Israeli Prof. Wins Prestigious Medal For Climate Change Research 

Tel Aviv University’s Prof. Hagit Messer-Yaron has received a prestigious medal from the US-based Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) for environmental and safety technologies. 

Messer-Yaron was honored for her research into climate change, in particular using AI systems to observe rainfall. 

The professor’s original research uses cellular networks to monitor weather and precipitation, which would eliminate the need to install separate infrastructures that would need to be widespread to be reliable. Since her study that was presented in 2009, it has shown to be effective in predicting flash floods.

The IEEE was founded in 1884 and is the world’s largest international professional association. It focuses on technological innovation and entrepreneurship for the betterment of humanity. Its annual prize is often likened to the Nobel Prize.  

“I am thrilled to receive the IEEE Medal, and very pleased that my work is being recognized. I see great importance in utilizing existing technologies for the benefit of humankind and wish to thank my colleagues and students at TAU and in other research groups for their contribution to advancing this concept,” said Messer-Yaron. 

“Current challenges have generated considerable interest worldwide in this sustainable technology, including the establishment of a cohort of over 100 researchers working to implement it with EU funding, an initiative for promoting it in Africa, and more,” she said.