Hossam Haick
Hossam Haick (Arabic: حسام حايك; Hebrew: חוסאם חאיק; /haɪk/ HYKE[1] born 1975)[2] is an Arab-Israeli scientist and engineer, and the current dean of undergraduate studies at the Israel Institute of Technology.[6] 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.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.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.Additionally, Prof. Haick’s team developed Artificially Intelligent Smart Patches, which mimic human skin by sensing touch, temperature, humidity, and chemical analytes.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.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.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.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.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.