Ada Yonath

My memories from my childhood are centered on my father's medical conditions alongside my constant desire to understand the principles of the nature around me.

After I spent my compulsory army service in the 'top secret office' of the Medical Forces, where I was fortunate to be exposed to clinical and medical issues, I enrolled to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

If one has curiosity, then one stands the chance of attain a high level of scientific inquiry.

I don't distinguish between men and women. This is irrelevant to me, and I don't think in these terms.

I don't walk into the lab in the morning thinking, 'I am a woman, and I will carry out an experiment that will conquer the world.' I am a scientist, not male or female. A scientist.

My kindergarten teacher encouraged me to learn, as did my school headmaster, who gave me a grant to study.