Dr. Limor Cohen
Leon and Mathilde Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences
My life before BGU:
I was born and raised in Beer-Sheva, and all my academic degrees were earned at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev: a bachelor’s in biotechnology engineering, a master’s in biochemistry and clinical pharmacology, and a PhD in physiology and cell biology. I carried out my postdoctoral research here in the Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering.
Why BGU?
Ben-Gurion University is home. It’s a place that combines scientific and research excellence with incredible human capital.
My research:
I study cancer. In recent years I have been studying the mechanisms of cancer cell development, how they respond to various drugs, and why patients develop resistance to anti-cancer therapies. My goal is to develop new immunotherapies targeting different cancers, specifically therapies using the patient’s own immune cells. By isolating immune cells and engineering them to attack cancer cells without harming healthy tissue, we can prevent damage to vital organs and create immune memory against the cancer, increasing the chances of a cure. I aim to develop innovative cell therapies in collaboration with the Cellular Therapy Unit at Soroka Medical Center, bridging the gap between lab research and patient care.
An insight from my research:
Our bodies are extraordinary creations, yet much remains hidden beyond what we currently understand.
Something that doesn't appear on my CV:
I absolutely love the sea. It gives me a sense of infinity.
A source of inspiration:
My greatest inspiration at the start of my journey was, of course, my mother—a brilliant, strong woman and a wonderful mother. Recently, I heard a quote that deeply resonates with me: “Give it a try. At worst, you’ll succeed.”
When I grow up...
As a child, I was certain I’d become a doctor. Today, I’d say my dream is to become a biotech entrepreneur.
If I weren’t a researcher, I’d be...
A physician
In brief:
- MasterChef or Kupa Rashit (Checkout)? Kupa Rashit—nothing beats a good laugh.
- Pilates or spinning? Zumba—it’s a party every session.
- Morning or night? Morning—I love the natural light and energy of the morning.
- Summer or winter? Summer, with air conditioning—or at the beach.
- Hapoel or Maccabi? Sorry, what’s the difference?
- Noa Kirel or Netta Barzilai? Yasmin Moalem.
- Steak or tofu?
- Instant coffee or espresso? Double espresso.
- Hiking or spa?
- Car or train? Train—I can get work done on my laptop.
- Classical Europe or India? Classic Europe.
- Sea or pool?
- City or village?
- Cinema or Netflix binge? Cinema, with real popcorn from a machine.
- Text or voice message? Text, or a normal conversation.
- Dog or cat?
- Instagram or TikTok?
- Three things I’d take to a desert island? My husband—he’d figure it out.
