before you at this ceremony and to see that these very values are embodied in the lives and work of the people receiving honorary degrees from the Technion tonight. These exemplary figures serve as a beacon for us in times of internal and external turmoil.”

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Technion alumnus Col. (Res.) Prof. Salman Zarka, director of Ziv Medical Center in Safed, said: “Here at the Technion, as a young man from Peki’in, I began my academic journey at the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine – a journey that led me from the Technion to the battlefield, where I served as a combat doctor for more than 25 years. This evening, we have gathered here to highlight the crucial role of the Technion in educating students, fostering a love for humanity and the State of Israel, taking responsibility, striving to push boundaries, and leading into the future. We will continue to serve humanity and our beloved country.” Prof. Zarka thanked his colleagues, the Ziv family, donors, his subordinates in the Medical Corps, his partners in the government and the health system in his role as Corona project manager, and his family who are fully supportive of his endeavors. To conclude, he quoted Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, “As long as the candle is still burning, we can repair,” and added, “I believe that we must repair and bring forth light to ourselves and to the entire world.” He ended his speech with words of gratitude in three languages: “Thank You, Shukran, Toda.”

Pictured here receiving their honorary degrees from Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan are:

Adina Bar Shalom – “In gratitude and appreciation for her exceptional dedication to fostering unity among diverse sectors, promoting the values of equality, and inspiring solidarity among the people of Israel; and in recognition of her exemplary efforts to create opportunities for young girls, especially in the religious community, which demonstrate her tremendous commitment and significant contribution to the advancement of Israeli society.”

Paul Charney – “In recognition of his loyal devotion and service to the State of Israel and to the Technion as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Technion UK; and in gratitude for his philanthropic leadership in the Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland and in other prominent Jewish organizations and charities.”

Robert Davis – “In gratitude for his dedication to and support of the Technion by furthering a multi-generational family legacy; for his commitment to the bettering of the State of Israel by investing in world-class education and research; for his leadership as a member of the Technion’s Board of Governors; and for his generous contributions as a Technion Guardian, including the founding of the Technion Additive Manufacturing Center.”

Stephen Seiden – “In celebration of his family’s multi-generational support of the Technion and deep commitment to and advocacy for Israel’s future; in gratitude for his numerous gifts as a Technion Guardian; for his contributions and leadership as a member of the Technion’s Board of Governors; and with appreciation for his support through his work as a trustee of the Russell Berrie Foundation.”

Col. (Res.) Prof. Salman Zarka – “In appreciation of his deep dedication to the human spirit and the provision of medical assistance that crosses geographical boundaries; in recognition of his leadership in times of crisis; and in gratitude for his activity on behalf of the State of Israel, which reflects a commitment to maintaining human values and lights the way to a world where compassion knows no bounds.”

Since the start of the war, more than 3,000 IDF soldiers have been injured, including dozens of Technion students. The Dean of Students Office supports them and their families from the moment they receive the news of the injury until today. Many of the injured have already returned to their studies, receiving assistance according to their needs – academic help, financial aid, dormitory support, and emotional and psychological assistance.

The Technion’s psychological services have opened support groups for soldiers who were in life-threatening situations, both injured and uninjured reservists, to process their experiences and feelings. Those interested in further individual treatment were provided with fully funded therapy by the Dean of Students Office. Severely injured students living in the dormitories received a full rent exemption until they return to the Technion.

“One of our first tasks when the war broke out was to compile the names and details of the injured students,” says Dean of Students, Prof. Ayelet Fishman. “As soon as we received the information, the Student Counseling and Support Center advisors contacted the injured or their relatives to see how we could help. I also personally contacted the injured.”

Prof. Fishman states, “Unfortunately, I cannot heal the injured students, but in my role, I can assist them financially, whether it’s funding rent or psychological treatment, providing favorable loans, funding tutoring sessions and online courses, and if necessary, even financing a taxi from the hospital to the Technion every morning. I thank the Technion administration and the friends of the Technion in Israel and worldwide for the extensive assistance that enabled our office staff to respond to every student. Above all, it is important to me that they receive personal and humane attention from all the parties in the Dean of Students Office. I appreciate their service and sacrifice for the sake of all the citizens of the country and wish them and all the injured a speedy recovery.”

