# Hossam Haick

Hossam Haick (Arabic: حسام حايك; Hebrew: חוסאם חאיק; /haɪk/ HYKE born 1975) is an Arab-Israeli scientist and engineer, and the current dean of undergraduate studies at the Israel Institute of Technology. He is a pioneer known for inventing the Nano Artificial Nose (NA-NOSE) for detection of disease from exhaled breath, by which he was highlighted as MIT's Innovators under 35; and which is widely used for sniffing out diseases' biomarkers in labs and industries. He has many contributions in multidisciplinary fields such as Nanotechnology, Nanosensors, Volatile Biomarkers, and Molecular Electronics.

## Personal life

Haick was born into an Arab Christian family in Nazareth. He graduated from the St. Joseph Seminary & High School at Nazareth.

## Academic life

Haick is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute at the Technion and an expert in the field of nanotechnology and non-invasive disease diagnosis. He was born in Nazareth. In 1998, he received his B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the Ben-Gurion University, and in 2002, he got his Ph.D. in a direct track from the Technion. He spent two years (2004-2006) as a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology-Caltech, after spending two years at the Weizmann Institute of Science (2002-2004). He went back to the Technion and became an assistant professor in 2006. He is now a full-academic professor in the department of Chemical Engineering and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute(RBNI), and the director of the Laboratory of Nanomaterials-based Devices(LNBD) at the Technion.

## Research

Prof. Hossam Haick’s research focuses on transformative innovations in non-invasive diagnostics, with a particular emphasis on volatile organic compound (VOC) profiling, nano-array devices, nanomaterial-based flexible sensors, and molecular imaging. His work aims to create accessible, precise tools for personalized disease screening, monitoring, and diagnostics, redefining how diseases are detected and managed.
Discovery of VOC Fingerprints and Disease Diagnostics In the early stages of his career, Prof. Haick made a pioneering discovery that VOC fingerprints—metabolic byproducts with low molecular weight and high vapor pressure emitted from the body—could be detected in accessible, non-invasive mediums like breath and skin emissions. These VOC profiles reliably indicate the presence of various diseases, including cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, infectious diseases, and chronic inflammatory conditions. His work demonstrated that complex VOC signatures could be used not only for rapid disease detection but also for staging and sub-categorizing diseases, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods such as biopsies and blood draws. This approach has been clinically validated across over 17 disease types, establishing a broad diagnostic potential and marking the emergence of volatolomics (the study of volatile biomarkers) as a distinct field.
Advancements in VOC-Based Chemical Molecular Imaging Building on his early discoveries, Prof. Haick explored the dynamic behavior of VOCs as signaling molecules emitted by diseased and healthy cells. His research team pioneered a method for VOC-based chemical molecular imaging from the skin’s surface. By combining this approach with advanced sensor technologies and AI-driven data analysis, Haick’s team developed high-resolution, real-time molecular imaging that maps VOC distributions in two-dimensional profiles, providing an intricate snapshot of biochemical activity. This approach enables clinicians to monitor disease processes continuously, offering a non-invasive, radiation-free, and sensitive diagnostic modality suitable for frequent use in disease progression tracking and treatment response.
Artificially Intelligent Nanoarrays and Smart Patches Haick’s team has developed the Artificially Intelligent Nanoarray technology, a portable, patented system capable of diagnosing over 23 disease states through exhaled breath analysis in a fast, non-invasive manner. This technology, which is accessible to both developing and developed countries, simulates olfactory responses and has been implemented in hospitals worldwide. The nanoarrays, tested for various cancers, chronic and acute kidney diseases, liver disease, and pulmonary hypertension, can even detect genetic mutations associated with disease states (e.g., P53, K-RAS, EGFR, and ALK mutations).
Additionally, Prof. Haick’s team developed Artificially Intelligent Smart Patches, which mimic human skin by sensing touch, temperature, humidity, and chemical analytes. These self-healing patches equip robots, computers, and prosthetics with tactile feedback and are manufactured through low-cost printed electronics. The high-resolution and rapid readout capabilities of these patches make them suitable for applications in robotics, medical devices, sports, and rehabilitation, enhancing the sensory interaction between devices and their environments.

