Professor Yifat Merbl: A Trailblazer in Science
JERUSALEM — Professor Yifat Merbl, affiliated with the Department of Systems Immunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science, has had quite an extraordinary year. At 48 years old, during a particularly challenging time in Israel, she was recognized by the renowned journal Nature as one of the ten individuals shaping the field of science in 2025.
Her groundbreaking discovery centers on a novel immune mechanism linked to protein degradation in the body. Merbl focused on what she refers to as the cell’s “trash cans,” where proteins are dismantled. She found that some fragments from this process can actively combat bacteria—an insight described as a “gold mine” for future antibiotics and cancer treatments. When reflecting on her tenacity despite facing skepticism, she remarked, “In the end, what determines everything is natural curiosity and passion — and I wasn’t willing to give that up.”
Interestingly, her journey in academia hasn’t been typical. While she has numerous certificates decorating her office, she notably lacks a high school diploma. The educational system didn’t cater to her needs; during 10th grade, she was deemed unfit for the framework, and by 11th grade, she was barred from taking important exams, including chemistry, which is now her area of expertise. This upheaval left her with a sense of confusion and failure.
For a while, she felt like “wasted potential,” working in various temporary jobs. The turning point came when she unexpectedly scored 752 on the psychometric exam (out of a total of 800), a surprise that charted a new course for her academic career—from studying computational biology at Bar-Ilan University to earning her PhD from Harvard University. Yet, even amidst her success, feelings of inadequacy and fear lingered.
At 43, she received a formal diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Merbl mused that an earlier diagnosis could have alleviated some of her struggles, though she acknowledges that her unique perspective may have helped her uncover solutions where others overlooked them.
The past year brought both political and physical hurdles for her lab. Last summer, an Iranian missile directly struck the Weizmann Institute building where her lab was housed, destroying essential equipment essential for her research. Yet, she persevered, rushing to the wreckage in flip-flops to salvage what she could. Remarkably, within two months, she managed to set up a fully operational lab again.
Additionally, Merbl is navigating the challenges of the academic boycott against Israel. She noted instances where Israeli researchers were excluded from grants and conference invitations were contingent on prior approval of Israeli involvement. Still, as a committed Zionist and a former military officer, she aims to continue her work in Israel, emphasizing her resolve: “The question is not whether we will leave, but how we will make it happen here.”
Looking ahead, Prof. Merbl envisions establishing an international center focused on utilizing protein quality-control mechanisms to tackle severe diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. She no longer fears setting high aspirations and hopes to contribute significantly to humanity. When asked about the prospect of winning a Nobel Prize, she recognized it would be a tremendous source of pride for the country.
Her narrative has resonated with many parents and children facing similar hurdles in the education system. After Nature published its list, she was touched by messages of gratitude from parents who felt inspired about their children’s futures. She stressed, “It’s acceptable not to succeed, but it’s essential to keep trying,” encouraging the younger generation to embrace their curiosity and passion.
When reflecting on her past, she expressed what she would say to her 16-year-old self, expelled from school: “Well done. I’m proud of you.”
