Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics is an integral and unique component of IMRIC at the Faculty Medicine of the Hebrew University. It harbors a large group of microbiologists blended with genetic and computational biologists. Research in the department spans the fields of virology, bacteriology, parasitology, microbiome, along with molecular and computational microbial and human genetics. The department is situated in the beautiful Botnar Building at Ein-Kerem campus, maintaining close ties with clinicians at the Hadassah Hospital. This environment fuels interactions between the research teams on campus, leading to synergistic and fruitful collaborations. The department promotes research and social activities among its members and holds a biannual retreat.

Our Research includes current and urgent issues that are on the frontline of human health. This includes the study of microbial infections that are still the major cause of mortality in both industrial and developing countries, highlighted by the recent Covid-19 pandemic. We study pathogenic viruses, bacteria and parasites, along with fundamental mechanisms in basic microbiology. We explore the interactions between microbes and their human host in health and disease. Furthermore, our department houses pioneering labs in the fields of bioinformatics and computational biology that harness their expertise to study gene expression, protein interactions, genome stability, microbiome, pathogen-host interactions and cancer. Together, we strive to make a lasting impact on human health!

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics mourns the recent loss of two of its leading figures:

Prof. Hanna Engelberg-Kulka (1932–2025)

Prof. Hervé (Hillel) Bercovier (1946–2025).
May their memory be a blessing.

Head of Department: ​Prof. Sigal Ben-Yehuda

Head of Department: Prof. Sigal Ben-Yehuda