Israeli Landau Prizes Awarded to Leading Scientists and Artists at Weizmann Institute
The Landau Prizes for Arts and Sciences for 2026 were awarded on Wednesday evening by Mifal HaPais, recognizing outstanding contributions to research, culture, and society in Israel. Each laureate received a grant of 150,000 shekels. The ceremony took place at the Weizmann Institute of Science following the inaugural "Experiment and Wonder" conference, a joint event by Mifal HaPais and the Weizmann Institute that explored the intersection of science, art, and creativity. The conference featured researchers, scientists, artists, and creators, and included an exhibition titled "When Illustration Meets Science," showcasing works by Bezalel students collaborating with neuroscience researchers from the Hebrew University.
The awards ceremony was attended by Mifal HaPais Chairman Itzik Lari, CEO Adv. Benny Dreyfus, Weizmann Institute Vice President Prof. Roni Paz, the winners, their families, university leaders, researchers, artists, and other guests. In the sciences category, four researchers were honored: Prof. Dan Peer from Tel Aviv University for nanotechnology, Prof. Irit Dinur from the Weizmann Institute for computer science, Prof. Alexandra Kalev from Tel Aviv University for sociology, and Prof. Liora Bilski from Tel Aviv University for Holocaust studies.
In the arts category, the winners included choreographer Iris Erez for dance, Shahar Marom for children's theater, the Jerusalem Piyyut Ensemble for musical ensemble, and Ido Dolev for artistic design in cinema. Additionally, the special prize for nonprofit organizations promoting dialogue and reconciliation in Israeli society was awarded to the "Desert Stars" association.
Marking 25 years since its establishment, the Landau Prize annually honors exceptional artists and scientists. At the ceremony, Itzik Lari emphasized Mifal HaPais's long-standing commitment to advancing culture, art, science, and excellence in Israel. He highlighted the "Experiment and Wonder" conference as a platform that exposes the public to the fascinating synergy between research, creativity, and innovation, describing the connection between science and art as a union of curiosity and imagination that expands human thought and action.
