Weizmann Institute of Science – Latest Discoveries in Israel
|
The Sound of Science Podcast
|
|
.gif)
|
|
Today, scientists can edit the genetic blueprint of plants with unprecedented precision. In the first episode of Future Feasts, Prof. Roee Ozeri explores how researchers are reshaping the plants we depend on, from sweeter tomatoes and disease-resistant crops to future mozzarella made in plants instead of cows. Through genome editing, plant chemistry, and molecular farming, scientists are rethinking how food can survive a changing planet, while remaining nutritious, sustainable, and delicious.
|
   |
|
Forefront of Science
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Campus
|
|
.gif)
|
What happens when scientific knowledge meets real-world challenges?
Following October 7, the Weizmann Institute of Science Scientific Council redirected part of its budget to social initiatives. Dozens of proposals were submitted, and following the success of the first round, the Council allocated additional funding for a second year.
One project, led by Prof. Ofer Feinerman, introduced more than 1,000 students from evacuated communities in southern and northern Israel to the world of ants through stories, drawing, and games. This year, it expanded to Arabic-speaking and bilingual schools, where Prof. Feinerman’s book about ants was distributed in Arabic.
Another project, led by Prof. Nir Orion, brought Earth sciences students from Manor-Kabri High School to the Weizmann Institute for intensive study days. Created to maintain educational continuity during the war, it has since expanded to students from communities near the Gaza border, who also carried out hands-on laboratory work.
These are just two of many projects already underway, with more to come.
Over the past two years, the Scientific Council has allocated over 1 million NIS to support seven projects each year, creating meaningful impact across Israel.
|
|
|
|
.gif)
|
What comes next?
Around 400 students and alumni from the Weizmann School of Science joined the Weizmann Institute Alumni Organization Career Fair, an opportunity to connect with leading companies, explore career paths, and expand their professional networks.
Throughout the event, participants met representatives from 15 leading companies and explored a wide range of career opportunities. They also attended a lecture by Dr. Liraz Margalit on decision-making and the psychological factors that shape our choices, took part in a storytelling workshop led by Inbar Amir, and had the opportunity to have a professional LinkedIn headshot taken.
The career fair also featured a variety of additional activities designed to support participants’ professional development.
The event strengthened connections between the Weizmann community and industry, while fostering new professional relationships that will extend well beyond the career fair itself.
|
|
|
|
|
After seven years of research, members of Prof. Ilan Koren’s research group at the Weizmann Institute of Science, together with colleagues from Prof. Yoav Schechner’s group at the Technion, gathered to watch the launch of CloudCT, a joint project of the Weizmann Institute of Science, the Technion, and ZFT in Germany.
CloudCT is the first satellite in a planned constellation designed to create 3D maps of the internal structure and properties of clouds using tomography, a technology more commonly associated with medical imaging.
By capturing simultaneous images from multiple angles, the mission aims to provide new insights into cloud structure and improve our understanding of Earth’s climate and global warming.
The countdown is over, now the mission begins.
|
|
|
|
|
What can Israeli childhood teach us about innovation?
Entrepreneur Inbal Arieli joined us at the Weizmann Institute of Science for her talk, “Chutzpah: The Israeli Secret to Success,” which explored the skills the World Economic Forum identifies as essential for the future.
Drawing on everyday examples, she examined how childhood experiences foster curiosity, resourcefulness, and a sense of responsibility, while developing the ability to navigate uncertainty – qualities she argues are at the heart of Israeli innovation.
It offered a thought-provoking perspective on what drives innovation, and how childhood experiences continue to shape the way we think and act.
|
|
|
|
.gif)
|
Music, dance, and colorful traditions came together once again for Aikya, the annual celebration of Indian culture at the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Organized by the Indian Cultural Committee together with the International Office, the evening featured nine performances by members of the Weizmann community, including classical and Bollywood dance, instrumental music, and performances inspired by India’s classical traditions and contemporary culture.
Thank you to everyone who performed, volunteered, helped organize the event, and joined us for another evening celebrating Indian culture.
|
|
Community
|
|
.gif)
|
Recently, employees from the Weizmann Institute of Science volunteered at Lev Rehovot, a senior living community, where they joined residents for board games, brain teasers, and good conversation.
The visit was a meaningful experience for everyone involved, offering a chance to get to know one another, spend time together, and build new connections.
We’re already looking forward to our next visit.
|
|
|
|
.gif)
|
In the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. Vera Weizmann initiated summer camps for children affected by polio, held on the grounds of the Weizmann Institute of Science. At a time when such opportunities were rare, the camps offered children a chance to spend their summers together, taking part in activities and building lasting memories.
Recently, some of those former campers – now adults and members of ILAN’s polio community – returned to the Institute for a visit that also included the Weizmann House.
The visit was organized by the Institute’s Social Involvement in the Community team, in collaboration with ILAN. It included a lecture by Dr. Oded Sandler of the Department of Molecular Cell Biology on his research into the use of bacteria to fight cancer, followed by a hands-on physics activity led by educators from the Schwartz/Reisman Science Education Foundation.
As they walked past the ornamental pond and the grove near Memorial Square, several participants immediately recognized the places where they had spent time as children. Soon, they were singing the camp anthem together.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Weizmann House, where some participants recognized themselves in archival photographs and viewed rare items from the archives.
Archival photos courtesy of the Weizmann Archives, Yad Chaim Weizmann. The photos are from an album presented to Dr. Vera Weizmann by the children of the ILAN summer camp (Ilanshil-Polio), 1955.
|
|
Environment & Sustainability
|
|
.gif)
|
When it’s this hot outside, even the wildlife on our campus can use a little extra help.
Recently, a campus employee spotted a young common kestrel looking exhausted and distressed. The fledgling was brought to Yossi Shohat, our Green Campus Coordinator, who quickly determined that it wasn’t injured, just suffering from the heat. After some water, a chance to rest, and a little time to recover, the young bird was carefully returned to the spot where it had been found, so its parents could continue caring for it.
“Most wild animals know how to cope with hot summer days,” says Yossi. “In this case, the quick response made all the difference. The attentiveness of Yosef Haim Vahaba from the Operations Division, the prompt care, and the fledgling’s return to the wild with the help of Yosi Shve from the Security Department are what saved it.”
|
