HIGHEST HONORS
The University of Haifa is pleased to present its 2017 Honorary Doctorate Conferees
Individuals who are making exceptional contributions to diverse areas of education, science, justice, society, culture and the State of Israel
Prof. Ruth Arnon – ISRAEL
Prof. Arnon is a world-renowned biochemist from the Weizmann Institute of Science with a specialty in immunology, and a 2001 Israel Prize recipient. Her groundbreaking work has contributed to the fields of vaccine development, cancer research and the study of parasitic diseases, and led to the development of Copaxone®, used in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. She has served as President of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities (2010-2015), Vice-President of the Weizmann Institute, President of the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS), and Secretary-General of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS).
Prof. Hossam Haick – ISRAEL
Prof. Haick is a chemical engineering professor at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, heading the Laboratory for Nanomaterial Based Devices. He is responsible for the development of the artificially intelligent nanoarray technology to detect diseases non-invasively. His many accolades include the Marie Curie Excellence Grant, the ERC grant and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Award. His work combines cutting-edge basic and applied research, turning scientific ideas into viable products.
Mr. Sandor Frankel – USA
Mr. Frankel is a renowned attorney who has been engaged in philanthropic activity for many years in his role as one of the four Trustees of the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. In this position, he has been instrumental in directing funds to entities working within the State of Israel, making it possible for Israeli institutions of higher learning and research develop impactful, cutting-edge research. Helmsley Charitable Trust funds given to the University of Haifa were directed to the development of marine research under the auspices of the Mediterranean Sea Research Center of Israel (MERCI), under the leadership of the University.
Mrs. Sonja Lahnstein-Kandel – GERMANY
Mrs. Lahnstein-Kandel is a respected promoter of civic rights, tolerance and under-standing in Germany and a longstanding friend of Israel. She devotes much of her time to nurturing and supporting minorities, especially with respect to education issues and the advancement of women. In her roles as the Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Governors and President of the German Friends Association, Mrs. Lahnstein-Kandel has been instrumental in promoting the University of Haifa in Europe and securing major gifts for coexistence programs, including the University’s flagship Jewish-Arab Community Leadership Program, as well as the Werner-Otto Scholarship Program supporting Arab women pursuing graduate degrees.
Ms. Keren Leibovitch – ISRAEL
Ms. Leibovitch is an Israeli paralympic swimming champion. She is a three-time world champion, a five-time European champion, a holder of three world records (for the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke and the 100-meter freestyle), and a seven-time Paralympic medalist (4 of which are gold medals). She is a dedicated advocate for disabled sports, raising public awareness and support for disabled athletes. She has received national acclaim for her athletic achievements and was given the honor of lighting the ceremonial Independence Day torch in 2004.
Prof. Deborah E. Lipstadt – USA
Prof. Lipstadt is an internationally renowned scholar and leader in the fight against the phenomenon of Holocaust denial, currently serving as a professor of modern Jewish history and Holocaust studies at Emory University. She was appointed consultant to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) by the US ecretary of State. Her book, History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier was made into a movie in 2016, depicting her trial with Penguin books against Holocaust denier David Irving.
Prof. Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett – USA
Prof. Kirshenblatt-Gimblett is a world-renowned scholar of performance and Jewish studies and museologist who has made significant contributions to the research of the culture, folklore and heritage of East European Jewry. Her interdisciplinary innovative body of work has charted new paths in traditional research areas such as anthropology, folklore, and Jewish studies. Her research has significantly contributed to the vibrant theoretical discussion prevalent in the last decades in the field of cultural heritage studies.
Dr. Harvey Scher – ISRAEL
Dr. Scher is a professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science and a world leader in physics and geophysics whose research has led to groundbreaking theories in Israel and the United States. His breakthrough discovery of anomalous transport and unique scientific contributions to percolation theory and fractal physics have been a source of inspiration in research and teaching alike for generations of scientists and engineers.
Prof. Klaus M. Schwab - SWITZERLAND
An engineer and economist by profession, Prof. Schwab is the illustrious founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum. The Forum, established in 1971, engages the world’s foremost business, political, academic, and social leaders in the shaping of global, regional, and industry agendas. Under Prof. Schwab’s leadership the World Economic Forum has become one of the most important and influential international organizations in the world.
Ambassador Daniel B. Shapiro – USA
Mr. Shapiro is an expert on Middle East affairs, dedicating most of his adult life to deepening the relationship between Israel and the US. He served as a member of the US National Security Council as the Senior Director for Middle East and North Africa, and most recently as the US Ambassador to Israel (2011-2017). Mr. Shapiro’s efforts have led to the promotion of American aid to Israel and thus contributed to Israel’s security.