Two researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Krill Prize for Excellence in Scientific Research—one of the most prominent and prestigious awards granted to outstanding faculty members and promising researchers in Israeli academia:
• Dr. Gabriel Stanovsky, Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
• Dr. Yiska Weisblum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
The awards ceremony (Wednesday, June 4, 2025) in the presence of leaders of Israel’s higher education institutions, rectors, deans, and senior faculty representatives from academic institutions.
The Krill Prize has been awarded since 2005 by the Wolf Foundation and the Krill family, in memory and honor of Binyamin and Gittale Krill Mansbach Schlanger, to promising faculty members at Israeli research universities in the fields of exact sciences, life sciences, medicine, engineering, and agriculture.
The Wolf Foundation's judging committee selected the ten 2025 prize winners from among dozens of candidates nominated by their universities, based on their determination, initiative, and creativity—qualities that led to significant breakthroughs in scientific research in Israel.
Dr. Yiska Weisblum's research focuses on the ongoing evolutionary struggle between viruses and their human hosts. Specifically, her work aims to understand the molecular interactions between respiratory viruses and lung cells, and to identify viral vulnerabilities that could be targeted by new antiviral strategies. She also uses non-pathogenic viral models to study immune defense mechanisms and develop vaccines to prevent future pandemics.
Dr. Gabriel Stanovsky specializes in Natural Language Processing (NLP)—a field in computer science aimed at developing systems that can understand and derive meaning from human language. His research integrates artificial intelligence with other disciplines such as history, law, medicine, and bioinformatics. Among other contributions, he is developing tools to decipher ancient languages like Akkadian, supporting large-scale analysis of legal texts, and helping doctors analyze medical data collected over time to understand how different types of cancer influence treatment outcomes—contributing to the development of personalized cancer therapies. His work demonstrates how technology can enrich diverse fields of knowledge and generate new insights in the humanities, social sciences, and life sciences.
The Hebrew University congratulates the researchers on their impressive achievements and views this award as a recognition of promising academic staff members who are expected to lead Israeli research and academia into the future—highlighting the University’s continued contribution to the advancement of science in Israel and around the world.
Dr. Gabriel Stanovsky | Credit Bruno Charbit
Dr. Yiska Weisblum | Credit: Maayan Miara
For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by nine Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates 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.