Tel Aviv University researchers secure millions in ERC grants
The European Research Council has released the 2026 ERC Starting Grant results, with Tel Aviv University leading in Israel as five of its researchers receive significant funding for groundbreaking projects.
The European Research Council (ERC) has published the results of the 2026 ERC Starting Grant competition, designed to support promising researchers at the outset of their academic careers. Tel Aviv University leads this year’s list in Israel, with five researchers winning grants for their pioneering work.
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Dr. Ran Finkelstein (Physics and Astronomy): is developing a new type of quantum processor based on arrays of trapped atoms. The processor utilizes measurements and feedback to create previously unobserved states of quantum matter, aiming to advance next-generation computing and measurement systems.
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Dr. Sharon Fleischer (Biomedicine and Cancer Research): is creating an innovative human heart-on-a-chip model featuring an active biological clock. The research investigates how day-night cycles influence heart function and disease progression, marking a step toward personalized medicine and reducing animal testing.
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Dr. Amit Vinograd (Neuroscience): is researching how neural networks in the brain generate and regulate emotional and behavioral states, such as fear, aggression, and motivation. His work combines advanced microscopy with the precise activation of individual nerve cells.
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Dr. Michael Chapman (Mathematics): is applying quantum information theory and theoretical computer science to solve open problems in pure mathematics, including group stability and the proof of undecidability results.
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Dr. Or Zamir (Computer Science and AI): focuses on decoding the exact runtime and theoretical limits of complex computational tasks. His research explores how to accelerate algorithms for difficult problems and enhance the reliability and safety of AI systems.
The grants provide the winners with substantial resources to advance their research, which is expected to have a significant impact on the fields of computing, medicine, artificial intelligence, and pure science.
