Eliezer Rabinovici

Eliezer Rabinovici. He is an Israeli theoretical physicist renowned for his foundational contributions to string theory and quantum field theory, and for his influential leadership in global scientific organizations. A professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he has played a pivotal role in shaping international particle physics policy, most notably as the President of the CERN Council. His career bridges deep theoretical research and high-level scientific diplomacy, earning him prestigious accolades including the Israel Prize.

Early life and education

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he immigrated to Israel with his family. He completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in physics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he was profoundly influenced by the academic environment. Under the supervision of noted physicist Haim Harari, he earned his Ph.D. in theoretical physics, laying the groundwork for his future research. His early academic formation was deeply intertwined with the burgeoning high-energy physics community in Israel.

Academic career

Following his doctoral studies, he held postdoctoral research positions at several leading institutions, including CERN in Switzerland and Fermilab in the United States. He returned to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem as a faculty member, where he has served for decades, mentoring generations of students. He became a leading figure in the Racah Institute of Physics, contributing significantly to its international reputation. His academic leadership extended to roles such as Director of the Israel Science Foundation's Center for Excellence.

Research and contributions

His primary research focuses on the non-perturbative structure of string theory and quantum field theory, exploring areas like conformal field theory and duality. He made significant contributions to the understanding of black hole thermodynamics within the framework of string theory. His work on two-dimensional gravity and the c-theorem has been highly influential in the field. Collaborations with physicists like Nathan Seiberg and Shimon Yankielowicz have produced important insights into gauge theory and supersymmetry.

Leadership roles

He has held numerous prestigious leadership positions in the international scientific community. He served as the Chairman of the Israeli Committee for High Energy Physics and was a member of the Scientific Policy Committee at CERN. His most prominent role was his election as President of the CERN Council, the governing body of the European Organization for Nuclear Research, a position he held from 2021. In this capacity, he guided global strategy for projects like the High-Luminosity LHC and fostered scientific cooperation with nations worldwide.

Awards and honors

His distinguished career has been recognized with several major awards. In 2024, he was awarded the Israel Prize in Physics and Chemistry, the state's highest cultural honor. He is an elected member of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. He has also received the EMET Prize for Art, Science and Culture in the exact sciences. These honors reflect his dual impact as a pioneering researcher and a visionary leader in big science. Category:Israeli theoretical physicists Category:String theorists Category:Israel Prize recipients Category:Hebrew University of Jerusalem faculty Category:1946 births Category:Living people