Prof. Haim Garty

1948-2014

Prof. Garty’s life was intimately connected with the Weizmann Institute for more than 40 years. Born in Bulgaria in 1948, he came with his family to Israel in 1950, settling in Rehovot. He liked to say that he grew up in the “backyard of the Weizmann Institute.” He did his bachelor’s studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and came back to Rehovot where he received his MSc in 1976 and his PhD in 1980 from the Weizmann Institute under the direction of Prof. Roy Caplan.

It became clear very early that Haim was gifted, diligent and very productive. He completed post-doctoral studies with Prof. Isidore Edelman at Columbia University and Prof. Bernd Lindeman at the University of Saarlandes. Haim then returned to Weizmann Institute to begin his own research investigating the control of sodium transport in epithelial tissue, of major importance both in kidney function and in the regulation of blood pressure. His research showed the strong effects of calcium, barium, strontium, vanadate, vasopressin, cyclic AMP, and the major effects of aldosterone on sodium transport. Analysis of aldosterone stimulated genes led to the discovery of the importance of specific genes on physiology.

Haim Garty was a dedicated and accomplished scientist, who was constantly viewing new directions for furthering his investigations. He was scrupulously honest in all of his research, constantly running controls, and always checking statistical validity, before publishing any results. He was a pleasant person and very considerate. During the years Haim attracted many students and post-docs from Israel, America, England, Yugoslavia, India, China, and Russia. He was also joined by medical doctors from several hospitals, and collaborators and visiting scientists from around the world. All were drawn to him by his brilliant intellect, his ability to design experiments to answer questions, and the mere pleasure of interacting with him.

He was appointed Associate Professor in 1988 and Professor in 1997. He was the incumbent of the Hella and Derrick Kleeman Chair of Biochemistry.

His research made a significant contribution to the understanding of the natural processes that regulate the absorption of sodium salts in the body. He demonstrated the central role of sodium channels and sodium-potassium pumps in controlling blood pressure - studies that significantly advanced the understanding of factors that contribute to high blood pressure.

From 1997 and until 2002, he headed the Department of Biological Chemistry. Prof. Garty then went on to serve as Vice President for Technology Transfer from 2002 to 2006, at which point he assumed the position of Institute Vice-President. Altogether, he spent 18 years in leadership positions - all while carrying out his demanding research agenda.

Haim’s legacy remains for all who knew him, as well as for future generations. יהי זכרו ברוך