The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has emerged as the leading institution among recipients of the President of Israel’s Scholarships for Scientific Excellence and Innovation, with six outstanding doctoral candidates selected this year for the prestigious national award.

Established in 2013, the President’s Scholarships are awarded annually to exceptional Israeli doctoral students whose research demonstrates originality, academic excellence, and strong potential for advancing knowledge. Each year, the President of Israel selects a central academic theme, and an expert academic committee evaluates candidates based on scientific excellence, originality of research, academic achievements, and recommendations. In recent years, the scholarships have placed particular emphasis on strengthening research in the social sciences and humanities.

This year, 12 doctoral students from across Israel were awarded the scholarships. Among them, six recipients are doctoral candidates at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, marking the highest number of awardees from a single institution:

• Elyashiv Zangen, Hazar Yassen, and Guy Kariv – Faculty of Medicine
• Ouriel Bliah– Institute of Chemistry
• Hadar Arnon – Department of Psychology
• Ortal Yerushalmi – Faculty of Dental Medicine

Prof. Oron Shagrir, Rector of Hebrew University said: “Our doctoral students represent the next generation of scientific leadership in Israel. I warmly congratulate the six Hebrew University recipients: Elyashiv Zangen, Hazar Yassen, Guy Kariv, Ouriel Bliah, Hadar Arnon, and Ortal Yerushalmi, on this well-deserved recognition. Their success is a testament to their talent and dedication, and to the research environment at the Hebrew University that encourages excellence, creativity, and interdisciplinary inquiry.”

The scholarships were awarded in recognition of innovative and original research projects addressing key scientific challenges, including advances in medical science and technology. The strong representation of Hebrew University researchers underscores the institution’s central role in advancing scientific excellence, innovation, and academic leadership in Israel.

 

For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge convention and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, cultivating leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research and the commercialization of technologies through Yissum, its tech transfer company. Hebrew University’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with major international awards, including ten Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 88th globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2025), Hebrew University marks a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.