For over thirty years, Hagai Bergman has dominated the study of Parkinson’s disease and its brain correlates, both in Israel and across the world. His scientific activity has bridged the gap between the laboratory and the patient’s bedside. The Israel Prize acknowledges these accomplishments and has therefore awarded the 2024 prize to Prof. Bergman for his ongoing commitment to using science to bring relief to patients of Parkinson’s and related brain diseases.

Prof. Bergman’s seminal work in the 1990s was a turning point in Parkinson’s research, leading to the introduction of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a highly successful technique for alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. His subsequent studies revealed crucial insights about the disease’s underlying brain mechanisms. Prof. Bergman’s collaboration with neurosurgeon Prof. Zvi Israel at Hadassah Hospital has led to the development of innovative surgical techniques, enhancing precision in electrode placement for DBS. Together with the Israeli company Alpha-Omega, Prof. Bergman has developed an advanced brain navigation system for electrode placement in DBS surgeries. This system is currently in use in surgical centers worldwide, making DBS safer and more effective.

Prof. Bergman also is a revered educator. His lectures on the physiology of the basal ganglia continue to inspire generations of students. His mentorship has shaped the career of many scientists and medical professionals, earning him recognition for his teaching excellence, such as 2019’s Best Mentor Prize from the Israel Society for Neuroscience.

With over 150 peer-reviewed papers and a highly acclaimed book, Prof. Bergman is paving the way for further progress in treating Parkinson’s disease. His work is fundamental for understanding the way a specific dysfunction of the brain leads to Parkinson’s disease.