Jerusalem, March 26, 2008 - Four researchers from the Hebrew University have been awarded the Landau Prize. The prize was awarded this year to nine scientists and researchers for their contributions to the advancement of science and research in Israel.

Following are the Hebrew University recipients:

In the field of archaeology of the land of Israel and the Near & Middle East, the prize was awarded to Prof. Amihai Mazar of the Hebrew University's Institute of Archaeology. In recent years, Prof. Amichai has researched bee keeping and the production of honey in the Iron Age. This last year, he discovered biblical bee hives at an archaeological excavation in Tel Rehov.

In the field of history and culture of East Asia, the prize was awarded to Prof. Michal Biran of the Hebrew University's Institute of Asian and African Studies. Through her work, Prof. Biran shows how the history and languages of even the most rare languages are connected by a system of cultural stories, such as the Chinese the Islamic Middle Eastern cultures.

In the field of brain science, the prize was awarded to Prof. Haim Sompolinsky of the Hebrew University's Racah Institute of Phsyics, for leading a revolution in brain research through the introduction of mathematical and advanced theoretical systems to the field.

In the field of systems biology, Prof. Hanah Margalit from the Hebrew University's Faculty of Medicine was awarded for her research in the field of immunology and virology.

The Landau Prize fund was established in 1970, and is awarded in memory of Dr. Michael Landau, who headed the Pais Lottery in its first years.

For further information:

Rebecca Zeffert, Dept. of Media Relations, the Hebrew University, tel: 02-588-1641, cell: 054 882 0661

or Orit Sulitzeanu, Hebrew University spokesperson, tel: 02-5882910, cell: 054 882 0016. 

Internet site: http://media.huji.ac.il