## Achievements and honorary titles

Prof. Hossam Haick holds the esteemed F.M.W Academic Chair at the Technion and is globally recognized for his pioneering work in non-invasive diagnostics. His development of artificially intelligent nanoarray technology, the "Na-Nose" or "E-Nose," has transformed disease detection by allowing for rapid, non-invasive diagnosis via VOCs in exhaled breath. This breakthrough has garnered him significant international grants, including the Marie Curie Excellence Grant, ERC grants, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Award, along with leadership roles in multiple EU-funded projects. Beyond diagnostics, Haick has contributed to the development of artificial electronic skins, which are used in prosthetics and robotics.
Prof. Haick's contributions have earned him over 82 prestigious awards and honors from across the globe. His notable recognitions include:
* 2024: Diane Sherman Prize for Medical Innovations for a Better World
* 2024: Zimin’s Prize for AI Solutions in Healthcare
* 2021: Israel Vacuum Society (IVS) Excellence Award for Research
* 2020: Uzi and Michal Halevy Prize for Innovative Applied Research Engineering
* 2019: "Industry 4.0" Gold Medal Prize
* 2019: Herschel and Hilda Rich Innovation Award
* 2018: Michael Bruno Award for exceptional scientific promise
* 2018: EU’s Electronic Components & Systems (ECS) Innovation Award
* 2018: EU’s ICT2018 Electronic – Smart – Digital Award
* 2017: Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa) from the University of Haifa
* 2017: SPINOFF Award for Outstanding Performance in Technology
* 2016: Humboldt Senior Research Award
* 2014: LERMIX International Chair of Therapeutic Innovation, Paris
* 2014: ICS Tenne Prize for Nanoscale Sciences
* 2012: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Prize in Chemical Engineering
* 2012: Seiden Prize for Multidisciplinary Research Projects
* 2011: Yanai Prize for Excellence in Education
* 2010: Knight of the Order of Academic Palms, a prestigious French award established by Napoleon Bonaparte to honor outstanding academics
* 2008: France-Israel Award for Academic Excellence
Haick’s contributions have also drawn the attention of global leaders, including King Charles and President Shimon Peres, both of whom have acknowledged his contributions to science and society. His accomplishments have led to active collaborations with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on diagnostics for underserved populations and with educational figures like Eric Schmidt. Haick’s innovations have established him as a visionary in AI-driven healthcare, non-invasive diagnostics, and educational excellence. Additionally, Haick is celebrated as a top educator, having received the Yanai Prize for Academic Excellence for his significant contributions to teaching. Consistently ranking among the top 4% for teaching excellence, he continues to inspire future scientists and innovators. Recently, he was awarded the Changjiang (Yangtze River) Professorship by China’s Ministry of Education, further underscoring his global impact on science and education.

## Established consortia

Prof. Hossam Haick has founded and coordinated seven medium-scale EU consortiums, each comprising 17 to 42 partners from academia, industry, and the public sector. These consortiums have driven significant advancements in medical technology by fostering collaborations across various sectors, ensuring the seamless transition of scientific discoveries into practical applications in hospitals worldwide. Many of these initiatives have also led to the creation of startup companies focused on innovative healthcare technologies. Notable consortiums founded and coordinated by Prof. Haick include:
1. VOLABIOS (Horizon Europe): Focuses on the validation and comparative multi-omics benchmarking of fluid-derived volatilomics biomarkers for the prevention and early detection of schizophrenia.
2. LUCIA (Horizon Europe): Aims to understand lung cancer risk factors and their impact, supporting advancements in prevention and diagnostics.
3. A-PATCH (Horizon 2020): Developed advanced skin patches for continuous health monitoring, specifically targeting tuberculosis (TB).
4. SNIFFPHONE (Horizon 2020): Created a mobile device integrated with nanosensors to enable non-invasive disease diagnostics via breath analysis.
5. VOGAS (Horizon Europe): Specializes in advanced technologies for gastric cancer screening using volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis.
6. LCAOS (FP7): Aimed at early lung cancer detection through VOC biomarkers in exhaled breath.
7. DIAG-CANCER (FP7): Focused on developing diagnostic tools for early cancer detection using advanced sensing technologies.
In addition to leading these projects, Prof. Haick and his team actively participated as core partners in five other EU consortiums, further contributing to the advancement of medical diagnostics and innovative healthcare technologies across Europe.