Yuval Zarkovsky: “The injury won’t change the course of my life”

On October 7, 2023, Yuval Zarkovsky, 22, a student in the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was staying at his mother’s house in Herzliya. “Last year I did a summer semester and in early October, I was preparing for exams.”

There was no doubt that as a combat soldier he would be called to duty. Indeed, two weeks later, his unit was conscripted; first to the north, then to Gaza, and then back to the north. In the north he met a female soldier, and soon they became a couple. On December 7, she was discharged and he remained on duty. The next day, an event occurred that changed his life.

On the afternoon of December 8, the position where Yuval was stationed was bombed, and the building collapsed on him and another soldier. He recalls, “Only my leg was injured, but the other soldier was literally buried under the rubble; I couldn’t believe he would make it out. Fortunately, he did.”

Yuval vividly remembers the moment of impact. “I applied a tourniquet to myself and sent a text message to my mom and my girlfriend to say that I was injured. Someone arrived, reinforced my tourniquet, and went to treat the other injured soldiers. One of the combat soldiers came and escorted me to a protected area. I was treated there and later flown with the other injured soldier by helicopter to the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa.”

At Rambam, Yuval was informed that they would likely have to amputate his leg. Initially, there was some hesitation, but within a few days, the decision was clear; the amputation was necessary. “I realized there was no choice and accepted it. I also received a prosthesis and rehabilitation at the Beit HaLochem (IDF Disabled Veterans Center), where I am still working on strengthening my upper body and practicing walking.” Today, he is able to walk without crutches, and according to his doctors, he will fully return to function after the rehabilitation process.

Following the injury, he travelled to the United States with a delegation from the “B’lev Ehad” (One Heart) association, which assists the sick, elderly, and needy. There he met donors and doctors, and was shown an advanced prosthetic unlike his own; later, he received such a prosthesis. The new prosthesis has improved his walking ability.

He started the semester remotely, and only recently returned in person to studies at the Technion. “At the beginning of the semester, I only came to the lab sessions because they can’t be done remotely and they are very difficult to catch up on if you miss them. I want to emphasize the tremendous help I received from the from the lecturers and administrative staff of the Faculty.”

He doesn’t think the injury will change the course of his life. “I came to the Technion to study civil engineering from a love of engineering and construction. I have five more semesters to go, so there is still plenty of time to decide what I will do next.”

Yair Tikotzky: Taxis funded by the Technion

Captain (Res.) Yair Tikotzky, 25, grew up in Nahariya and studied computer science in high school. After  his military service in the Paratroopers’ Regiment  and Nahal Brigade, he was discharged as a squad commander and went on a trip abroad. Upon his return from the trip about two years ago, he began studying at the Technion in the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science. He said that, “even before the war, I had to do a lot of reserve duty during the semester. Last year in the winter semester, the unit conducted training. During the last spring semester, the unit carried out operational activity in Samaria.”

Events on October 7 found him in his apartment in Nesher preparing for exams, and on the same day he was called up. “We started travelling to our base to equip ourselves, but the terrible news from the south began to break, and we received an order to travel in our own cars to the Gaza Envelope in order to save whoever we could,” he said. “While we were on the way there, they sent us back to the unit; all the soldiers arrived, and we got organized. The next day, on October 8, we were sent to the north. I was moved from my unit to the unit of a friend of mine, Captain (Res.) Itay Mizrahi, and joined him as an additional officer in the Paratroopers’ 55th Brigade in reserves.” After a period in the north, the unit was called south to prepare for a ground entry into the Gaza Strip. They trained until they were well prepared, and “as soon as the command came, we confidently entered the strip.”

