Honoring Brilliance and Compassion

Bar-Ilan University’s Cancer, AIDS and Immunology Research (CAIR) Institute has proudly awarded the prestigious Tovi Comet-Walerstein Science Award to Prof. Michael Heneka, a world-renowned expert in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Presented by David Walerstein, Vice Chair of the Canadian Friends of Bar-Ilan University, during a moving ceremony that underscored the life-saving power of science, the prize honours the legacy of a remarkable clinician and researcher.

A Legacy Rooted in Healing

Dr. Tovi Comet-Walerstein, a Cleveland-born physician and researcher dedicated her short life to both medical advancement and compassionate care. Even while undergoing aggressive cancer treatment, Tovi kept a 24/7 helpline open for cancer patients, offering guidance, empathy, and strength. She passed away at just 38 years old, but her legacy lives on through this award, the CAIR Institute’s endowed research chair, and the many lives she continues to touch.

“The Dr. Tovi Comet-Walerstein Award stands as a beacon of excellence in the fields of cancer research, immunology, neuroscience, and biomedical science,” said Prof. Benjamin Sredni, Founding Director of the CAIR Institute. “It honours not just scientific innovation—but science in service of humanity.”

A Visionary in Neurological Research

This year’s recipient, Prof. Michael Heneka, is the Director of the Luxembourg Centre of Systems Biomedicine and Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Luxembourg. With more than 25 years of experience, Prof. Heneka is celebrated for his pioneering research into Alzheimer’s, dementia, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease.

“Receiving an award established in memory of Dr. Comet-Walerstein, who dedicated her life to both research and people, is especially meaningful to me,” shared Prof. Heneka. “I’m deeply honoured. This is a powerful encouragement to continue working toward breakthroughs that can improve—and even save—lives.”

Heneka’s work bridges basic science and clinical application, shedding light on the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and unlocking potential pathways for treatment and prevention. The award recognizes not only Prof. Heneka’s scientific rigor but also his profound commitment to improving human health.

A Global Impact, A Personal Touch

More than a professional milestone, the award symbolizes the critical role that biomedical research plays in shaping the future of medicine, and the human values that drive it forward.

“This prize reminds us that the true value of science lies not just in discovery,” said David Walerstein, “but in its ability to heal, uplift, and transform lives around the world.”

Previous recipients of the award include Nobel laureates and the world’s foremost experts in cancer genetics, immunology, and neuroscience. Prof. Heneka now joins their ranks, continuing the tradition of excellence and service embodied by Dr. Comet-Walerstein herself.

About the CAIR Institute

Founded in response to the rising global challenges of cancer and AIDS, Bar-Ilan University’s Cancer, AIDS and Immunology Research (CAIR) Institute fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research, and a vision of science that bridges innovation with human dignity. The institute is a hub for international scientific exchange, driving breakthroughs that address some of the world’s most pressing health crises.