Ohad Birk Wins The Kadar-Sheba Prize for Excellence in Research

The Kadar-Sheba Prize for Excellence in Research was created by the Naomi Prawer Kadar Foundation to recognize and support Israel’s most outstanding physician-researchers—those whose work bridges clinical practice and biomedical discovery.  The Prize went from being a prestigious institutional award to a top level national prize.

The selection committee fielded applications from the most accomplished physician-scientists across Israel’s leading medical institutions. This expansion reflects a growing commitment to highlight and strengthen the role of clinician-researchers who translate laboratory breakthroughs into improved patient care.

The 2024 recipient, Prof. Ohad Birk of Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University, was recognized for his groundbreaking work in medical genetics, which has led to the discovery of dozens of genes responsible for severe hereditary diseases, especially prevalent in the Bedouin, Arab, and Sefardic Jewish communities. His team’s research has transformed genetic diagnosis and prevention programs in Israel and around the world, enabling early detection and treatment for families at risk. Prof. Birk’s achievements set a new benchmark for the prize, exemplifying how curiosity-driven science in the lab can yield tangible, life-saving results for patients.