Many of the previous year’s winners have gone on to found their own companies, which are now worth $12 billion collectively.
Three Israel-based scientists—Yonatan Stelzer, Benjamin Palmer, and Chaim Garfinkel—have been named recipients of the 2025 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in Israel, each receiving $100,000 for their groundbreaking contributions to life sciences, chemistry, and earth sciences, respectively.
Yonatan Stelzer, Associate Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at the Weizmann Institute of Science, was recognized for his advances in embryonic development and epigenetics. His discoveries could lead to regenerative medicine for combating aging, innovative cancer treatments, and new therapeutic approaches.
Benjamin Palmer, a British Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Ben Gurion University, was honored for uncovering how certain creatures use light to form crystals. His research may pave the way for sustainable optical materials, offering environmentally friendly technological applications.
Chaim Garfinkel, Professor of Earth Sciences at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was awarded for enhancing climate prediction models, improving weather forecasting systems, and providing critical insights for climate policy and adaptation strategies over months to decades.
Established in 2007 and expanded to Israel in 2017, the Blavatnik Awards celebrate innovative scientists aged 42 and under for their extraordinary achievements and future potential. This year’s winners were selected from 36 nominations across seven Israeli universities. They will be formally honored at a ceremony next month in Tel Aviv, co-hosted by the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the New York Academy of Sciences.
Len Blavatnik, head of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, praised the laureates, stating, “These brilliant young minds exemplify Israel’s ingenuity and creativity, driving scientific progress. We are proud to support their continued success.” Many past winners have founded companies now collectively valued at $12 billion.
Professor Nicholas B. Dirks, President of The New York Academy of Sciences, highlighted the international significance of the awards, noting Palmer as the first UK-born laureate. “This reflects the global nature of scientific collaboration in fields like epigenetics, biomineralization, and atmospheric science,” he said.
Professor David Harel, President of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, emphasized the importance of supporting Israel’s scientists amid challenging times. “Despite unprecedented obstacles, maintaining Israel’s leadership in global science is vital for its security and economy. We celebrate these laureates for their innovative breakthroughs and their positive impact on society,” he said.