The Technion Announces 2026 Harvey Prize Laureates: Pioneers in Genome Editing and Nanotechnology

The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology has named Prof. David R. Liu of Harvard University and Prof. Chad A. Mirkin of Northwestern University as recipients of the 2026 Harvey Prize in Science and Technology, the Technion’s most prestigious award. The prize recognizes exceptional achievements in science, technology, and human health, and is regarded as a “Nobel predictor,” with more than 30% of past laureates later winning the Nobel Prize. The awards will be presented during the Technion Board of Governors events in June 2026.

Prof. David Liu is honored for pioneering the development of base editing and prime editing, groundbreaking genome-editing technologies that allow precise modifications to DNA without cutting the double helix. These innovations have dramatically expanded the safety and capabilities of genetic therapies and are already being used in clinical trials to treat severe hereditary diseases. Liu’s work has led to the founding of multiple biotechnology companies and earned him major international accolades.

Prof. Chad Mirkin is recognized for transforming the fields of nanoscience and nanomedicine through his invention of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs)—three-dimensional forms of DNA and RNA with unique biological properties. SNAs have enabled major advances in diagnostics, gene regulation, immunotherapy, and vaccine development, and underpin thousands of commercial products and several clinical trials. Mirkin is one of the world's most prolific inventors in nanotechnology and a leading figure in translating nanoscale discoveries into real-world applications.

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan praised the laureates for “bridging science and application,” noting that their breakthroughs are already contributing to new treatments, diagnostic technologies, and advances in human health.

Established in 1971 by industrialist and inventor Leo Harvey, the Harvey Prize honors individuals whose scientific and technological contributions significantly benefit humanity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to automatically document patient visits show promise in reducing the time physicians spend on paperwork and may improve their work experience, according to a new randomized clinical trial conducted at UCLA Health.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) begin to accumulate in the tissues of mammals already during the foetal stage, according to new research from the University of Oulu, Finland. The animal-model study found that environmental toxins had built up in the tissues of sheep raised in clean organic production, and that the same substances were transferred in notable amounts to the developing foetuses’ adipose tissue.

Although research on sexuality in older adults has been growing in recent years, most of the studies are focused on partnered sexual activity and not on solo sexual behavior, including masturbation or the use of sex toys. A new study specifically investigated sex toy use during partnered sex and masturbation in older adult women. Results of the study are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society.