Category Archives: Bright Minds, Bright Lights

Bright Minds, Bright Lights celebrates Jewish pioneers in science, medicine, and innovation—both past and present. From lesser-known trailblazers to global changemakers, these stories spotlight the remarkable individuals whose work has shaped our understanding of genetics, advanced healthcare, and embodied the values of resilience, curiosity, and responsibility.

Through this series, we honour the legacy of Jewish scientific excellence and explore how it continues to illuminate the future of genetic health for our community and beyond.

David de Pomis – The Renaissance Doctor Who Bridged Worlds

The fourth night of Chanukah brings us to physician, philosopher, and scholar, David de Pomis,...

17
Dec
Jonas Salk – The Man Who Defeated Polio

For the third night of Chanukah, meet Jonas Salk, the brilliant mind who helped bring...

16
Dec
François Jacob – From the Front Lines to the Genetic Code

In honour of the first night of Chanukah, we shine a light on François Jacob,...

14
Dec
Science, Scandal, and Statehood: The Life of Sophia Getzowa

Israel’s deep-rooted connection to scientific excellence and innovation dates to its very beginnings as a...

30
Apr
Legacy of Light: Honouring Scientific Brilliance Extinguished by The Holocaust

The highest accolade any scientist can win is the Nobel Prize. This prize was set...

27
Jan
Amatus Lusitanus: The Pope’s Jewish Doctor

Amatus Lusitanus, also known as Dr Joao Rodrigues de Castelo Branco was a world leading...

01
Jan
Gerty Cori: Defying Prejudice, Advancing Science

Gertrude Theresa Radnitz was born in Prague in 1896, into a family with a rich...

31
Dec
Batsheva Bonne-Tamir: Advancing Genetics, Preserving Heritage

Batsheva’s story encapsulates many of ideals of the Jewish community in Mandatory Palestine. Batsheva’s is...

30
Dec
Elisabeth Goldschmidt: Israel’s Mother of Genetics

Elisabeth was a true halutz (pioneer) and considered the 'mother of genetics' in Israel. Not...

29
Dec
Erwin Chargaff: The Unsung Hero of DNA

You've probably heard of Watson and Crick, the much-heralded team that worked out the double...

28
Dec