Israel

MARIA HALPHEN, DIRECTOR

Maria Halphen is originally from Sweden and an international collaborator on stigma research. She was inspired by the harrowing experiences of Susie Hincks, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. As a result of further discussions with the wider mental health community, Maria gained valuable insights into the issues faced by those living with mental illness. Maria decided to devote her time and energy to create a foundation for encouraging and coordinating research at an international level and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness through communication and education. Maria is also the President of the Philippe and Maria Halphen Foundation, which is under the auspices of the French Academy of Science in Paris, France.

ISAAC (TSACHI) SHARIV, CEO

Dr. Isaac (Tsachi) Shariv has served in several management roles at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. These include Vice President for Administration and Finance, CEO of Yeda – the commercialisation arm of the Weizmann Institute, and CEO of Mul Nof – the assets management company of the Institute (current role). From 2006 to 2009, Dr Shariv served as the managing director of the commercial arm of the University of Sydney, Australia. From 1994 to 2000, Dr. Shariv was the CEO of El-Mul Technologies, an Israeli high-tech company. Dr. Shariv holds a B.Sc. in physics and computer sciences from Tel Aviv University, M.Sc. and Ph.D. in physics from the Weizmann Institute, as well as an M.B.A. from Tel Aviv University.