Zvi Roth received his education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Faculty of Agriculture, Rehovot. He did postdoctoral research at Pete J. Hansen Laboratory, University of Florida USA. He was appointed as research assistant professor at the department Animal Science, the Faculty of Agriculture in 2004 and appointed as professor in June 2016. He is leading a 'Reproductive Physiology' group which study the effect of environmental thermal stress on oocyte competence and embryonic development. In the framework of the Hebrew University Center of Excellence in Agriculture and Environmental Health, he leads a Reproductive Toxicology research program that deals with the risks associated with exposure of bovine oocyte and sperm to environmental toxins. He is a recognized leader in the fields of Reproductive Physiology and Embryology in Dairy Cows.

The decline in dairy cattle reproductive performance over the past few decades has caused large economic losses, slowed genetic progress, and impaired efficiency and sustainability of the dairy industry. The phenomenon has been amply described but the underlying causes are only partially understood, and possible solutions are few and limited. The research in his laboratory focuses on stressors that deleteriously affect cow reproduction, with a particular emphasis on the female and male gametes. The two main disrupting stressors include seasonal thermal stress and environmental pollutants. These are of special importance to the Israeli dairy industry, because of its geographical location in a hot region and its dependence on recycled wastewater. His research also has global implications, taking into consideration global climate changes (warming) and the increasing awareness of pollutants as biologically active molecules. Another studied stressor is mastitis— a pathogenic stress that is associated with environmental pathogens.

The work in his laboratory makes use of in-vivo and in-vitro experimental approaches to explore physiological, cellular and molecular alterations. The problem-solving components are based on my basic studies and consist of hormonal administration targeted to improving fertility in stressed animals. His research is adding to the knowledge of reproductive functions in stressed animals, and is having a significant impact on the dairy industry.

The outcome of his research will be directly applicable to the problem of infertility in dairy cows however; the obtained knowledge is likely to be broadly relevant to other stresses related to agriculture/environment and as a consequence, to public health.