events
Saturday, September 09, 2023
Meet Prof. Maya Schuldiner from the Department of Molecular Genetics at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel
Hear about her groundbreaking work, science in Israel today, and the essential role women play in global research.
Saturday, September 9, 2023
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Footprint Wine Tap
1222 E Madison Street, Suite C
Sustainable wine on tap + artisanal bites
RSVP to Claire Fair
c.fair@acwis.org or 310-849-8098
ABOUT PROF. MAYA SCHULDINER’S WORK
Currently, we only know what a small fraction of our genes do. Prof. Maya Schuldiner has made it her mission to understand every gene's purpose.
To speed up gene function discovery, Prof. Schuldiner and her team have invented technologies that rely on robotics and artificial intelligence. They have already uncovered the function of dozens of genes.
Why is this important? Because nearly all human diseases are caused by changes or mutations in our genes.
This is true for cancer and neurodegeneration. And, more abundant than both of these combined, are a group of 7,000 diseases called “rare diseases.” Over 300 million people around the world suffer from rare diseases; newborns and children are disproportionately affected. Yet, very little research is invested to find cures for them. Many occur due to mutations in genes whose function is unknown. Therefore, by uncovering a function for a new gene, we can help better understand rare diseases and one day create diagnoses, treatments, and cures. Read more >
ABOUT PROF. SCHULDINER
A native of Israel, Prof. Maya Schuldiner trained at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. After postdoctoral research at the University of California in San Francisco, she joined the faculty of the Weizmann Institute in 2008. She is the incumbent of the Dr. Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling Professorial Chair in Molecular Genetics.
Prof. Schuldiner is the recipient of numerous awards including the EMBO Gold Medal and Young Investigators Program; the FEBS National Prize and Anniversary Prize; an NIH Pathway to Independence Award; and was selected for the 40 under 40 list by Cell.
In addition to her scientific research, Prof. Schuldiner currently serves as chair of Weizmann’s Scientific Council. She is a mentor to many Principal Investigators, a strong advocate for gender equality, and is committed to advancing women in science around the world. Prof. Schuldiner is married to Weizmann Institute scientist Prof. Oren Schuldiner, and they have three sons.
ABOUT THE WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND THE AMERICAN COMMITTEE
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, is one of the world’s top-ranking multidisciplinary research and graduate institutions. The scientific community of nearly 5,000 engages in best-in-class research in health and medicine, our planet, the physical world, education, and technology. The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science shares the Institute’s devotion to advancing world-changing science, partnering with generous individuals, foundations, and corporations to help Weizmann scientists answer some of the most difficult questions facing humanity.
For any questions, please contact Alison Lazareck
a.lazareck@acwis.org or 503-539-0850
©2024 American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science
