Four Rising Stars Join Bar-Ilan with Prestigious ISF Beresheet Grants

Out of just 22 national recipients this year, four have chosen to build their academic futures at Bar-Ilan—a powerful testament to the university’s growing reputation as a hub for bold, high-impact science.

Dr. David Zada: Cracking the Neural Code of Social Behavior

Dr. Zada’s research dives deep—literally—into the neural and genetic mechanisms behind social behavior using a tiny, transparent fish called Danionella cerebrum. By placing these fish in a virtual reality system that simulates schooling behavior and monitoring their brain activity in real time, Dr. Zada seeks to uncover the brain regions and genes responsible for group interactions. This research holds groundbreaking potential for understanding—and eventually treating—social impairments such as autism.

Dr. Yishay Pinto: Shedding Light on the Viral “Dark Matter” in Our Bodies

While most microbiome research focuses on bacteria, Dr. Pinto investigates the largely unexplored viral component—known as the human virome—with a special focus on bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria). Using advanced genomic and computational tools, his lab aims to map and characterize the role of phages in shaping microbial communities and their interactions with the human body. This “hidden half” of the microbiome may prove critical in diagnosing and treating disease.

Dr. Paul Sharp: Understanding Human Planning in a World of Uncertainty

Dr. Sharp’s research asks a deceptively simple question: how do humans plan efficiently in complex, uncertain environments—despite limited brainpower compared to AI? Through computational modeling and cognitive experiments, he is uncovering the decision-making mechanisms that help us know when to plan, what to plan, and when to stop. His work also explores how anxiety can interfere with these processes—shedding light on both the brilliance and the vulnerability of the human mind.

Dr. Shahar Dery: Revolutionizing Green Chemistry with Nanocatalysts

Catalysis is at the heart of modern industry—but how catalytic reactions unfold at the atomic level is still not fully understood. Dr. Dery is tackling this challenge head-on by developing advanced spectroscopic methods to monitor chemical and structural changes in real time on the surfaces of individual nanoparticles. This knowledge could help scientists design more efficient and durable catalysts capable of converting greenhouse gases into useful materials—fueling breakthroughs in sustainable energy and climate technology.

A Growing Force in Research Excellence

Bar-Ilan’s success in attracting these outstanding scholars—each at the cutting edge of their field—demonstrates our commitment to fostering bold research that bridges disciplines, pushes boundaries, and shapes a better future.

Congratulations to our four new faculty members on their well-earned awards. We’re proud to have you here.