The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud to announce the establishment of the Sally Einstein Brain Research Program, made possible by a 1 Million NIS grant (USD $300,930) from the Sim Einstein Research Foundation, Inc.
The university extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Or Shemesh and his team at the Hebrew University School of Pharmacy on receiving this prestigious award. Their two-year research project, titled “The Infectious Etiology of Brain Disease,” will pioneer a cross-disciplinary approach to understanding how pathogens contribute to some of the world's most challenging neurological conditions.
The Shemesh Lab will investigate the role of infectious agents in a broad spectrum of brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, PANDAS & PANS, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. While these conditions are often studied in isolation, Dr. Shemesh’s team aims to identify shared pathways and pathogens that may drive brain pathology across all of them.
"We are thrilled to receive this support, which allows us to compare disease mechanisms across seemingly different conditions," said Dr. Or Shemesh. "By uncovering the ‘common denominator’ pathogens that trigger brain inflammation and degeneration, as well as identifying disease-specific pathogens that may define a unique cranio-biome for each neurological disorder, we are taking the first step toward developing innovative treatments that could halt disease progression."
The grant was provided by the Sim Einstein Research Foundation, Inc. and is part of the global Alzheimer’s Pathobiome Initiative (AlzPI) consortium, co-founded and led by Nikki Schultek of the Pathobiome Research Center at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Shemesh and his team have been members of AlzPI for many years to accelerate our understanding of infectious drivers of Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases through global, multidisciplinary collaboration.
AlzPI Team and Or Shemesh (Credit- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Research team (Credit- Or Shemesh)
For over 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.