Ben-Gurion University, Life Sciences, Israel
Prof. Varda Shoshan-Barmatz is a renowned Professor of Molecular Physiology at Ben-Gurion University, Israel 🇮🇱. She completed her Ph.D. at the Weizmann Institute and pursued advanced training in the U.S. and Canada 🌎. She served as Director of the National Institute for Biotechnology in Israel (NIBN) from 2006 to 2015. With over 200 publications and 24 patents 🧬, she has been recognized by Forbes and Lady Globes among Israel’s most influential scientists. Her pioneering work focuses on novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and other diseases, influencing both academia and biotech industries 🌟.
Profile
Scopus
Education 🎓
Prof. Shoshan-Barmatz earned her Ph.D. at the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel 📘. Further enhancing her expertise, she completed postdoctoral research in leading labs across the United States and Canada 🌎. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for her breakthroughs in mitochondrial biology and disease therapy 🧪.
Experience 🧑🔬
Prof. Shoshan-Barmatz has extensive experience in academia and biotechnology 🏢. She was the founding director of the National Institute for Biotechnology in Israel and has mentored over 100 doctoral and postdoctoral fellows 👩🎓👨🎓. With involvement in five biotech companies and serving on multiple editorial boards, her leadership spans research, innovation, and entrepreneurship 🚀.
Research Interest 🔬
Her research centers on the mitochondrial protein VDAC1 and its role in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and metabolic liver diseases 🧬. Prof. Shoshan-Barmatz has innovated several therapeutic strategies by targeting VDAC1 to regulate apoptosis, energy metabolism, and immune responses, shaping the future of personalized medicine 🧠💊.
Awards 🏆
Prof. Shoshan-Barmatz’s groundbreaking contributions have earned her the prestigious Hestrin Prize, the Teva Founders Award, and the Ben-Gurion Award 🏅. She is celebrated as one of Israel’s most influential women in science by Forbes and Lady Globes 🌟, recognizing her impact on biotechnology and molecular research.
Publications 📚
“VDAC1-based peptides: Novel pro-apoptotic agents for cancer therapy” (2020, Cancers) Link here — Cited by 110 articles.
“The mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel 1, Ca2+ transport, apoptosis, and their regulation” (2012, Frontiers in Oncology) Link here — Cited by 420 articles.
“VDAC1, a multi-functional mitochondrial protein regulating cell life and death” (2017, Cell Stress) Link here — Cited by 310 articles.
“VDAC1 at the crossroads of cell metabolism, apoptosis and autophagy” (2015, Molecular and Cellular Oncology) Link here — Cited by 150 articles.
Conclusion
Prof. Varda Shoshan-Barmatz is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her exceptional achievements in research, innovation, mentorship, translational biotechnology, and global scientific leadership make her a distinguished candidate. Her work has had a profound and lasting impact on molecular biology, biotechnology, and medical sciences, fully aligning with the spirit of the award