Welcome to the Skin Research Institute & the Research Services Unit
Who are we?
The Skin Research Institute is a research center, located next to the Dead Sea, that emphasizes applied research and innovation that enhances the health and function of the human skin. Through our research, we aim to take part in driving the cosmetics, dermatology, and pharmaceutical industries by characterizing and developing novel applications that improve skin health, function, and appearance. With a wealth of experience in skin research, our team incorporates a combination of diverse experimental models, multidisciplinary methods, and technologies. Our researchers have established numerous collaborations and conducted joint studies with governmental authorities, NGOs, universities, worldwide academia institutes and private entities, and are constantly securing research grants from such bodies.
Extreme Environment leads to Extreme Science!
The Research Institute is strategically located next to the Dead Sea, a location renowned as the lowest place on Earth. This unique location benefits from a distinctive amalgamation of extreme conditions: Aridity, intense heat, barometric pressure variations, unique gas composition, diminished UV-radiation levels, high salinity, and many natural resources such as mud, seawater, and mineral springs, alongside a unique array of rare microorganisms.
Fields of Expertise
Human skin models in health and disease
In vitro models
Ex vivo models
Safety and Cytotoxicity
Aging
Burn and Wound Healing
Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Precancerous Conditions of the Skin
Diabetic Skin and Metabolic Syndrome
Beneficial impacts of novel test items (natural, synthesized)
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Anti-microbial
Anti-aging
Wound Healing Enhancement
Inhibiting DNA Damage
Protection Against Environmental Stressors (Pollution, UV, SPF)
Skin barrier and skin permeation
Skin Permeation
Transdermal Delivery
Skin Integrity
Skin Hydration
Find out more about how well-equipped our labs are [go to instrument list]
Expand your knowledge
Model Development: Establishing unique research models based primarily on living human skin tissues obtained from aesthetic surgeries. Additionally, employing 3D structures of artificial skin and isolated skin cells, these models offer a platform to assess the impact of novel active substances (APIs) across a wide spectrum of parameters. These evaluations encompass tissue analysis, toxicity thresholds, beneficial effects on inflammation, wound healing, skin irritation, oxidation and anti-oxidant inhibition, sun protection, anti-aging properties, skin permeability, elasticity, and recovery, among others. Furthermore, our research focuses on testing the efficacy of active substances in protecting against various types of skin cancer, such as cell growth inhibiting, prevention of metastasis, cell penetration and adhesion.
Desert medicinal plants: Exploring the medicinal potential of desert plants is a central focus of our work, leveraging the richness of our unique natural surroundings. Our efforts encompass extensive research aimed at identifying plants with valuable cosmetic or medical properties, building extraction methods for obtaining extracts from every part of the plant, and rigorously testing these extracts across diverse research models to validate their efficacy on relevant skin models.
The study of medicinal plants requires interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing on expertise from fields such as biology, chemistry, plant science and agriculture. We actively engage in partnerships with research institutes, universities, technology incubators, private entities, farmers, and other participants to advance our collective understanding and harness the full potential of desert botanicals.
Research Services Unit
Bridging the Gap between Science and Industry: The Importance of Pre-clinical Studies:
Research-supported new claims
A desire to stand out, to be of added value compared to the rest of the market
Investment Decision-Making: project feasibility, go-no-go stages
Innovators, startup companies- novel APIs:
⇒ Optimization of formulations, desired doses, synergistic activity
⇒ Repositioning or Repurposing of active compounds
⇒ Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of action
⇒ Expansion into new markets (e.g., OTC)
In the Research Services Unit, which is a part of the Skin Research Institute, we are gathering all our strong and well-established skills for planning and executing tailor-made pre-clinical studies, particularly in the fields of dermatology, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. We have a long experience working with local and international companies, startup groups, entrepreneurs and leading consultors. Our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art devices essential for conducting a wide range of research and experimental methods [go to instrument list]. Each research project is managed by a Study Director with a PhD qualification, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration with the sponsor.
The major milestones during a research service project:
- Initial interaction: understanding the projects’ needs consulting, and preliminary guidance.
- Building the study frame and quotation- tailored-made solutions.
- Signing an agreement.
- Providing a detailed study protocol (back and forth with the customer).
- Performing the study in a well-equipped lab (constant updates to the customer).
- Final report- including insights and future recommendations.
- Support for further research …
We are committed to creating a tailored solution that precisely meets your needs.
Feel free to reach out to us:
Scientific Director: Dr. Navit Ogen-Shtern – navit@adssc.org
Study Director: Dr. Tomer Katoshevski – tomer@adssc.org
Operative Manager: Oren Raz, Eng., M.Sc. – oren@adssc.org
The lab team:
Raanan Gvirtz
PhD candidate – supervisors: Dr. Guy Cohen and Dr. Aryeh Grossman (Bar Ilan University).
Field of research: development of a cellular model for screening inhibitors of IL-33 to find a solution for several skin diseases.
Luba Golovitcher
Research Assistant, focuses on performing research services for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.
Topaz Alfer
Master’s Student. Supervisors: Dr. Navit Ogen-Shtern and Dr. Idan Cohen (Ben Gurion).
Research field: Ex-vivo human skin explants as a model for wound healing research.
Hiam Abuglion
Research Assistant, focuses on performing research services for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.
Haneen Alkoraan
Research Assistant, focuses on performing research services for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.
Niva Barak
Research Assistant, focuses on performing research services for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.