Local researchers say a visit by Nobel Laureate Ada Yonath could have significant economic impact on the region – but only part of it will be immediate.

Yonath, who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2009, is a structural biology professor at the Weizmann Institute in Israel. She was only the fourth woman to be recognized and was the first in 40 years to receive chemistry’s highest international honor.

She will offer two scientific talks April 8-9 at the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute and the University at Buffalo as the 2010 Howard Tieckelmann Memorial Lecturer. Both will focus on proteins and X-ray crystallography, a technique in which molecular structures are revealed by the diffraction patterns of X-rays as they bounce off molecules. See More Events

Local researchers say Yonath’s presence alone will draw chemists, biochemists, pharmacologists and researchers from around the country. Their visit, along with hotel stays and meals at area restaurants, represents the immediate impact. The longterm impact comes from her influence and inspiration to students and other researchers in the field.

Among those who will come to hear her speak will be high school chemistry student superstars who participate in an honors program at HWI with William Duax, a scientist and crystallographer. After 40 years in the same field of study, he practically gushes about her work and the fact that his students can see the pinnacle of greatness.

She also represents the power of determination: Plenty of people said the problem she uncovered through her work just couldn’t be done.

“Ada did millions of experiments – she would not be dissuaded. This is a woman who has overcome obstacles,” Duax says.