Shaping the Future: Unmasking the Visionary Minds Behind the Zimin Awards 2023
The Zimin Institute for Engineering Solutions Advancing Better Lives at Tel Aviv University announced the winners of its 2023 research grants in June. The four winning TAU projects presented solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges in the areas of medical applications.
This year’s Zimin Prize winners encompass a diverse range of ground-breaking research subjects, each pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation.
Dr. Dan Raviv has been recognized for his work on deep learning for real-time fetal ECG monitoring, a crucial advancement in prenatal healthcare.
Dr. Dekel Rosenfeld’s bioengineered three-dimensional design aims to promote neuronal regeneration, offering new possibilities for treating neurological disorders.
Prof. Ruth Ashery-Padan and Prof. Tal Dvir have collaborated on modeling complex blinding human disease AMD in engineered tissue, unraveling disease mechanisms and paving the way for personalized treatments.
Prof. Natan T. Shaked has achieved a breakthrough in human-sperm-cell research through ultra-rapid cell 3D tomography, enabling full refractive-index mapping.
Prof. Adi Avni and Prof. Yosi Shacham have pioneered the field of bio-convergence, developing innovative methods to detect plant stress and enhance agricultural practices.
Prof. Itay Mayrose and Prof. Eilon Shani have devised a next-generation multi-targeted CRISPR genetic toolbox, providing deeper insights into genetic processes and their impact.
Lastly, Prof. Lihi Adler-Abramovich and Dr. Maxim Sokol have created an MXene-based bio-scaffold for continuous monitoring of skin regeneration, opening up new possibilities in wound healing and tissue engineering.
These exceptional researchers have left an indelible mark on their respective fields and are deserving recipients of the prestigious Zimin Grant.
During the prestigious award ceremony, Prof. David Mendlovic, the Head of the Zimin Institute, passionately emphasized the late Dr. Zimin’s transformative vision for research. Driven by a commitment to a better world, Dr. Zimin sought to revolutionize the research landscape and inspire scientists to push boundaries and achieve remarkable breakthroughs. Prof. Mendlovic proudly proclaimed that “The Zimin Institute remains dedicated to upholding this visionary legacy by nurturing education, supporting scientific discoveries, and awarding grants to exceptional researchers at the forefront of their fields. Through its unwavering commitment to cutting-edge research, the Zimin Institute has become a beacon of innovation, fostering a culture of excellence that continues to propel the scientific community forward”.
Prof. David Mendlovic pointed out the success of last year’s winning projects, and the help the Zimin foundation and our team is willing to offer the researchers beside the Grant. The help to bring your research into a company or present it to investors. Any guidance needed “we are here to Provide our help.”
The Zimin Institute, established under the visionary leadership of the late TAU Honorary Doctor Dmitry B. Zimin, stands as a testament to his remarkable accomplishments in academia, business, and philanthropy. With a strong focus on fostering scientific breakthroughs that make a tangible difference, the Institute actively supports research endeavors in medicine, digital health technologies, brain studies, healthy aging, and related disciplines. Every year, it bestows $100,000 grants upon promising initiatives led by TAU researchers, serving as a vital bridge to the practical realm and ensuring that the finest scientific projects contribute significantly to the betterment of our world. In alignment with Dr. Zimin’s enduring legacy, the Zimin Institute remains dedicated to propelling transformative ideas from the realm of theory to impactful reality.
Also present at the ceremony were Boris Zimin, Dmitry Zimin’s son and head of the Zimin Foundation; Ms. Maria Alef Zimins Public Relations Specialist; Dr. Haim Ben Yakov Senior Executive for Regional Development and Public Affairs, Tel Aviv University; Mr. Eli Gelman, Chairman of Tel Aviv University, Winning researchers, and Colleague.
Boris Zimin, the Head of the Zimin Foundation, and entrepreneur himself, told the winners about the institute:
“My father dedicated 35 years of his career to the field of Radio Engineering, which brought him professional fulfillment but left him yearning for a greater impact on the world. Driven by his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education and research, he was passionate about channeling investments towards these areas. We firmly believe that investing in education and research is one of the most profound contributions one can make to the world, and We sincerely wish you tremendous success in your research pursuits.”
The Zimin Institute at TAU is a member of the Zimin Institutes initiative, which also includes the Zimin Institute at Arizona State University and the Technion Zimin Institute.
We are reminded of the power of knowledge, the importance of investment in research and education, and the potential for science to shape a better world for all. With great anticipation, we eagerly await the continued advancements and contributions that these exceptional minds will bring in the years to come.
