Dr. Adi Zoref-Lorenz (39), a physician-researcher at the Hematology Institute at Meir Medical Center and the Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, has been awarded the prestigious ASCO-ICRF Career Development Award, which comes with a $200,000 grant.
The award was presented to her during the 2025 ASCO conference in Chicago. It is granted each year to one physician-researcher from Israel, with the aim of advancing cancer and immunology research.
A New Diagnostic Approach
Dr. Zoref-Lorenz’s research focuses on identifying and treating immune system overactivation, particularly in cases of HLH—a life-threatening inflammatory syndrome. Her work seeks to improve the survival rates of cancer patients. As part of the study, she developed a groundbreaking diagnostic tool known as the Oncologic Hyperinflammation Index (OHI), which is already being used by physicians worldwide to help diagnose the condition.
Advancing Research Infrastructure
In addition to her research, Dr. Zoref-Lorenz is working to establish a dedicated center for cancer and immune system research at Meir Medical Center. She has received significant grants from international organizations such as ASH and ASCO, and in recent years, secured funding through the “HaMavri” program to establish her own laboratory for the study of malignant tumors.
“Being a physician-researcher at Meir is a mission for me,” says Dr. Zoref-Lorenz. “Research-driven medicine means identifying a problem in the clinic, seeking a solution in the lab, then bringing that solution back to the patients to improve their lives.”
This outstanding achievement comes in addition to another honor: Dr. Zoref-Lorenz was named to Globes’ 2025 list of “40 Under 40,” recognizing her exceptional potential in the fields of medicine and scientific research.
