Research groups

Research in the Addadi group combines chemistry, physics and biology to understand mechanisms of formation and structure-function relations in biomineralization (skeletal support, protection, vision and others) and pathological crystallizations (such as atherosclerosis)

We are studying protein-DNA interactions involved in processes that are fundamental to physiology, disease, and evolution. We believe in a multidisciplinary view that closely integrates experimental and computational approaches.

Aharonson and his research group focus on problems in planetary physics, with interests in planetary surfaces, climate interactions, geophysics, and dynamics. Objects within the solar system as well as exoplanets are addressed.

We are studying biological recognition at atomic resolution using solution-NMR. Our main research topics are: HIV-1 binding to target cells, chemokines interactions with their receptors and the interactions between key proteins involved in signal transduction.

Theoretical research in the Averbukh Group focuses on interaction of atoms and molecules with ultrashort laser pulses, and on development of novel methods for controlling their dynamics.

The Bar-Shir lab combines strategies in NMR and MRI with tools from synthetic and supramolecular chemistry, nanomaterials and biology for the development of novel approaches to illuminate unexplored processes in both chemistry and biology.

We combine soft-matter physics, materials science and biochemistry to assemble autonomous cell-free systems, focusing on assembly of machines, gene circuits, fuzzy decision-making, synchrony, and electric field manipulation of gene-expression on a chip.

Our laboratory focuses on modeling and experimental analysis of fluid/chemical transport in geological formations, and other porous materials, with particular emphasis on soil/groundwater systems. We also develop catalytic methods for treatment of contaminated water.

The Bouchbinder group develops predictive theories of non-equilibrium phenomena in condensed-matter physics, materials physics, geophysics and biophysics. Problems of interest include the failure of materials and interfaces, the physics of disordered systems and cell mechanics.

Structure-function-thermal stability relationships studies in enzymes from a variety of hyperthermophilic, thermophilic, mesophilic, and psychrophilic microorganisms.

We research self-repair of optoelectronic materials, with implications for greener resource use, and amazing solid-state electron transport across proteins, with implications for bioelectronics; both are issues that challenge present models and understanding.

Our research focuses on understanding the physical mechanism underlying the changes of large-scale phenomena in the atmosphere and ocean under climate change. In particular, we use theoretical understanding of the climate’s dynamics and thermodynamics states and examine observations and state-of-the-art climate models.

The Diskin group explores using structural biology the complex interplay between viruses, hosts, and the immune system to reveal underlying molecular mechanisms that govern viral cell entry and to promote novel therapeutics.

We are interested in dynamical structures of the living cell, particularly pertaining to self-assembly. Currently the lab focuses on developments in cryo-electron microscopy, and pioneers the application of scanning transmission EM to cellular tomography.

Using a variety of surface-sensitive spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, we perform experimental basic research on the physical properties of materials and chemical processes at the solid/liquid and solid/gas interfaces.

The Fass group investigates disulfide bonding in biological electron transfer pathways and the assembly of protein complexes. Structural and mechanistic discoveries made in the lab pave the way to therapies for cancer, fibrosis, and colitis.

We study magnetic properties of molecules and hybrid systems using quantum emitters in the solid state. Combined with scanning probe microscopy, we develop new quantum-enhanced sensing techniques that allow for higher sensitivity and spectral bandwidth.

Delivery of drugs e.g proteins, peptides, anti-microbial agents, enhancing their stability, reducing their toxicity and prolonging their actions in blood circulation Immuno and neuro-regulating peptides: chemical biological and clinical related studies

Research in our lab centers on developing new methods in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging, and on the application of these advanced NMR/MRI techniques to chemical, biophysical, biological and clinical investigations.

The Goldfarb lab focuses on developments of pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy methods and their applications to problems in Biophysics and Structural Biology in vitro and in cells.

We develop theoretical physics models to describe biological systems from the scale of cells to the scale of animal groups, and the human brain. Inspired by these living systems, we explore new physics of active systems.

The Halevy group combines theory, laboratory experiments and geochemical observations to understand the long-timescale co-evolution of the chemistry of the oceans and atmosphere, the (micro)biological activity at Earth’s surface, and the planet’s climate.

The Haran group uses a spectrum of single-molecule spectroscopic tools to study problems in biological and chemical physics, from the functional cycles of protein machines to the interaction of quantum emitters with plasmonic devices.

We study (together with David Cahen) halide perovskite semiconductors with emphasis on their properties relevant to photovoltaic applications.

