Estee Zacks – Catalyzing Leadership
Technion Stories
I have always had an interest in science and research (I have an undergraduate degree in Biology) and a passion for Israel and community. The Technion represents the perfect alignment of these pursuits. I originally became involved with the Technion after Canada’s Schulich family invested in the Technion’s Faculty of Chemistry about 12 years ago. I served on the Endowment Committee and then helped to lead Technion Canada’s Next Generation initiative. I am currently Chair of the Toronto Council, and I also sit on Technion Canada’s Board of Directors.
The Technion is important to me because I truly believe that the future of humanity, in sync with nature and in harmony with other cultures, relies on the work being done at the Technion. The Technion’s scientific progress is furthered by its interdisciplinary approach and real-world applications. Hydrogen power technology (H2Pro); Dov Moran’s invention of the USB; the Ziv-Lempel algorithm for data compression; Azilect for Parkinson’s; Rewalk Prosthetics; breath tests for cancer detection; lab grown meat; the pill camera and so much more. These technologies improve our world for the better, and for all inhabitants.
My involvement with Technion Canada keeps me up to date on the latest research, scientific progress, and the security of Israel. I have also found a community of donors and volunteers with similar interests and concerns. Little did I know that my own father studied welding at the Technion years ago; a fact that I only found out this year before his Shiva. He never boasted about this, he just continued to be proud of all that I do.
As Technion approaches its Centennial year, my hope is that the Toronto Council, Board and Technion Canada team continue to increase our profile amongst our Canadian community, and raise awareness of Technion’s incredible work and contributions. We have hosted so many exciting events to highlight research, including a wine event, Art & Architecture (with an auction), a wonderful Gala with Gene Simmons, a Chemistry of Food event, Women in STEM and more. Our next program will take place in May and will feature Technion Professor Ezri Tarazi, speaking on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for details!
Prof. Ciechanover is a member of the Israeli National Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, the National Academies of Sciences (NAS) and Medicine (NAM) of the United States, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Russian Academy of Sciences.