## Education and teaching

Prof. Hossam Haick is dedicated to educating and mentoring young students and researchers. His passion for teaching is evident in his numerous awards, including the Technion's Excellence Award in Teaching (consistently ranking him in the top 4% of educators) and the prestigious Yanai Prize for Academic Excellence. Prof. Haick is committed to guiding the next generation, believing strongly in the importance of mentorship as a cornerstone of academic and scientific growth. In 2014, Prof. Haick took his teaching mission to a global scale by designing and developing the Technion’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled "Nanotechnology and Nanosensors," hosted on Coursera. This MOOC was groundbreaking as the first in the world to be offered in both Arabic and English, expanding access to advanced scientific education across linguistic and cultural boundaries (https://www.coursera.org/course/nanosensors). Focused on the fields of non-invasive diagnosis and personalized medicine, the course has reached over one million learners from 87 countries, bringing cutting-edge research and concepts to a wide audience.
In addition to delivering content, the course has promoted active learning and collaboration, with over thousands of final projects developed by international teams, each comprising members from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. By democratizing access to advanced materials science, Prof. Haick’s MOOC has fostered a global community of learners, ensuring that knowledge in nanotechnology and personalized medicine reaches students, professionals, and innovators from all over the world. His efforts have not only enriched the educational experiences of countless individuals but have also contributed to a more inclusive and connected scientific community.

## Societal involvement

Prof. Hossam Haick’s social involvement reflects his deep commitment to making science and technology accessible, inclusive, and impactful for society at large. He believes that scientific knowledge should not be confined to academic and research institutions but shared widely to benefit and inspire individuals across all backgrounds and age groups. This ethos drives his extensive voluntary efforts to promote scientific literacy and inspire a new generation of learners and innovators. Several times a week, Prof. Haick visits primary schools, high schools, community centers, and non-profit organizations throughout his country on a voluntary basis. In these visits, he engages directly with students and community members, sharing insights into scientific advances and discussing the importance of pursuing excellence in education and science. He believes in the transformative power of early exposure to science and technology, especially for young people, and aims to spark curiosity and ambition in each interaction. These sessions often go beyond lectures, with Prof. Haick encouraging interactive discussions where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas. His approachable style and passion for mentorship make him a relatable and inspiring figure for young audiences. Through his extensive social involvement, Prof. Haick has become an influential advocate for the role of science and education in building a more equitable society. His commitment to inclusivity, mentorship, and social impact is not only evident in his teaching and research but also in his consistent engagement with diverse communities, both locally and internationally.

## Publications

Since joining the Technion in 2006, Prof. Hossam Haick and his colleagues have published over 420 research articles in top-tier journals across nanotechnology, advanced materials, applied chemistry, and clinical medicine. Despite his background in engineering, Prof. Haick has made impactful contributions to leading clinical journals, bridging the fields of engineering and medical science. His pioneering work has also led to the authorship of ten book chapters in publications by esteemed publishers and the publication of two notable books: Volatile Biomarkers for Human Health: From Nature to Artificial Senses (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2022) and Nature Inspired Sensors (Elsevier, 2024), both exploring groundbreaking approaches in non-invasive diagnostics and biomarker sensing. As of 2024, Prof. Haick’s publications have accumulated approximately 30,000 citations, with 35 of his articles receiving over 100 citations each. His influence is further evidenced by an H-index of 91, highlighting the widespread impact of his research in both academic and industrial applications.