At the intersection of science and society, where algorithms meet human need, Prof. Yonina Eldar has built a reputation as one of the most visionary engineers of her generation. A scientist, educator, and visionary, Yonina has become a global authority in signal processing and medical technology, reshaping how society diagnoses, treats, and understands health. Her work has unlocked possibilities once thought impossible; from miniaturized ultrasound devices to medical radars capable of remotely monitoring patients’ vital signs. Recognized in 2025 with Israel’s most prestigious scientific honor, the Israel Prize in Engineering Sciences, Yonina’s journey is more than a tale of academic brilliance; it is the story of a woman determined to bridge the gap between equations and humanity, between innovation and impact. 

Early Life and Foundations 

Yonina was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1973, the third of eight children in a family rooted deeply in values of education, faith, and service. Her father, Rabbi Meir Berglas, was a community leader, and her mother, Vicki, a devoted educator. Both instilled in their children the importance of learning, curiosity, and responsibility. Her grandfather, Rabbi Mordechai Schoenfeld, had been a Zionist leader in the United States, and the spirit of nation-building ran in the family. 

When Yonina was six, her parents made aliyah, immigrating to Israel to fulfill their Zionist dream. The family first lived in Petah Tikva before settling in Ginot Shomron. Growing up in Israel exposed Yonina to a culture of resilience, optimism, and community service; values that would later define both her professional choices and personal life. 

As a student, Yonina displayed a natural affinity for mathematics and physics, drawn to the clarity of numbers and the challenge of problem-solving. Her education included a national service stint with Bnei Akiva, where she worked with new immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. These early experiences deepened her sense that science should not exist in isolation but must ultimately serve people and society. 

Academic Journey and Mentorship 

Yonina’s academic journey was nothing short of extraordinary. She pursued a double degree in physics and electrical engineering at Tel Aviv University, combining theoretical depth with engineering application. At the time, such a combined track did not formally exist, and Yonina had to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and overlapping coursework. Yet her determination paid off, laying the foundation for a career at the nexus of pure science and applied technology. 

Her master’s degree in electrical engineering was supervised by Prof. Ehud Weinstein, a mentor who encouraged her curiosity. Around this time, she met Prof. Alan Oppenheim of MIT, one of the world’s foremost pioneers in signal processing. With his encouragement, Yonina applied to and was accepted into MIT’s prestigious PhD program. 

At MIT, she thrived under Oppenheim’s mentorship, joining a research group known for pushing boundaries and prioritizing bold, out-of-the-box thinking. Her doctoral studies honed her expertise in signal processing, a field dedicated to extracting valuable information from complex signals, whether sound waves, medical scans, or radar systems. 

After completing her PhD, Yonina began her academic career at the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), where she became a full professor and established herself as a leader in the field. Later, she joined the Weizmann Institute of Science, where she continues to shape global research. Along the way, she held visiting professorships at Stanford University, MIT, the Broad Institute, and Duke University. 

Breaking Barriers in Signal Processing 

Yonina’s most celebrated scientific contributions stem from her pioneering work in sub-Nyquist sampling; a field that challenged one of the cornerstones of digital technology. The Nyquist theorem had long dictated that signals must be sampled at twice their highest frequency to be accurately reconstructed. This principle underpinned everything from radar systems to medical imaging. 

But Yonina asked a bold question: What if we could extract the same information at far lower sampling rates? 

Her research proved it possible, developing the first analog sub-Nyquist receiver that could sample and process signals at rates dramatically below the conventional limit. This breakthrough had far-reaching implications: reducing hardware costs, lowering power consumption, and enabling faster, more efficient systems across industries. 

Today, her work influences not just engineering but also medicine, defense, and communications, demonstrating how foundational research can ripple across society. 

Democratizing Medical Imaging 

Among Yonina’s most transformative contributions is her reimagination of medical imaging technologies. Traditional ultrasound machines, for example, generate massive datasets, much of which is lost or inaccessible, with image quality heavily dependent on the skill of the technician. Yonina sought to change this. 

At the Weizmann Institute, she and her team developed innovative algorithms that “democratize” ultrasound data, improving the quality of imaging while making machines more portable, accessible, and cost-effective. This democratization means that life-saving diagnostics could reach underserved regions, allowing even non-specialists to perform effective scans. 

Her innovations also extend to miniaturized medical devices. She and her team designed tiny radars capable of monitoring patient vitals remotely, such as heart rate and respiration, without physical contact. These breakthroughs open possibilities for hospitals, elder care facilities, and even home monitoring, reducing strain on healthcare systems while enhancing patient safety.  

Recognition and Global Influence 

Yonina’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, she was awarded the Israel Prize in Engineering Sciences, recognizing her revolutionary contributions to signal processing and artificial intelligence. The award cemented her place among Israel’s most celebrated scientists, joining a distinguished lineage of pioneers whose work shapes the nation’s technological landscape.  

Over the years, she has also received the IEEE Signal Processing Society Technical Achievement Award, the IEEE Kiyo Tomiyasu Award, the Michael Bruno Memorial Award, the Weizmann Prize for Exact Sciences, and the Wolf Foundation Krill Prize, among others. She is a Fellow of both IEEE and EURASIP, and a member of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. 

Her recognition extends beyond academia. Yonina was named one of the 50 most influential women in Israel, a role model for aspiring scientists and a symbol of perseverance in a field where women remain underrepresented. 

The Human Dimension 

Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Yonina’s story is not one of solitary pursuit. She is a devoted mentor, leading the SAMPL Lab, a unique environment where engineers, physicists, clinicians, and computer scientists collaborate to translate research into real-world applications. Her lab is not just about ideas, it is about implementation, bridging the full journey from mathematical theory to working medical prototypes. 

Yonina is also committed to inclusivity, advocating for gender and social diversity in science. She believes opportunities must be both taken and given, and she has actively promoted initiatives to bring underrepresented voices into research. 

Beyond her professional life, Yonina is the mother of five children, balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities. Her ability to excel in both arenas underscores her resilience and offers inspiration to women striving to harmonize career and family. 

Vision for the Future 

Looking ahead, Yonina envisions a future where artificial intelligence, signal processing, and medicine converge to deliver smarter, more personalized healthcare. She believes the next wave of progress lies in making diagnostic tools smaller, faster, and universally accessible. From handheld ultrasound devices that outperform traditional machines to AI-driven algorithms capable of early disease detection, her innovations point toward a healthcare system that is proactive rather than reactive. 

Her commitment to “science for society” remains steadfast. As she puts it, “The motivating factor is less the device itself, but rather what it can do for people.” This philosophy ensures that her research is not merely about technological possibility but about tangible human benefit. 

Closing Reflection 

Prof. Yonina Eldar’s journey is a demonstration to the power of vision, perseverance, and purpose. From a child in a Zionist family in Toronto to a global leader in engineering and medicine, her path reflects both personal dedication and the boundless potential of science. Her work continues to break barriers, democratize access to healthcare, and inspire future generations of innovators. 

As the world faces complex health and technological challenges, Yonina stands at the forefront, proving that when science and humanity move together, the result is nothing short of transformative. She is not only shaping the future of medicine; she is shaping the future of possibility itself.