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Hebrew University hosted two days of celebrations and scientific exchange recognizing advances in nanotechnology with potential applications in medicine, quantum computing, energy and advanced materials.
Four international scientists whose research is helping shape the next generation of materials and technologies gathered at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on November 10–11 for the Dan Maydan Prize in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology celebrations.
From flexible electronics that connect people and machines to engineered “superwood” and atomically thin materials with unusual quantum properties, their work demonstrates how discoveries at the nanoscale can open new technological possibilities.
Presented by the Hebrew University and the American Friends of the Hebrew University, the prize was established in honor of Dr. Dan Maydan, former president of Applied Materials. This year’s event brought together four recipients from the 2023, 2024 and 2025 prize years for a joint celebration in Jerusalem.
The events took place at the University’s Edmond J. Safra Campus. They showcased research published in leading journals, including Nature and Science, and explored its implications for electronics, healthcare, energy and computing.
Prof. Uri Banin, Chair of the Dan Maydan Prize Committee, said: “In the short time since its launch in 2019, the prize has become recognized as a significant distinction within the global nanotechnology community, reflecting the laureates’ excellence in research and technology. The laureates maintain close ties with us as honorary members of the Hebrew University’s nanotechnology community.”
“Nanotechnology is one of the key foundations of the technological revolution unfolding before our eyes. It is transforming how we develop medicines, design materials, build electronic components and advance the computing capabilities of the future. The Hebrew University stands at the forefront of research in these fields, thanks to a combination of scientific excellence, groundbreaking thinking and international collaboration,” said Prof. Hadar Steinberg, Head of the Hebrew University’s Nanoscience Center.
He added: “The scientific achievements of the Dan Maydan Prize laureates demonstrate the importance of nanoscience research to scientific and technological progress. After a long wait, we are delighted to welcome them to our university. We hope that our connections with these outstanding scientists, each a leader in their field, will help further strengthen Israel’s standing in these strategic areas.”
The four laureates are:
Prof. Xiaodong Chen, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore — 2023 laureate
Prof. Chen is recognized for pioneering contributions to flexible electronics based on nanoscale materials and devices, including nanotechnology-based interfaces between people and machines, as well as applications in alternative energy. His research advances technologies that can bend and adapt, creating new possibilities for how electronic devices interact with the human body.
Prof. Jana Zaumseil, Heidelberg University, Germany — 2024 laureate
Prof. Zaumseil is recognized for pioneering research into carbon nanotubes and other carbon-based nanomaterials. Her work explores their properties and advances their use in technologies that combine light and electronics, biological imaging and sensors.
Prof. Liangbing Hu, Yale University, United States — 2024 laureate
Prof. Hu is recognized for the groundbreaking development of nanoengineered “superwood” and its advancement toward industrial-scale use. He is also honored for innovative methods that use extreme temperatures to synthesize durable nanoparticles. His research opens new possibilities for manufacturing and advanced materials.
Prof. Xiaodong Xu, Stanford University, United States — 2025 laureate
Prof. Xu is recognized for breakthroughs in the electronic and magnetic properties of two-dimensional materials—materials just a few atoms thick. These include the discovery of a composite quantum particle carrying a fraction of an electron’s charge, a finding that could help lay the groundwork for quantum computing that is more resistant to errors.
Right to left: Prof. Tamir Sheafer, President of Hebrew University; Prof. Xiaodong Xu; Prof. Jana Zaumseil; Ofer Greenberger, President of Applied Materials Israel; Prof. Uri Banin; and Prof. Hadar Steinberg.
