Research Award
2025 Gruber Genetics Prize for Rotem Sorek
14.05.2025
Rotem Sorek, Ph.D., of the Weizmann Institute of Science, has been awarded the 2025 Gruber Genetics Prize for his pioneering discoveries in bacterial immune systems. By combining computational and experimental methods, Sorek identified numerous bacterial defense mechanisms against viruses called phages—work that revealed key evolutionary links to the human immune system.
The $500,000 prize will be presented at a ceremony later this year. The Genetics Prize is presented to a leading scientist, or up to three, in recognition of groundbreaking contributions to any realm of genetics research.
Currently, Rotem Sorek collaborates closely with Veit Hornung from the Gene Center and Jörg Vogel from the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg as part of his Max Planck-Humboldt Research Award.