The Innovation Driving the World of Research

The 2025 Rector’s Award for Scientific Innovation has been awarded to eleven leading researchers at Bar-Ilan University, spanning disciplines from the natural sciences and technology to the humanities and social sciences. Their groundbreaking work not only pushes the boundaries of human knowledge, but also provides promising solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing modern society—offering the potential for a better future for all.

Safer Technology for Gene Editing

Prof. Yaron Orenstein (Faculty of Life Sciences and Department of Computer Science) was recognized for developing revolutionary methods combining AI with biology to enhance the precision of CRISPR gene editing technology, used to prevent genetic diseases.

His research will enable:

• Early detection and prevention of genetic disorders at the embryo stage

• Safer genetic therapies for inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia

• Personalized drug development

“In my lab, we develop computational methods to predict the efficiency and safety of gene editing,” explains Prof. Orenstein. “Using these algorithms, we can examine a fertilized egg in vitro, analyze its genetic variations, and correct errors before birth.”

A New Perspective on Existential Questions

Prof. Ilana Blumberg (Department of English Literature and Linguistics) received the award for her book George Eliot: Whole Soul, which offers a bold reinterpretation of 19th-century novelist and thinker George Eliot’s work.

The research contributes to:

• A deeper understanding of the tension between modernity and tradition

• New insights into how secular societies seek meaning

• Tools for navigating questions of identity and belief in diverse societies

“Eliot’s books span the continuum between religion and secularism,” says Prof. Blumberg. “Her work raises deeply existential questions—about evil, injustice, and meaning—that still resonate today.”

Solving a 40-Year-Old Mathematical Puzzle

Prof. Alexander Guterman (Department of Mathematics) was awarded for resolving a longstanding problem related to the “length function” in non-associative algebras.

Impacts of his research:

• Advancing the development of quantum computing

• Improving algorithms used in complex scientific and technological challenges

• Contributing to our understanding of quantum mechanics

“Together with my student Dmitry Kudryavtsev, we discovered a method to compute the length function and prove its optimality,” shares Prof. Guterman.

Shedding Light on Jewish History
Dr. Uriel Gellman (Department of Jewish History and Contemporary Jewry) was recognized for his work on the social and cultural history of Eastern European Jewry.

His research offers:

• New tools for understanding identity development in diverse societies

• Insights into how traditions evolve in changing environments

• Technological means for preserving cultural heritage

“My research explores Hasidism, Jewish-Christian relations, and responses to 19th-century cholera epidemics, drawing from archival documents, multilingual press, folklore, and rabbinic texts,” says Dr. Gellman.

A Digital Platform for Preserving Cultural Heritage

Prof. Yehuda Halper (Department of Jewish Philosophy) developed mahadurot.com, a digital platform for critical editions of original texts in Hebrew, Arabic, and Latin.

The platform enables:

• Global access to rare religious and philosophical texts

• Long-term digital preservation of cultural treasures

• Comparative research across religious traditions

“Instead of focusing only on restoring a 'pure' original, we use digital tools to represent each textual layer,” says Prof. Halper. “This allows a fuller picture of the text’s evolution over time.”

Revolutionary Sensors for a Greener Future

Prof. David Zitoun (Department of Chemistry) was awarded for his development of nanocatalysts used in selective gas sensing, leading to the founding of the startup Fast-Sense for biogas detection.

The innovation enables:

• Real-time monitoring of harmful gas emissions

• Improved renewable energy production

• Early warning systems for gas leaks

“We’re developing small, deployable sensors that provide industry-wide solutions for sustainable energy,” explains Prof. Zitoun.

Quantum-Proof Cryptography

Dr. Eylon Yogev (Department of Computer Science) was recognized for his contribution to the development of advanced cryptographic proof systems.

Future applications include:

• Robust cybersecurity in the age of quantum computing

• Secure blockchain and digital currency systems

• Verifiable AI operations for increased public trust

“Cryptographic proofs allow large computations to be verified in seconds,” explains Dr. Yogev. “We optimized formerly slow protocols without compromising security.”

Energy-Saving Nanodevices

Prof. Doron Naveh (Faculty of Engineering) received the award for developing nanoscale electronic devices using two-dimensional materials.

His innovations will allow:

• Miniaturized spectroscopic systems for portable use

• Major energy savings in electronic devices

• Enhanced transistors for longer battery life

His microchip innovations integrate quantum tunneling contacts and high-resolution spectroscopy into ultra-efficient systems.

New Insights into Maimonides’ Legal Philosophy

Prof. Yair Lorberbaum (Faculty of Law) was awarded for his analysis of Maimonides’ halakhic philosophy through the lens of modern legal theory.

This research provides:

• Deeper understanding of the societal role of legal systems

• Practical tools for addressing contemporary legal dilemmas

• Insights into legal evolution over time

“Maimonides was the first great legal theorist in Jewish tradition,” says Prof. Lorberbaum. “My research reconstructs the philosophy behind his legal reforms.”

A New Theoretical Lens on Vulnerability

Prof. Miri Rozmarin (Gender Studies Program) won the award for her innovative framework analyzing vulnerability as a source of agency, not weakness.

Her model will support:

• Educational tools for youth navigating gender power shifts

• Research methodologies for understanding social behaviors

• Vulnerability-based pedagogy promoting gender equity

“My research redefines vulnerability as a position of power, not just victimhood,” says Prof. Rozmarin. “It offers new strategies for empowerment.”

A Model for Ethical Leadership in the Cyber Era

Prof. Orly Shapira-Lishchinsky (Faculty of Education) was honored for developing a multidimensional model for ethical leadership in cyber-based learning and work environments.

The model supports:

• Ethical leadership training in complex digital spaces

• Frameworks for navigating tech-driven moral dilemmas

• Better decision-making in tech organizations

“Ethical challenges require us to pause, analyze complexity, and respond with awareness—just like Newton’s spinning disc reveals hidden colors,” Prof. Shapira-Lishchinsky explains.

Together, these eleven groundbreaking researchers embody the spirit of innovation that defines Bar-Ilan University. Their diverse fields of inquiry—spanning from quantum-proof cryptography to 19th-century literature, from environmental chemistry to ethical leadership—are united by a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and driving real-world impact. As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded that the future is not only something to predict, but something we actively shape—through bold ideas, deep curiosity, and an unwavering dedication to making the world better, one discovery at a time.