Zafra Lerman serves as the President of the Malta Conferences Foundation, where she leverages her extensive background in chemistry and her commitment to scientific diplomacy to foster peace and collaboration in the Middle East. With a rich academic history that includes conducting pioneering research on...
Zafra Lerman serves as the President of the Malta Conferences Foundation, where she leverages her extensive background in chemistry and her commitment to scientific diplomacy to foster peace and collaboration in the Middle East. With a rich academic history that includes conducting pioneering research on isotope effects at prestigious institutions such as Cornell University, Northwestern University, and ETH Zurich, Lerman brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and humanitarian advocacy to her role.
Under her leadership, the Malta Conferences have become a vital platform for dialogue among scientists from 16 Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, Iran, and various Arab nations. These conferences not only promote scientific collaboration but also serve as a bridge to enhance understanding and cooperation in a region often fraught with political tensions. Lerman’s vision emphasizes the importance of science as a universal language that can transcend cultural and political divides, fostering relationships that contribute to stability and peace.
In addition to her role in the Malta Conferences, Lerman has a distinguished history of advocating for scientific freedom and human rights. As chair of the American Chemical Society's Subcommittee on Scientific Freedom and Human Rights from 1986 to 2010, she successfully campaigned for the release of prisoners of conscience and worked to prevent executions, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to social justice. Her skills in public speaking, grant writing, and conference organization have been instrumental in mobilizing resources and support for these critical initiatives. Through her multifaceted work, Zafra Lerman continues to inspire a new generation of scientists to engage in diplomacy and use their expertise to effect positive change in the world.
