The Krill Prize for Excellence in Scientific Research is awarded annually by the Wolf Foundation and the Krill family, since 2005, in memory and honor of the late Benjamin and Gitla Krill Menschbach Schlanger.
The Krill Prize is awarded to outstanding academic faculty members and promising researchers from research universities in Israel who have demonstrated significant research breakthroughs and who are expected to lead future research and academia in Israel in the fields of exact sciences, life sciences and medicine, engineering, and agriculture.
About the research
Our research explores how viruses and hosts interact at the molecular level—a critical battle shaping how infections spread. This knowledge helps treat current infections and prepare for future pandemics.
During COVID-19, we tracked viral changes under immune pressure, identifying effective antibodies and predicting new variants early.
Beyond COVID-19, we study how animal viruses could adapt to humans using safe, non-disease-causing viral models—key tools for understanding viral emergence and developing vaccines.
We focus on the evolutionary arms race between viruses and the immune system, uncovering overlooked antiviral defenses and how viruses hijack cells to replicate—revealing weak points for new treatments.
Our goal: stay ahead of viruses by predicting evolution, exposing vulnerabilities, and enhancing natural defenses.
Photo: Maayan Miara
