Much of Prof. Yehiam Prior’s research concerns the interaction between light and matter. He measures molecular behavior on time scales much shorter than the molecules’ internal vibrational or rotational motion, in an attempt to understand their underlying dynamics.

In other research that pushes present techniques to their limit, he employs ultrashort laser pulses to study and manipulate materials on an atomic scale (nano-machining), and he is developing spectroscopic methodologies with very high spatial, spectral and temporal resolution. 

Prior joined the Weizmann Institute in 1979 and has served as Head of the Chemical Physics Department, Head of the Institute’s Division of Information Systems and Chair of the Weizmann Institute Scientific Council.

In 2007, he became Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry. Prof. Prior is the incumbent of the Sherman Professorial Chair in Physical Chemistry.