From Buenos Aires to Mexico City: spreading science to new horizons

The first quarter of 2024 saw a notable number of visits by Weizmann leadership and scientists to Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina.

President Prof. Alon Chen, Vice President for Development and Communications Prof. Roee Ozeri, Prof. Avishay Gal- Yam, Dr. Sagi Ben-Ami, Dr. Yoav Livneh, and PhD student Yahel Sofer Rimalt embarked on various regional tours, presenting some of the Weizmann Institute’s cutting-edge projects to hundreds of people across the region.

In Punta del Este, Uruguay, they introduced the Institute’s groundbreaking work to new friends, highlighting two initiatives of the Frontiers of the Universe flagship: the ULTRASAT scientific satellite and the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). Crossing the Andes to southern Atacama, Chile, they visited the GMT site, a collaborative project between the Weizmann Institute and 13 other leading organizations to build the world’s most powerful telescope. In São Paulo and Buenos Aires, the Weizmann delegation strengthened existing bonds and forged new, meaningful connections. Prof. Chen’s research insights on neuroscience and stress management were featured in prominent newspaper interviews.

Meanwhile, in Mexico City, the Mexican Association of Friends of the Weizmann Institute of Science celebrated a significant leadership transition. Businessman Elias Harari was welcomed as the association’s new president, succeeding Silvia Baum de Gerson, a prominent therapist, teacher, and university counselor. Latin American Committee CEO Dany Schmit traveled from Israel to attend the ceremony, where he and Mr. Harari lauded the strong collaborative relationship between the Mexican Association and the Weizmann Institute. Mr. Schmit underscored the Institute’s relentless pursuit of cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, its efforts to create a sustainable planet, and its innovative approaches to eradicating hunger—all despite facing constant challenges.