Jerusalem, 1 February, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Education Minister Yoav Kish announced today that Prof. Reshef Tana is the winner of the Israel Prize in the field of chemistry and chemical engineering research for 2026.
The award committee noted in its reasoning that Prof. Reshef Tana is one of the most important and prominent scientists to have emerged in Israel. He has made an enormous contribution to materials research and physical and inorganic chemistry, and for decades has led a scientific revolution in the field of single-layer two-dimensional nanoscale materials. His work has established Israel’s position at the forefront of global scientific research.
The committee also noted that Prof. Tena’s scientific discoveries also contributed to the development of the Israeli industry in the field of lubricants and nanomaterials. Throughout his years of activity, Prof. Tena trained dozens of researchers and held key positions in the field of chemical sciences.
The Israel Prize is the most important and prestigious award given in the State of Israel. The awards will be presented on the evening of the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel.