Biography

Professor Ruth Arnon, former vice president of the Weizmann Institute of Science (1988–97), is a renowned immunologist. Among her scientific contributions is the development of Copaxone, a drug for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, which is presently marketed worldwide. A member of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, she chaired its Sciences division (1995–2001) and served as the president of the Academy (2010–15). She was president of the European Federation of Immunological Societies, secretary general of the International Union of Immunological Societies and the president of the Association of Academies of Sciences in Asia (AASA). Her awards include the Robert Koch Prize in medical sciences, Spain’s Jiménez Díaz Prize, France’s Legion of Honour, the Wolf Prize for Medicine, the Rothschild Prize in biology and the Israel Prize. She has an honorary doctorate from several universities in Israel and abroad. She is married with two children and six grandchildren.