Brigade 55 entered Khan Yunis and stayed there to secure the entry axis. “The first day was particularly challenging. While we were leading the force, hours after crossing the border, we were fired upon by terrorists and lost a soldier in the platoon. A few weeks later during tunnel detection activity, a missile was fired at us; it killed a soldier from the platoon accompanying us. I managed to identify the source of the fire and we immediately took cover; many lives were saved.”

On December 25, while shooting at a suspicious building, Yair’s leg was caught in a wave of stones and metal, and he collapsed under 30 kilograms of gear. “I fell and couldn’t move. I shouted to my friends, who thought I was hit by a bullet, and they rescued me. Because of the adrenaline I didn’t feel much pain; the medical team thought it was a sprain, so they gave me morphine and sent me home. The next day, I went to hospital, and it turned out to be a broken ankle, and no less problematic – torn ligaments. Thus began a prolonged process of recovery.”

And then the semester at the Technion began. “The semester was postponed to January 14 out of consideration for reservists, but I didn’t know if I would be able to study on campus so early in the recovery process. I started studying remotely, and after a few weeks I returned to my apartment in Nesher and hoped I would be able to cope. To my delight, the Technion came to my aid. The Dean of Students Office provided me with a taxi from my apartment to the Technion and back. It was very meaningful to sit in class, to meet friends, to feel part of the semester. In general, I feel that there is a lot of consideration and understanding at the Technion for the reservists’ situation. Course instructors called to say they would help me adjust. It’s very heartening.”

One of Yair’s messages to the other reservists is the importance of psychological treatment. “It’s something that has helped me a lot, and I recommend that anyone who was in the reserves in wartime takes advantage of this option. Sometimes everything seems okay, both in how a person feels and in what they outwardly project, and yet there are processes happening internally. So, I think you need to go for treatment to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”

Prof. Yair Goldberg, a faculty member in the Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences, received the Technion President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement this week for his tremendous contribution to human health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was awarded the honor for his thorough work and its impact on human health in Israel and worldwide.

“The President’s Award is given for outstanding achievements that have a significant impact on society,” said Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan at the event that opened the session of the Technion Board of Governors. “Prof. Goldberg is a very humble researcher, but his work during the pandemic largely dictated how Israel, and the entire world, managed the pandemic. Prof. Goldberg, a statistician, showed us all that theoretical statistics can bring about significant change in the world.”

Prof. Yair Goldberg, a biostatistician with extensive knowledge of statistical theories and applied research in human health, leads an interdisciplinary research group at the Technion. This group harnesses statistical methods and computational learning to solve theoretical and applied problems. During the COVID-19 period, he played a crucial role as a leading statistician who helped decision-makers at the Ministry of Health manage the pandemic response. He conducted joint research with leading experts and decision-makers, including Prof. Nachman Ash, who was the national overseer in the fight against the coronavirus, and Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, head of Public Health Services at the Israeli Ministry of Health. The findings from these studies led, among other things, to understanding the decline in vaccine efficacy over time and to the decision to allocate booster shots to the elderly population. These findings were presented to the FDA and formed the basis for the organization’s decision to promote booster shots, which significantly reduced morbidity and mortality during the Delta wave.

Nobel Laureate Prof. Drew Weissman received the Harvey Prize this week along with his colleague Prof. Pieter Cullis. Prof. Weissman donated the prize money he received to students at the Technion.

The Harvey Prize, the most prestigious award given by the Technion, was awarded on June 3, to Nobel Laureate Prof. Drew Weissman from the University of Pennsylvania and Prof. Pieter Cullis from the University of British Columbia. The ceremony took place as part of the Technion Board of Governors meeting.

Prof. Drew Weissman, the 2023 Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine, is an immunologist focusing on RNA biology. He is currently developing methods for replacing genetically defective proteins, genome editing, and precise drug delivery to cells and organs using RNA technologies.

Prof. Pieter Cullis has led significant breakthroughs in developing treatments in nanomedicine using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for cancer treatment, genetic therapies, and vaccines. He developed lipid nanoparticles that protect mRNA and deliver it to cells. This platform was later used in RNA-based vaccines.

