Nobel Prize, Israel Prize laureate, Ada Yonath, dies aged 87
Professor Ada Yonath won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2009 and the Israel Prize in Chemistry in 2002. She was born in Jerusalem and worked at Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot.
Israeli scientist Ada Yonath, who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of molecular biology by unraveling the structure and function of the ribosome, passed away at the age of 87 on Monday, the Weizmann Institute of Science announced. Yonath, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Structural Biology at the Weizmann Institute, was awarded the prestigious 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her pioneering research on the ribosome, a cellular machinery responsible for producing proteins.
Her decades-long career focused on deciphering the complex structure and operation of the ribosome, a fundamental biological machine. Yonath's work provided crucial insights into how antibiotics interact with the ribosome, leading to advancements in the development of antibiotic drugs and strategies to tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a significant medical issue in the 21st century.
In recognition of her exceptional scientific achievements, she was also an Israel Prize laureate and became one of Israel's most internationally renowned scientists. Weizmann Institute President Prof. Alon Chen praised Yonath as an extraordinary scientist who was determined to pursue seemingly impossible problems with courage and curiosity for many years.
Chen highlighted that Yonath's research not only revolutionized our understanding of life's fundamental processes but also opened new avenues for combating antibiotic resistance. Despite facing challenges, Yonath remained actively involved in scientific pursuits until the end of her life, continuing her research, publishing papers, and collaborating with fellow scientists.
Her legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists, demonstrating the power of perseverance and dedication in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
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