Dynamics and flexibility of biomolecules are key for their function. The Hofmann lab uses state-of-the-art single-molecule tools to understand the dynamics of proteins and gene networks on timescales from nanoseconds to hours.

Research in the Horovitz group focuses on understanding the allostery and function of the GroEL and CCT/TRiC protein folding machineries.

We investigate the formation and organization of nanomaterials (including nanowires, nanotubes and 2D materials), their physical properties (structural, mechanical, electronic, optical, optoelectronic, electromechanical, etc.), and their integration into functional systems (computing, solar cells, sensors, etc.).

Our group studies Geophysical Fluid Dynamics on Earth and other planets. Focus areas include midlatitude atmospheric dynamics and climate change, atmospheres/interiors of the giant planets with strong involvement in space missions, and exoplanet atmospheres.

I am a geochemist focused on the study and characterization of physical processes on Earth. I use trace elements and radiogenic isotopes combined with modeling to understand water-sediment interaction, water flow mechanisms, and paleoclimate.

The Klein group studies surface interactions in soft and biological matter from molecular to macroscopic scales. Current projects include lubrication and biolubrication (and its relation to osteoarthritis), and drug delivery using liposomic carriers.

We study cloud and rain physics and ocean-atmosphere interactions. We explore theoretical aspects of complex systems using the above media as models to look into pattern formation, self-organization and their effects on the climate system.

Valeri Krongauz joined the Faculty of Chemistry in 1976. Main interest - organic photochromism.

The Kronik group studies unique properties of materials using first principles quantum mechanical calculations based mostly on density functional theory. The group develops formalism and methodology and applies it to the prediction/interpretation of novel experiments.

Prof. Kurizki’s group studies the theory of quantum thermodynamics, quantum optics, quantum measurements and the control of open quantum systems.

Meir Lahav scientific interests are directed towards the understanding of the physical properties of crystals in general, and their applications for the understanding the mechanism of electrofreezing effect of super cooled water in particular.

We combine use of high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to research the structure, dynamics, and function of membrane proteins, with a focus on elucidating rare and transient states.

L. Leiserowitz is working on the Malaria pigment (The Achilles heel of the Plasmodium parasite), crystallization of cholesterol with a focus on atherosclerosis, laser induced nucleation of ice, and structure determination of biogenic photonic crystals.

Development of advanced solid state NMR spectroscopy methods for materials science applications, with particular focus on elucidating the relation between structure and function in energy storage and conversion materials

The Levy group focuses on understanding the dynamics of biological self-assembly at the molecular level by using and developing computational and theoretical approaches.

We are a multidisciplinary lab that uses computation, chemistry and biology do develop new technologies for ligand discovery. We focus on covalent ligands with applications to chemical biology and drug discovery.

Structural, mechanical, electromechanical, and polar properties of materials. Specific directions: non-classical electrostrictors, piezoelectrics and strongly anelastic solids; influence of surface charge and impurities on ice nucleation; recycling of gold, platinum and rare earth form waste; flue gases desulfurization

We develop synthetic agents that interact with proteins and sense or regulate their function. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines organic synthesis, protein mimicry, DNA self-assembly, and fluorescent molecular sensor design in order to address fundamental challenges at the interface of chemistry and biology.

Our field is computational quantum chemistry: we believe in the complementarity of high-accuracy wave function approaches and lower-cost density functional theory approaches. Applications center on catalysis, noncovalent interactions, and computational biochemistry.

The Milstein group designs and develops green and sustainable reactions catalyzed by metal complexes for waste-free organic synthesis and renewable energy, based on new approaches to the activation of strong chemical bonds.

The group studies the chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect and its implications and applications in Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Among others we study chiral molecules in: spintronics, ennatioseparation, bio-recognition, and spin selective chemistry.

The Neumann Lab focuses on catalysis, sustainable chemical transformations and renewable energy research. Using electro- and photochemical techniques the research involves activation and use of small molecules such as oxygen, nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide.

Pollak’s research centers on fundamentals of molecular physics and method development for solution of relevant quantum challenges. Examples include development of lower bounds to energies; elucidation of quantum tunneling times; semiclassical real time propagation methods.

Ultrashort laser pulses are used to control the alignment and orientation of molecules in general and asymmetric top molecules in particular. Yehiam Prior is the Institute CIO and heads its Division of Information Systems.

The work in my group focuses on Statistical and Nonlinear Physics of complex systems, often out of equilibrium. Currently we work on  the unusual properties of amorphous solids, from glasses through granular systems to soft matter.

The dynamical meteorology group studies the atmospheric flows and interacting mechanisms across scales that drive the variability, climatology and (extreme) impact of extratropical weather systems.