The $75,000 Harvey Prize was established in 1971 by Leo Harvey (1887-1973), an industrialist and inventor, and a dedicated friend and loyal supporter of the Technion and the State of Israel. The prize is awarded annually by the Technion for outstanding achievements in science, technology, and human health and for significant contributions to humanity. Over the years, the prize has become a “Nobel predictor” as more than 30% of its recipients have later won the Nobel Prize. Prof. Drew Weissman joins this statistic, who learned of his Harvey Prize win about two months before receiving the Nobel Prize alongside his colleague Prof. Katalin Karikó.

Weissman and Cullis received the Harvey Prize in human health for their research, which enabled the rapid development and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to the public. Their scientific discoveries revolutionized the provision of effective and safe vaccines and led to the development of new types of drugs and genetic treatments that greatly contributed to human welfare.

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan said at the award ceremony: “This is a very difficult time for Israel and the Jewish people, and I find it hard to express our gratitude for your presence here despite the difficulties and uncertainty. Your visit here is a declaration of your friendship with the Technion and with the State of Israel. In the Hebrew language and culture, there is an important term, ‘Tikkun Olam’ (repairing the world), which is not just a term but a guiding value. This value is an integral part of the Technion’s identity, acting out of a commitment to improving the world. We all, as scientists, work for this noble purpose, but only a few have managed to achieve such a far-reaching impact as you.”

Mark Gaines, president of the American Technion Society (ATS), said: “The Technion community has demonstrated its strength in the face of some of its greatest challenges and has overcome them. Leo Harvey, for whom the Harvey Prize is named, dedicated his life to improving human well-being, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel. Professors Weissman and Cullis also dedicate their lives to advancing humanity through scientific excellence and breaking boundaries. I am neither a scientist nor an engineer, and I always admire the perseverance resolve and energy that lead to the accomplishments that you have been able to achieve. Well done.”

“Thank you for the prize, it is a great honor for me,” said Prof. Weissman upon receiving the award. “It’s hard to celebrate at such a difficult time for Israel and the world, but I would never have missed the chance to come to the Technion and receive the Harvey Prize. Whenever I receive an award, I always think about how it will help me advance the other things I do, and I know that being a Harvey Prize laureate will help me promote the things I strive to advance—improving the availability of vaccines and drugs, especially in the Third World and for diseases that are not ‘profitable’ for large companies. For many years, I have been promoting the establishment of research centers and manufacturing facilities for drugs and vaccines in poor countries, allowing local communities to lead research, development, and production in a locally adapted manner.”

“This is a difficult time for Israel; it was especially important for me to come here and receive the award in person,” said Prof. Cullis. “My scientific journey has been an unexpected journey, starting with a Ph.D. in physics, continuing in the field of semiconductors, and reaching the development of vaccines and medical treatments within the academic and industrial framework. It is a great honor for me to receive the Harvey Prize, and I thank you very much.”

The prizes were awarded to the winners by Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, and the citations were read by Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Naama Brenner and Vice President for Research Prof. Noam Adir. The ceremony was moderated by Prof. Michael Silverstein from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering.

As part of their visit to the Technion, the laureates gave lectures to researchers and students at the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine. Prof. Drew Weissman, planted a tree in the “Nobel Laureates’ Avenue” at the Technion.

