Three BGU Researchers Honored by the Israel Chemical Society
Awards recognize pioneering work in origin-of-life theory, sustainable energy catalysis and neurodegenerative disease research.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev marked a moment of exceptional distinction this year, as three of its researchers, spanning generations and career stages, were honored with prestigious awards from the Israel Chemical Society (ICS). Their recognition, announced ahead of the 89th ICS Annual Meeting in February 2026, reflects both individual excellence and the University’s enduring investment in groundbreaking scientific inquiry.
At the most senior end of the spectrum stands Prof. Addy Pross, recipient of the 2025 ICS Gold Medal, one of the Society’s highest honors. A founding member of BGU’s Department of Chemistry, Prof. Pross has spent decades shaping scientific thought far beyond the Negev. Born in Tel Aviv and raised in Australia, he joined Ben-Gurion University in 1973 and later served as department chair. Initially renowned for his work in physical organic chemistry, Prof. Pross shifted his focus at the turn of the century to one of science’s most profound questions: the origin of life. His formulation of the concept of dynamic kinetic stability offered a radically new way to understand living systems as a distinct state of matter, work that has influenced fields ranging from chemistry and biology to philosophy. His widely read books and essays continue to reach audiences well beyond academia, underscoring BGU’s global intellectual footprint
Representing the University’s dynamic mid-career leadership is Prof. Idan Hod, winner of the 2025 Tenne Family Prize for a Young Scientist in Nanoscale Sciences. Born in Petach Tikva and educated at Bar-Ilan University, Prof. Hod joined BGU’s faculty in 2016 after a Fulbright-funded postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University. His research explores how metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used to precisely control electrochemical reactions critical to future energy technologies, including carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen evolution. By drawing inspiration from natural enzymes, his work aims to design catalysts that are both more efficient and more sustainable, advancing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing energy challenges
Completing the trio is Karina Abramov Harpaz, a doctoral researcher awarded the 2025 ICS Prize for an Excellent Graduate Student. Born and raised in Beer-Sheva, Karina earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Ben-Gurion University before beginning her PhD. Her research uses advanced molecular dynamics simulations to uncover the earliest molecular events in amyloid-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Alongside an impressive publication record, her work reflects a high level of independence and scientific maturity at an early stage of her career.
Together, these three awardees represent different stages and fields of research at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Their recognition by the Israel Chemical Society reflects the quality and range of work conducted at the University, spanning foundational theory, applied research, and advanced doctoral study.
