Haim Aviv
Haim Aviv | |
---|---|
Born | 1940 |
Institutions | Weizmann Institute of Science |
Haim Aviv (Hebrew: חיים אביב) (born as Haim Greenspan in Romania, 1940) was an Israeli scientist who specialized in the field of molecular biology. Aviv is considered to have a fundamental role in the shaping of the biotechnology industry in Israel, as he was widely involved in this industry since the late 1970s to this day.
Birth and education
Aviv was born in
In his spare time, Aviv studied Judaism and Jewish history, especially of The Holocaust. He also collected ancient Judaica books.
Academic work
During his work in
Aviv developed a method for the purification of
During the late 1970s, Aviv entered the field of
Advancement of Israeli biotechnology industry
In 1980, Aviv initiated and started "Biotechnology General Corp.", the first Israeli Biotechnology company focusing on Recombinant DNA (genetic engineering), which exists to this day. The foundation of the company was encouraged by Ephraim Katzir, formerly the president of Israel, and was supported by a group of investors led by Mr. Fred Adler, one of the leading Venture Capitalists.
After he retired from "Biotechnology General Ltd.", Aviv founded "Diatech Ltd." which specialized in
Despite promising results in
In 2000, Aviv founded "Predix Corp.", which focused on development of pharmaceuticals using advanced computerization and three-dimensional algorithms, invented by Dr. Oren Becker.
As of 2011, Aviv focused his work in the company "Herbamed Ltd.", as chairman and major shareholder. Herbamed is an Israeli company which develops health-supporting food products (Functional Foods) and Nutraceuticals, which are based on scientific research and clinical evidence. The products are marketed as snack bars and beverages under the brand Nutravida. The Functional Food segment is a rapidly growing field, which is expected to have a fundamental effect on population well-being.
Other than his position at Herbamed, Aviv also serves on the board of directors of Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd., which is the commercial arm of the
He chaired and was a member of the Israel National Committee for Biotechnology and other advisory committees on this subject. Among his major recommendations was the establishment of dedicated investment funds with the aid of government funding, a recommendation which is currently being implemented with the foundation of two large-scale funds which include government aid.
External links
- An editorial on the subject of "Bridging the Gap between Food and Health" written by Aviv in 2010
- Website of Herbamed Company