About Us
Founded in 1944, the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute in Israel, and advances its mission of science for the benefit of humanity.
Mr. Lester Crown, longtime Weizmann Institute of Science advocate and philanthropist, discusses his and his family's personal commitment to helping others by supporting the lifesaving research of the Institute.
November 01, 2019
What is the Weizmann Institute of Science? This animated explainer video shows how our scientists give the world hope and optimism through groundbreaking multidisciplinary research.
November 01, 2019
The ocean is one of the largest and most mysterious ecosystems on Earth. In the tenth episode of Weizmann in Focus, Dave Doneson describes the fascinating research of Weizmann Profs. Ilan Koren and Assaf Vardi who set sail aboard the Tara schooner to unlock some of these mysteries. They were among a select group of scientists who traveled thousands of kilometers across all the world’s oceans to advance research and increase environmental awareness. The research conducted on board the schooner yielded hundreds of scientific papers as well as a better understanding of the ocean ecosystem and how it impacts the entire planet.
October 31, 2019
Fall is here and school is back in session. In the ninth episode of Weizmann in Focus, CEO Dave Doneson shares a simple tip to help prepare for success this academic year. Weizmann Prof. Noam Sobel, who studies the olfactory system, found that people who inhaled when presented with a problem-solving task performed better than those who exhaled. So, the next time you’re faced with a difficult task, take a deep breath!
Did you know that malaria kills about half a million people each year? In the eighth episode of Weizmann in Focus, CEO Dave Doneson explains how Weizmann is helping to fight this terrible disease. Using computer-based tools, PhD student Adi Goldenzweig developed a groundbreaking malaria vaccine in the lab of Dr. Sarel Fleishman. Because the vaccine is inexpensive to produce and does not require refrigeration, it has the potential to help millions of people in developing countries where the battle against malaria is particularly devastating.
Summer is here! But more fun in the sun also increases our risk for skin cancer, including its deadliest form, melanoma. In the seventh episode of Weizmann in Focus, CEO Dave Doneson highlights a melanoma research breakthrough by Prof. Yardena Samuels, which could lead to “the ultimate personalized cancer therapy.”
Meet Dr. Efi Efrati, a member of the Department of Physics of Complex Systems. Dr. Efrati speaks about his research on “geometric frustration,” a physical state that could help us understand a host of phenomena—from the behavior of plastics to how living tissue remodels itself. His work may lead to the design of new materials, improved surgical procedures, and more. Find out why Dr. Efrati believes the Weizmann Institute is “the best place to do science in Israel … perhaps in the world.”
Technology can make our lives easier, but it also leaves us vulnerable to hackers. In the sixth episode of Weizmann in Focus, CEO Dave Doneson explores how Weizmann scientists are leading the way in cybersecurity. In a recent breakthrough, renowned cryptographer Prof. Adi Shamir exposed a major weakness in the “Internet of Things,” the growing world of smart devices that connect online. His groundbreaking work could result in better methods for keeping our private information safe.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, an ideal time to highlight the Weizmann Institute’s cutting-edge neuroscience research. In the fifth episode of Weizmann in Focus, CEO Dave Doneson celebrates the work of Prof. Michal Schwartz, the first in the world to prove the connection between the immune system and the brain. Prof. Schwartz’s pioneering investigations are paving the way to more effective treatments for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia ... and even a vaccine to slow the brain’s aging process.
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