Porf. Orly Lewis (Credit: Bruno Charbit) and Prof. Nir Friedman (Credit: Friedman Lab)
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem proudly congratulates two of its outstanding researchers on receiving prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept Grants for 2026. The grants support ERC-funded researchers in translating groundbreaking discoveries into innovative applications, technologies, and services with real-world impact.
This year’s recipients, Prof. Orly Lewis of the Department of Classical Studies and Prof. Nir Friedman of the School of Computer Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine, are part of a distinguished group of Hebrew University researchers whose work continues to demonstrate the transformative potential of frontier research.
Interactive Horizons: Reimagining Academic Publishing
Prof. Orly Lewis is developing a flexible publishing platform that enables researchers to create interactive Knowledge Environments, digital publications that connect texts, images, objects, datasets, and interpretations in a navigable, evidence-linked format. Building on her ERC-funded ATLOMY project, which pioneered a digital environment for the study of ancient anatomical knowledge, the new platform will allow scholars across disciplines to publish complex research in interactive formats without the need for costly custom-built digital infrastructures. By making advanced digital scholarship more accessible, the project aims to accelerate research dissemination and support richer, more transparent, and reusable forms of academic publishing.
Liquid Biopsies and AI: A Shield Against Chronic Liver Disease
Prof. Nir Friedman is developing an epigenomic liquid biopsy for the early detection and monitoring of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), one of the fastest-growing causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Building on his ERC-funded cfChIP project, which pioneered epigenomic “liquid biopsy” for non-invasive study of disease molecular states, Friedman and his team will develop blood sample-based diagnostic tests for MASH diagnosis, disease staging, and treatment monitoring. By applying this unique technology in a multi-center patient cohort and combining the results with cutting-edge AI tools, the project aims to transform the management of MASH, allowing earlier intervention and improving outcomes for millions of patients at risk of severe liver disease.
From Pioneer Research to Real-World Tools
ERC Proof of Concept Grants are awarded exclusively to researchers who have previously received ERC funding and seek to translate their scientific discoveries into practical applications with societal or commercial potential. The grants help bridge the gap between frontier research and innovation, supporting the development of technologies, products, and services that can benefit society.
Prof. Oron Shagrir, Rector of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, congratulated the awardees, saying: "ERC Proof of Concept Grants are awarded to researchers who demonstrate exceptional potential to translate pioneering research into tangible impact. Prof. Orly Lewis and Prof. Nir Friedman exemplify this vision. Drawing on discoveries from their ERC-funded research, they are transforming fundamental knowledge into innovative tools with the potential to reshape both scholarship and healthcare. From new digital infrastructures that make complex knowledge more accessible and interconnected, to AI-driven diagnostic technologies that could enable earlier detection and treatment of liver disease, their projects demonstrate how cutting-edge research can generate meaningful benefits for academia, medicine, and society. We are proud to see their work recognized by the European Research Council."
"ERC Proof of Concept Grants are awarded to researchers who demonstrate exceptional potential to translate pioneering research into tangible impact. Prof. Orly Lewis and Prof. Nir Friedman exemplify this vision. Drawing on discoveries from their ERC-funded research, they are transforming fundamental knowledge into innovative tools with the potential to reshape both scholarship and healthcare. From new digital infrastructures that make complex knowledge more accessible and interconnected, to AI-driven diagnostic technologies that could enable earlier detection and treatment of liver disease, their projects demonstrate how cutting-edge research can generate meaningful benefits for academia, medicine, and society. We are proud to see their work recognized by the European Research Council." - Oron Shagrir
For over a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge convention and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, cultivating leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research and the commercialization of technologies through Yissum, its tech transfer company. Hebrew University’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with major international awards, including ten Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 88th globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2025), Hebrew University marks a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.
The ERC, set up by the European Union in 2007, is the premier European funding organisation for excellent frontier research. It funds creative researchers of any nationality and age, to run projects based across Europe. The ERC offers four core grant schemes: Starting Grants, Consolidator Grants, Advanced Grants and Synergy Grants. With its additional Proof of Concept Grant scheme, the ERC helps grantees to bridge the gap between their pioneering research and early phases of its commercialisation. The ERC is led by an independent governing body, the Scientific Council.