Our group develops and applies ab initio many-body computational approaches to study excited-state transport and dynamics and complex exciton phenomena in extended functional materials.

The Rosenzweig lab uses advanced NMR, biophysical, and biochemical approaches to study the structure, dynamics, and interactions of large protein assemblies, focusing on identifying and understanding mechanisms that combat neurodegenerative disorders and protein misfolding diseases.

Our research is motivated by the global impacts of atmospheric dust, air pollution and microorganisms on climate, and human health. Our approach is inherently multidisciplinary geared towards developing new approaches to probe aerosols’ properties and processes in the atmosphere.

We develop robust noncovalent materials (molecular plastics) that are easily fabricated and recycled, enabling a sustainable alternative to conventional pastics. We also work on energy materials that are employed in batteries and solar cells.

Theoretical studies of the structure, phase behavior and dynamics of biological cells and their relation to the soft matter. Topics of interest:  cell volume determination, phase separation and chromatin organization, and spontaneous oscillations of cardiomyocytes.

Current research focuses on a new type of chemical transformations induced by electrons at the interface between two solid materials. Such processes may convert insulating organic monolayers to patterned single-layer conductors exhibiting unusual electrical conduction.

The Semenov group uses tools of organic and physical chemistry to understand and apply out-of-equilibrium phenomena in chemical systems.

Our aim is to advance the theory and understanding of quantum light-matter interactions at the collective level, both for the study of fundamental phenomena and as a novel resource for emerging quantum technologies.

Structural studies on the tumor suppressor p53 and its interaction with DNA. Structural studies on cancer-related p53 mutants and their restoration by small molecules. Structure-function studies on enzymes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis as potential drug targets.

Employing a multidisciplinary approach, the Shalev-Benami lab focuses on visualizing the architecture of macromolecular assemblies, with the aim of learning how structure contributes to their ability to mediate cellular functions.

Our research is in the general field of low temperature geochemistry of sedimentary rocks, applying stable isotopes to paleoceanography and continental climate change. We study the Eastern Mediterranean chemical oceanography using autonomous underwater gliders.

Sheves group studies the molecular mechanism of retinal protein function using artificial pigments, model compounds in solution and spectroscopic methods. In addition, the group studies the mechanism of the unusual efficient electronic transport through proteins.

Our interdisciplinary group is studying the fibrillar self-assembly phenomenon in natural biopolymers, including proteins and protein-based complexes, with an ultimate aim to generate new types of functional materials.

By combining molecular biology, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, together with novel bioinformatic tools, the Sussman lab is focused on trying to better understand how biological & chemical function is related to the 3D structure of biomacromolecules.

Our group experimentally study electronic transport in atomic and molecular conductors, look for exotic nanoscale material properties, develop molecular quantum machines and study new ways for energy conversion at the atomic and molecular scale.

David Tannor is a theoretical chemist who specializes in the quantum theory of chemical reactions, classical-quantum correspondence, light-matter interactions and the active control of chemical reactions using laser light.

We are developing novel model systems that reconstitute cellular motility and division. Drawing inspiration from living systems, we extract proteins and building blocks and restore their functionality outside the cell, operating under conditions and concentrations conducive to the assembly of new complex materials and exciting non equilibrium phenomena.

Our research focuses on the high-temperature synthesis, structural characterization and applications of inorganic nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles from layered compounds (2D-materials), and in particular transition metal dichalcogenides and “misfit” compounds.

From molecules to materials. We would like to understand how structural complexity, order and chirality emerge in crystals and thin films. Using coordination chemistry, such materials are designed to have fascinating properties.

Research in the Wagner team concentrates on microstructure-mechanics correlations in polymer nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanocomposites, and biological materials.

Weiner and his research group focus on the formation of minerals in biology – biomineralization. Research topics include bone structure and formation, ion uptake, transport and deposition and the manipulation of light by inorganic and organic crystals. Weiner also carries out research in archaeological science, mainly through the study of minerals.

Our team explores the structural dynamics in solids and their implication on material functionality. We use a variety of specialized spectroscopic techniques, working close to theory striving for fundamental insight.

Yakir’s ecophysiology group is interested in understanding processes underlying Biosphere-atmosphere interactions from cellular to ecosystem scales, and across climatic conditions with a focus on dry regions.

We focus on genetic-code translation to proteins by ribosomes; on antibiotics targeting ribosomes; on designing novel, next generation, microbiome preserving eco-friendly antibiotics; and on human ribosomal diseases. In parallel, we investigate the origin of life.