Prof. Drew Weissman, Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine for 2023, is an immunologist focusing on RNA biology. He completed his MD and Ph.D. at Boston University. In 1977, he opened his lab at the University of Pennsylvania, where he focused on RNA and vaccines. He is currently developing methods for replacing genetically defective proteins, genome editing, and precise drug delivery to cells and organs based on RNA technologies. He has received numerous awards, including the Rosenstiel Award, the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, and the VinFuture Prize. Together with Prof. Katalin Karikó from the University of Pennsylvania, he has been recognized for his pioneering work in developing improved mRNA (nucleoside-modified mRNA), which leads to the suppression of the inflammatory response to mRNA molecules and paves the way for RNA-based treatments. Prof. Weissman received the Harvey Prize “in recognition of developing innovative technology for the production and packaging of mRNA, which enabled the rapid development and delivery of effective COVID-19 vaccines; in appreciation for his pioneering work with Prof. Katalin Karikó in developing nucleoside-modified mRNA that successfully mitigates the inflammatory response and paves the way for RNA-based treatments. These fundamental scientific discoveries, along with the work of Prof. Pieter Cullis, have revolutionized the delivery of effective and safe vaccines, the development of innovative treatments, and the creation of a platform for future genetic therapies.”

Prof. Pieter Cullis from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia has led significant breakthroughs in developing treatments in nanomedicine using lipid nanoparticles (LNP) for cancer treatments, genetic therapies, and vaccines. He developed lipid nanoparticles that protect mRNA and deliver it to cells—a platform later used in RNA-based vaccines. He completed his Ph.D. in physics at the University of British Columbia, where he founded a lab under his leadership. He is a co-founder of two national excellence networks in Canada—the Centre for Drug Research and Development (now AdMare) and the NanoMedicines Innovation Network. He has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and has received numerous awards, including the Prince Mahidol Award, the Gairdner Award, and the Tang Prize. In 2023, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. Prof. Cullis received the Harvey Prize “in recognition of developing innovative technology for the production and packaging of mRNA, which enabled the rapid development and delivery of effective COVID-19 vaccines, and for developing unique lipid nanoparticles (LNP) that protect mRNA and deliver it to cells, a platform later adapted for RNA-based vaccines. These developments, along with those of Profs. Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, have led to fundamental scientific discoveries that have revolutionized the delivery of effective and safe vaccines, the development of innovative treatments, and the creation of a platform for future genetic therapies.”

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan awarded the prestigious Technion Alumni Medal to Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, head of public health services at the Israeli Ministry of Health and a distinguished graduate of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine. The medal was awarded to her “in recognition of her influential work for public health in Israel; in appreciation of her vital role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; and in gratitude for being a role model for Technion students and alumni through her exceptional achievements in the field of medicine.”

President of the Technion, Prof. Uri Sivan, noted that “Dr. Alroy-Preis is a model and inspiration for us. In her character, in her professional and managerial capabilities, she embodies the spirit of the Technion, which combines research, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and scientific excellence with social mission. Dr. Alroy-Preis’ contribution to public health in Israel was particularly prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she led the fight against the pandemic and significantly influenced global pandemic response efforts. On behalf of the Technion and the entire Israeli society, I wish to thank you, Dr. Alroy-Preis, for your immense work for public health.”

Dr. Alroy-Preis, head of public health services at the Israeli Ministry of Health, is the senior professional leading the ministry’s policy on various issues, including the outbreak of infectious diseases, health promotion, and business licensing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led the fight in Israel based on scientific knowledge and top experts, led the vaccination campaign starting in the third wave, and was involved in research and discussions clarifying the need for a booster dose following the decline in vaccine efficacy.

Dr. Alroy-Preis is an expert in internal medicine, public health, and preventive medicine. She completed her internship at Rambam Health Care Campus and her residencies at Carmel Medical Center and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Dr. Alroy-Preis was formerly the Chief Epidemiologist of the state of New Hampshire and served as Deputy Director of the Carmel Medical Center. She holds an MBA from Tel Aviv University.

The Technion Alumni Medal is awarded to alumni who have achieved exceptional accomplishments in science, medicine, engineering, technology, and architecture; who have made significant contributions to advancing the economy, industry, and education; and who have demonstrated impressive leadership and exceptional commitment reflected in public activities for the Technion. Past recipients of the Alumni Medal include Dadi Perlmutter (2018), Avi Nathan (2019), Guido Pardo Roques (2019), Aharon Aharon (2023), and Johny Srouji (2023).

