The 2025 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists ceremony took place on June 4 at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
Three early-career scientists from Israeli universities were each awarded an unrestricted grant of $100,000 for their groundbreaking research across three key scientific fields: Life Sciences; Chemical Sciences; and Physical Sciences & Engineering.
- Life Sciences: Yonatan Stelzer, Ph.D. (Weizmann Institute of Science): Stelzer received the award for his breakthrough work in modeling the complex process of mammalian embryonic development and advancing our understanding of epigenetics. His research provides innovative tools for understanding genetic and epigenetic processes affecting embryonic development, promising significant advances in regenerative and therapeutic medicine while advancing the development of new personalized medical treatments.
- Chemical Sciences: Benjamin Palmer, Ph.D. (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev): Palmer received the award for his pioneering research on organic crystals formed within living organisms and revealing the underlying biological formation processes. His research provides unique insights into how these crystals interact with light, establishing the foundation for the emerging field of organic biomineralization while serving as inspiration for developing sustainable optical materials.
- Physical Sciences & Engineering: Chaim Garfinkel, Ph.D. (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem): Garfinkel received the award for his work enhancing our ability to predict climate change across timeframes spanning months to decades and improving weather forecasting systems. His research provides crucial insights into the severity of anticipated climate changes while advancing the development of climate policies and adaptation strategies.
The Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in Israel are given alongside the international awards presented annually in the United States and Britain.
The laureates will join a select group of young men and women who have won Blavatnik Awards in Israel since 2017, as well as the international Blavatnik scientific community, whose members will receive by the end of 2025 awards totaling nearly $20 million.
The event was attended by senior figures from Israel’s academic and business communities.
The ceremony was hosted by Hila Korach. Guests enjoyed a performance by Aviv Gefen and catering led by Chef Erez Komarovsky.
