The Hebrew University of Jerusalem proudly announces that two of its outstanding researchers have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Krill Prize for Excellence in Scientific Research, one of Israel’s most prominent awards for promising faculty in academia.
This year’s Hebrew University Krill Prize winners are:
- Dr Gabriel Stanovsky, Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
- Dr Yiska Weisblum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
The Krill Prize, awarded annually by the Wolf Foundation and the Krill family in memory of Binyamin and Gittale Krill Mansbach Schlanger, recognises exceptional early-career researchers in the fields of exact sciences, life sciences, medicine, engineering, and agriculture. The 2025 ceremony, held on 4 June, brought together leaders from Israel’s top universities and research institutions.
Chosen from dozens of nominees across Israeli universities, the ten Krill Prize laureates were selected for their determination, creativity, and significant breakthroughs in scientific research.
Dr Yiska Weisblum investigates the evolutionary battle between viruses and human hosts. Her research focuses on the molecular interactions between respiratory viruses and lung cells, aiming to identify viral weaknesses for new antiviral therapies. She also uses non-pathogenic viral models to study immune defences and develop vaccines to prevent future pandemics.
Dr Gabriel Stanovsky specialises in Natural Language Processing (NLP), developing advanced AI systems that interpret human language. His interdisciplinary work spans history, law, medicine, and bioinformatics. Notably, he creates tools for deciphering ancient languages, analysing legal texts, and supporting doctors in understanding cancer treatment outcomes—contributing to personalised medicine and advancing technology’s impact across the sciences and humanities.
The Hebrew University congratulates Dr Stanovsky and Dr Weisblum on this prestigious recognition, which highlights the university’s continued leadership in scientific innovation and its commitment to advancing research in Israel and worldwide.