The Technion awarded Israeli author David Grossman an honorary doctorate “in recognition of the extensive impact of his literary works in Israel and around the world and the talent through which he described the diversity and complexity of Israeli society; in gratitude for his deep love of the Hebrew language and his commitment to truth and dialogue; and for his inspiring efforts to foster coexistence and peace and to establish a better and more ethical society.”

Prof. Ada Yonath of the Weizmann Institute of Science, Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry for 2009,  received an honorary doctorate “in recognition of her pioneering contribution to ribosome research – the universal complex for translating genetic information into proteins – in mapping its structure and deciphering its function, and for discovering the mechanisms of antibiotic effects on bacterial ribosomes; and with great appreciation for her outstanding contribution to the advancement of science in Israel and worldwide.”

An honorary doctorate is the highest honor bestowed by the Technion on individuals who have excelled in their scientific and cultural endeavors or in their contributions to Israel, the Jewish people, and humanity. Previous recipients of this honor include Chaim Weizmann (1952), Albert Einstein (1953), Niels Bohr (1958), David Ben-Gurion (1962), Eugene Wigner (1971), Margaret Thatcher (1989), Yitzhak Rabin (1990), and Angela Merkel (2021).

“David Grossman is one of the greatest Israeli authors of our generation,” said Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan. “His contribution to Israeli literature and culture is immense, as is his contribution to the Hebrew language. Through his penetrating gaze, he has vividly described complex Israeli reality in all its aspects, the struggle with pain, loss, and bereavement, and the individual’s place in society.”

Regarding Prof. Yonath, Prof. Sivan said, “Great scientists are distinguished not only by their scientific achievements but also by their courage – the courage required to choose unique and innovative paths that may seem hopeless to the scientific community. Prof. Ada Yonath demonstrated exceptional personal and scientific courage when she embarked on that journey to terra incognita, which eventually led her to decipher the structure of the ribosome through crystallography. Her long journey has provided humanity with deep insights into the ribosome and opened new applied horizons.”

David Grossman was born in Jerusalem in 1954 and acquired his love of literature at home. After studying at “Leyada” (the Hebrew University Secondary School), he enlisted and served in the Intelligence Corps. He studied philosophy and theater at the Hebrew University and won awards for his early stories. Grossman has published eleven internationally renowned books, including “See Under: Love,” “To the End of the Land,” “Falling Out of Time,” “A Horse Walks into a Bar,” and “More Than I Love My Life.” He has also published five non-fiction books, including “The Yellow Wind,” a collection of short stories, numerous children’s books, a children’s opera, and a play. Several of his books have been adapted into films. In memory of his son Uri, who was killed during the Second Lebanon War by an anti-tank missile, Grossman wrote the song “The Spring Is So Short.” Grossman’s work has been translated into 45 languages and has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Prix Médicis for translated literature, the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, the National Jewish Book Award (USA), the Man Booker Prize (UK), the Royal Society of Literature International Writers Award (UK), the EMET Prize, and the Israel Prize for Literature. For the past forty years, David Grossman has actively worked for peace between Israel and its neighbors. His articles and essays on this subject have been published in leading newspapers worldwide.

Prof. Ada Yonath completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry and biochemistry at the Hebrew University, her doctorate at the Weizmann Institute of Science (1968), and post-doctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 1970, she established the first laboratory in Israel for protein crystallography at the Weizmann Institute, and for nearly a decade, it remained the only laboratory of its kind in Israel. The research that led to her Nobel Prize began in the 1980s and focused on the ribosome, the “protein factory” in the cell. She heads the Helen and Milton A. Kimmelman Center for Biomolecular Structure and Assembly at the Weizmann Institute and previously led a research unit at the Max Planck Institute in Hamburg. In 2009, Prof. Yonath received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with colleagues from Yale University and the University of Cambridge for their contribution to understanding the mechanisms of protein synthesis in living cells.

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan presented the two with their degrees in a festive ceremony on Monday, June 3, as part of the Technion’s annual Board of Governors Meeting, which this year has the theme of solidarity.