01In brief
Raphael David Levine is a chemist whose theoretical studies of energy acquisition and disposal in molecular systems, and of dynamical selectivity and specificity, were recognized by the 1988 Wolf Prize in Chemistry. He shared the award with Joshua Jortner of Tel Aviv University; the prize listing identified Levine with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Levine was also listed as the 1974 Israel Prize recipient in the exact sciences.
02Career and Scientific Contributions
The work for which Levine and Jortner received the 1988 Wolf Prize examined how molecular systems acquire and dispose of energy and the mechanisms behind dynamical selectivity and specificity.[1] The prize citation described these as “incisive theoretical studies elucidating energy acquisition and disposal in molecular systems and mechanisms for dynamical selectivity and specificity.”[1]
Levine’s publications include Molecular Reaction Dynamics. A 1974 edition is cataloged under Levine’s name, with Richard Barry Bernstein identified as a joint author. It was published by Clarendon Press and Oxford University Press and contains 250 numbered pages.[3] A 2005 paperback edition was published by Cambridge University Press; its bibliographical references occupy pages 500–541, and it includes an index.[4]
03Legacy and Recognition
Levine was listed as the 1974 Israel Prize recipient in the exact sciences.[2] Fourteen years later, he shared the 1988 Wolf Prize in Chemistry with Joshua Jortner of Tel Aviv University.[1] The Wolf Prizes in chemistry and physics are often considered the most prestigious awards in those fields after the Nobel Prize.[1] The joint chemistry citation recognized the recipients for theoretical studies of energy acquisition and disposal in molecular systems and mechanisms of dynamical selectivity and specificity.[1]
Sources
- 1Jewish Virtual Library, Israel Society & Culture: The Wolf Prize, accessed on September 29, 2026.
- 2Jewish Virtual Library, Israel Prize Winners, accessed on September 29, 2026.
- 3Internet Archive, Molecular reaction dynamics : Levine, Raphael D : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive, accessed on September 29, 2026.
- 4Internet Archive, Molecular reaction dynamics : Levine, Raphael D : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive, accessed on September 29, 2026.
IsraelPedia Question & Answers
Who is Raphael David Levine?
Raphael David Levine is a chemist known for his theoretical studies of energy acquisition and disposal in molecular systems, and of dynamical selectivity and specificity. He was identified with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and received the 1988 Wolf Prize in Chemistry, which he shared with Joshua Jortner of Tel Aviv University. He was also the 1974 Israel Prize recipient in the exact sciences.
What did Raphael David Levine win the 1988 Wolf Prize in Chemistry for?
Raphael David Levine shared the 1988 Wolf Prize in Chemistry with Joshua Jortner for what the prize citation described as "incisive theoretical studies elucidating energy acquisition and disposal in molecular systems and mechanisms for dynamical selectivity and specificity."
How prestigious is the Wolf Prize in Chemistry?
The Wolf Prize in chemistry is often considered one of the most prestigious awards in the field after the Nobel Prize.
What major book did Raphael David Levine publish?
Raphael David Levine's publications include Molecular Reaction Dynamics, co-authored with Richard Barry Bernstein. A 1974 edition was published by Clarendon Press and Oxford University Press and contains 250 numbered pages, while a later paperback edition was published in 2005 by Cambridge University Press.