Yuval
Barzilay
Department of Molecular Genetics
Weizmann Institute of Science
Supervisor Dr. Dvir Gur
Yuval Barzilay is a PhD candidate in the field of molecular biology, exploring how animals use organic crystalline materials to produce colours essential for camouflage, communication, vision, and more. He combines advanced techniques from materials science—such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy—alongside cellular biology tools to achieve a comprehensive understanding of biological crystallization. Gaining insights into organic crystal formation may unlock new bio-inspired materials and potentially lead to novel therapeutics for human diseases such as gout and kidney stones.
Yuval’s research may unlock new bio-inspired materials and potentially lead to novel therapeutics for human diseases.
Yuval was born in Israel and grew up in Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut, and currently lives in Rehovot with his wife. He completed his BSc in life sciences at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and earned his MSc at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Outside the lab, Yuval volunteers with the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, and enjoys outdoor activities like scuba diving, hiking, basketball, and photography.
About the Azrieli Fellows Program
The Azrieli Fellows Program was established in 2007 to create a network of leading academics and professionals committed to raising Israel’s profile while maintaining strong academic links between Israel and the rest of the world.
Learn moreHave information and updates about the Azrieli Fellows Program sent directly to your inbox.
