Rising Stars in Cancer Research: Meet Three Inspiring Women Scientists at Tel Aviv University

On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we spoke with three outstanding female cancer researchers at Tel Aviv University’s Gray School of Medicine. They shared insights into their groundbreaking work, what they love most about scientific discovery, and how they balance ambitious careers with family life and other priorities. Their answers were honest, motivating, and full of passion. One thing was especially clear: these women don’t just do science — they genuinely love it.

A Female Powerhouse in Medical Science

The Gray Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at Tel Aviv University is a true hub of female leadership in medicine and research. Led by Dean Prof. Karen Avraham, the Faculty is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming home for scientists and students of all backgrounds.

The Gray School of Medicine is headed by Prof. Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, a TAU cancer research “superstar” and a leading figure in the field for over a decade. The school is also home to prominent researchers such as Prof. Carmit Levy, who studies skin cancer, Prof. Lihi Adler-Abramovich, who investigates novel bio-inspired materials, and many more.

And now, a new generation of trailblazing women scientists is making its mark.

Dr. Adva Oren: Targeting Cancer’s “Persister” Cells

Dr. Adva Oren studies one of the most challenging mysteries in cancer treatment: why some cancer cells survive therapy unharmed.

After earning her Ph.D. at TAU and completing postdoctoral training at Harvard University and the Broad Institute, she now leads a lab focused on rare “persister” cells — cancer cells that withstand treatment and may later cause the disease to return.

Her research aims to understand these stubborn survivors better and develop new strategies to eliminate them.

“I love what I do because I get to travel all over the world, meet scientists with brilliant minds, and brainstorm about how to make the world a better place,” she says.

A mother of three, Dr. Oren also speaks candidly about balancing science and family: “Do not give up on your hopes. You can be an amazing scientist and a wonderful mother!”

Dr. Inbal Wortzel: Decoding Cancer Metastasis and Immune Defense

Next is Dr. Inbal Wortzel, a new faculty recruit at the Gray School and a mother of four.

Dr. Wortzel studies metastasis, the process by which cancer spreads throughout the body. Her work focuses on the hidden communication systems that influence how tumors travel and how the immune system responds.

“By understanding this communication, we hope to learn how the body naturally protects itself from cancer — and how we can boost that protection,” she explains.

Her research could lead to new approaches to strengthen immune-based therapies and prevent cancer from spreading.

Dr. Wortzel describes science as a thrilling race to discovery: “Never lose hope in yourself. Always believe in yourself, even when somebody tells you that you cannot. You probably can, and you will.”

Dr. Merav Cohen: Mapping Cell Communication Inside Tumors

Our third rising star is Dr. Merav Cohen, whose lab explores how immune cells “talk” with the cells inside tumors.

This cellular communication plays a major role in how tumors grow, and how the body fights back. “The goal is to uncover molecular signals that could become new targets for immunotherapy, disrupting harmful cell-to-cell interactions in cancer,” Cohen explains.

Also a mother of four, Dr. Cohen finds joy in the creativity of research: “You can dream about something during the night and then come to the lab the next day and actually do it.”

Her advice to young women: “Just do the best that you can at any stage of your life. Even if you don’t know today what you’ll be in the future, be the best you can.”

Celebrating Women and Girls in Science

These three scientists and their peers at the Gray Faculty represent the future of cancer research, and the growing impact of women in STEM at Tel Aviv University and beyond.

Their work is advancing the fight against cancer, while their stories are inspiring the next generation of girls to believe in their potential and pursue scientific discovery.

Dr. Wortzel's lab: all-female!

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!