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.
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.
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.
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."
The ERC Proof of Concept Grants are highly valued prestigious and competitive research awards. Prof. Orly Lewis and Prof. Nir Friedman exemplify the creativity, excellence, and intellectual ambition that define the Hebrew University. Their achievements bring great pride to our institution and demonstrate the transformative impact of fundamental research across the humanities and sciences. We congratulate them warmly and look forward to the groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that will emerge from their work.