There are three main reasons for any scientific organization to bestow prizes and awards, and the Israel Chemical Society is no exception. One obvious reason is our desire to thank and honor well-deserved individuals for their outstanding contributions to science and thereby to the entire humankind. The second reason is to honor the prize awarding organization and augment its reputation by being associated with a growing group of revered scientists.
Yet, the prime reason for awarding prizes is the desire to create role models for the young generation. Prize laureates become heroes not only among their peers and colleagues, but, more importantly, among students and young scientists. By selecting the appropriate winners, we define what is important for us in terms of research areas, specific achievements and quality of professional conduct.
The prizes define the ideal practitioner, a scientist, a chemistry teacher or a leader of the chemical industry.