Scientific Excellence and Youthful Innovation

The Ministry of Education and the Technion recently hosted the 8th Biotechnology Olympiad, an event designed to attract students to the field and nurture high school students engaged in applied biotechnology research. The event, held at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, was opened by Dean Prof. Ester Segal, who shared the pioneering research of Prof. Manfred Aschner, the faculty’s founder and an Israel Prize laureate in Life Sciences. Aschner, a microbiologist, discovered a new algae species (Prymnesium parvum) in 1946 and identified its role in fish mortality in aquaculture ponds. His research led to solutions that saved Israel’s fish farming industry.

The Olympiad finals, following months of school-based work and exams, brought together five top students. The competition has been led since its inception by Technion Profs. Ayelet Fishman and Omer Yehezkeli, and Ministry of Education Biotechnology Supervisor Judith Deskalo.

Deskalo highlighted the field’s importance, stating:

“Biotechnology is at the heart of 21st-century scientific and technological advancements, offering groundbreaking solutions in medicine, food, environmental quality, and agriculture. The students in this Olympiad represent the future generation of scientists and engineers and serve as an inspiration to us all.”

Prof. Fishman added: “First and foremost, I want to thank the incredible biotechnology teachers who tirelessly engage and inspire students in science and technology. I congratulate all the finalists for their motivation and dedication – you all did an excellent job, making it difficult to select the winners.”

First Place: Alice Sibak, a 12th-grade student from Amal Bet High School in Petah Tikva, for her research on the effects of mutant Alpha-1-Antitrypsin proteins on immune system activity. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients suffer from a deficiency in this protein and require weekly infusions derived from human blood serum. Her research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Noa Godin at the Be’er Sheva Technology Center, aimed to produce the protein in the lab to improve its availability, consistency, and therapeutic efficacy for autoimmune diseases and elastin-degrading enzyme inhibition. In addition to being an outstanding student, Alice is also a talented ballet dancer.

Second Place: Keren Tzedakah (Atid Science High School in Lod) for her research on the Palladin gene’s involvement in cancer, conducted in collaboration with Prof. Noam Shomron’s lab at Tel Aviv University.

Third Place: Margarita Shamis (WIZO Nahalal Youth Village), for her study on the impact of induction time on Alpha-Amylase enzyme expression and secretion, in collaboration with Prof. Martin Goldway’s lab at Tel-Hai College.

During the event, students attended an inspiring lecture by Alva Lafer from Prof. Ester Segal’s lab, titled: “Superhydrophobic Coatings Inspired by Nature: An Antimicrobial Strategy for Reducing Bacteria in Food Systems.” Alva shared insights from her master’s research on developing next-generation food packaging and praised the students for their innovative projects and impressive presentation skills.

Photo credit: Prof. Omer Yehezkeli