Français
Español
English
Portuguese
The Ig Nobel Prizes, presented annually at Harvard University, celebrate scientific achievements that “make people laugh, then think.”
By Shula Rosen
An Israeli research team from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has been honored with this year’s Ig Nobel Prize in aviation for their unusual discovery that alcohol affects bats much like humans—it impairs their flight and echolocation abilities.
The team, led by biophysical ecologist Berry Pinshow, found that intoxicated bats lose coordination and make navigation errors, shedding light on how alcohol influences motor and sensory functions across species.
The Ig Nobel Prizes, presented annually at Harvard University, celebrate scientific achievements that “make people laugh, then think.”
Organized by the Annals of Improbable Research, the event honors real studies with humorous or unexpected premises that reveal genuine scientific insight.
The awards are widely regarded as a playful counterpart to the Nobel Prizes, emphasizing curiosity-driven exploration over prestige.
Pinshow and his colleagues were recognized for their experiment exposing bats to controlled doses of alcohol to observe its physiological effects on flight.
The study, conducted at Ben-Gurion University, aimed to understand how animals’ navigation systems respond to intoxication.
While the results confirmed what many humans already know—alcohol reduces precision—the research also offered a unique biological perspective on how ethanol interferes with acoustic orientation and balance.
Despite the honor, the Israeli scientists chose not to attend the Ig Nobel ceremony in Boston. Pinshow cited family concerns and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war as reasons for staying home. “In the current political atmosphere, we did not feel it appropriate to travel,” he said.
Representing the group instead were two collaborators—Colombian ecologist Francisco Sánchez and Argentine-born biologist Maru Melcón—who celebrated the achievement on behalf of the full team.
Now in its 35th year, the Ig Nobel ceremony features 24-second acceptance speeches, paper-airplane salutes, and the participation of actual Nobel laureates who present the awards. While lighthearted, the event’s message is serious: Science thrives on imagination, humor, and the freedom to explore even the strangest questions.
For the Israeli team, their “drunken bats” experiment serves as a reminder that discovery often begins with curiosity—and sometimes a bit of fun.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
