Two Scientists Reflect the Power of ICRF’s Investment

Two ICRF-Funded Scientists Receive Prestigious ICRF Professorship Awards

Every discovery begins with a promising idea, but transforming that idea into lasting scientific impact takes time, vision, and sustained support.

For the 2026-2027 funding year, Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) is proud to recognize Prof. Lucio Frydman of the Weizmann Institute of Science and Prof. Irit Ben Aharon of Rambam Health Care Campus with prestigious ICRF Professorship Awards. These grants recognize accomplished investigators whose research has a significant impact on our understanding of cancer, and whose extended commitment to fundamental issues in cancer is an inspiration to others. While these awards honor their exceptional contributions to the field, they also tell a larger story: how investing in outstanding scientists over time helps drive discovery.

Prof. Ben Aharon received several grants from ICRF in the past, including an ICRF Career Development Award, the ICRF Special Pediatric Cancer Award, and multiple ICRF Project Grants. Her new Professorship Award marks another milestone in a career dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients and survivors worldwide.

Prof. Frydman also received ICRF grants prior to this new award. He received an ICRF Acceleration Grant, enabling him to explore an innovative, radiation-free MRI technology with the potential to transform cancer detection. As his research advanced, ICRF continued its investment through a Project Grant, helping expand this groundbreaking work. Today, his Professorship Award recognizes both the progress of his research and his leadership in the field.

Together, these two stories demonstrate what makes ICRF’s funding model unique. By investing in scientists at pivotal moments throughout their careers, ICRF helps promising ideas evolve into impactful research and emerging investigators become internationally recognized leaders.

These awards represent more than individual achievements. They are powerful reminders that sustained investment in exceptional scientists fuels the discoveries that bring us closer to better ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer.