In memoriam- Professor Yitzhak Apeloig z”l

Distinguished Professor Yitzhak (Itzik) Apeloig (1944-2026), former President of the Technion, passed away last week at the age of 82. Yitzhak was a member of the advisory council of the Rappaport Interdisciplinary Center for Cancer Research at the Technion, which he loved and whose success he supported wholeheartedly. He saw it as a continuation of his view that only interdisciplinary and collaborative research would solve the problems facing humanity—a view he expressed during his presidency when he supported the establishment of the Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences and Engineering. Yitzhak was a distinguished chemist of international renown, an inspiring academic leader, and a visionary who dedicated his life to advancing the Technion, science, and higher education in Israel. Above all, he possessed an exceptionally warm personality and a fatherly attitude toward everyone he worked with at all levels. His door was always open to all.

As a chemist, he was renowned for his groundbreaking scientific contributions to chemistry, particularly in the field of organo-silicate chemistry. His research contributed to a deeper understanding of the molecular structure, bonds, and chemical reactions of these compounds, leaving a significant mark on the world of modern chemistry. Throughout his career, he received recognition in Israel and worldwide for the originality of his work and the broad impact of his research.

Distinguished Professor Apeloig served the Technion with love and dedication, with professionalism and great responsibility. As President of the Technion, he worked to strengthen the institution's status as one of the leading centers in the world in science and engineering, and devoted considerable attention to academic excellence, innovation, and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers. Yitzhak understood that the shaping of the Technion's future and true strength lies primarily in its researchers and staff, especially the young researchers.

His scientific work received numerous awards and honors, reflecting the deep respect his colleagues and the scientific community in Israel and around the world had for him. These awards mirrored his exceptional contribution to research, teaching, and leading the academic system. Distinguished Professor Yitzhak Apeloig will be remembered with great appreciation and deep gratitude for his scientific achievements, his leadership, and his many years of service for the sake of science and society. His legacy will continue to illuminate and influence generations of researchers and academics. Yitzhak's scientific worldview and approach will continue to guide us in our future actions at the Cancer Research Center.

May his memory be blessed.

Amir Oryan and Aaron Ciechanover