Impact Report
2024

G r e e t i n g s   f r o m
W e i z m a n n   P r e s i d e n t
P r o f .   A l o n   C h e n

Greetings from Weizmann President Prof. Alon Chen


Dear Friends,

Despite the challenges of the last year, research at the Weizmann Institute continued to achieve new heights in 2024. In this latest Impact Report, I invite you to meet some of our extraordinary scientists, supporters, and students, and get a taste of exciting news from our labs. At our International Board in November, we celebrated “Science for Life”—reflecting the idea that science is a lifelong journey of learning and progress and serves as a source of strength for Israel and all humanity.

Thank you for being part of our global community. Together we wish for the return of all remaining hostages and more peaceful days ahead.

president image president image

Y e a r   a t   a   g l a n c e

Year at a glance

ExcellenceInnovationGlobal tiesBudgetContinuity

The Weizmann Institute of Science excelled globally in 2024, with its trailblazing scientists earning prestigious awards, publishing impactful research, and making transformative contributions to the world of science.

63
ERC success rate for proof-of-concept grants
More than 5x the average success rate for the European Research Council
54
ISF success rate for individual research grants
The Israel Science Foundation’s average success rate is 31%
10
On the prestigious Leiden Ranking
Measuring research quality and impact worldwide
1439
Academic studies published
Cited over 3,870 times in international peer-reviewed journals
SEE MORE FACTS & FIGURES FOR 2024

Weizmann research continues to play a central role in fueling Israel's vibrant startup ecosystem. In 2024, numerous scientists and alumni effectively transformed their findings into practical, real-world applications.

131
Technologies available for license
56
Active spin-off companies
32
Active Bina projects
Supporting early-stage research
Visit the Yeda R&D website Visit the Bina website
SEE MORE FACTS & FIGURES FOR 2024

Weizmann researchers continued to cultivate international partnerships throughout 2024, frequently collaborating with their counterparts at top institutions around the world. The Institute also remained a robust international hub, hosting foreign scientists and students from across the globe.

988
collaborations initiated with research institutions outside of Israel
246
visiting scientists
from 28 different countries
76
of Weizmann postdocs are from abroad
15% of Weizmann students are from abroad
SEE MORE FACTS & FIGURES FOR 2024

Budget: NIS 2.1 BILLION

2023-2024 Fiscal Year

Income

Expenditure

SEE MORE FACTS & FIGURES FOR 2024

Despite the war in Israel, the Weizmann campus saw a resurgence in 2024, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to cultural, academic, and educational programs—a testament to the Institute’s resilient spirit and its commitment to community and curiosity.

60000
visitors explored exhibits at the Clore Garden of Science outdoor museum
40000
guests attended performances and lectures at the Michael Sela Auditorium
10350
people visited historical sites at the Yad Chaim Weizmann heritage center
SEE MORE FACTS & FIGURES FOR 2024
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R e s e a r c h
b r e a k t h r o u g h s

Research breakthroughs

Weizmann researchers tackle some of the most challenging and intricate questions on the planet. The past year’s achievements include advances in immunology, insights into astrophysics, biomedical breakthroughs, scientific discoveries in archeology, and more. Here are a few highlights.

I n   t h e i r   o w n   w o r d s

In their own words

Friends and supporters from around the world share their thoughts about the Weizmann Institute, its mission, and the importance of philanthropy in advancing science.

“I am proud of our partnership in the Adelis/Weizmann Health Data Engine project, which aims to transform diagnosis and treatment. Through our longstanding relationship with Weizmann, we remain committed to strengthening Israel’s resilience and progress, honoring the visionary legacy of the late André Deloro.”

Rebecca Boukhris

Israel

“The Zuckerman Israel Institute is proud of its long partnership with the Weizmann Institute in developing future STEM leaders and strengthening academic ties between scientists in Israel and the United States. At all times, Weizmann’s strong and vibrant academic community stands for hope and progress.”

Eric Gertler

United States

“Our longstanding commitment to Weizmann reflects both its universal mission and its vital role in Israel. By backing projects such as the Dwek Institute for Cancer Therapy Research, we’ve seen firsthand how Weizmann’s groundbreaking discoveries not only improve countless lives but also serve as a beacon of resilience and hope.”

Edward & Barbara Dwek, Julian & Denitza Dwek

UK

“At the Weizmann Institute, cutting-edge research meets the highest standards of excellence in a healthily disruptive manner.”

Hugo Sigman

Argentina

“To be involved with the Weizmann Institute is to engage with a legacy of innovation that transcends boundaries, unlocking the mysteries of the natural world and addressing some of the most pressing challenges. The opportunity to be part of this environment is both a privilege and an inspiration.”

Mauricio Schwarz

Mexico

“Creativity and scientific freedom are the keys to the great success of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which I am proud and happy to represent in France.”

Sidney Toledano

France

N e w   s c i e n t i s t s

New scientists

The Weizmann Institute is dedicated to discovering, recruiting, and nurturing outstanding scientists across all research domains. There are no hiring limits or quotas by discipline — the sole criterion is excellence.

The depths of machine learning

Dr. Gal Vardi,a recent recruit to the Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics and a Zuckerman Faculty Scholar, delves into the mathematical foundations of neural networks—AI systems inspired by the brain that use interconnected nodes to process and learn from data. He focuses on why some networks are able to generalize well, applying what they learn to new examples, while others are less successful. His insights could lead to breakthroughs in training and improving artificial intelligence.

Untapped plant potential

A new principal investigator in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Yoav Voichek’s research explores the unique ways plants regulate their genes, uncovering genetic mechanisms that differ fundamentally from animals and other organisms. By studying diverse plant species and environments, he aims to explore the untapped potential of plant genomes to understand their function and adaptation.

READ ABOUT ALL OF OUR 2024-25 NEW SCIENTISTS

W o m e n   a d v a n c i n g   s c i e n c e

Women advancing science

Committed to empowering women in science and technology, the Weizmann Institute provides support and opportunities to ensure their academic and professional success. These manifold initiatives elevate talented women at the Institute and abroad, who go on to make transformative contributions to science.

Prof. Nirit Dudovich

In 2007, Prof. Nirit Dudovich broke new ground as the first woman principal investigator in Weizmann’s Faculty of Physics, where she soon established the first attosecond research group in Israel. Now serving as head of the Department of Physics of Complex Systems, she shares this advice with female physics students: “You’ll never regret trying.”

Dr. Shifra Lansky

Dr. Shifra Lansky, a 2022 recipient of the prestigious Women’s Postdoctoral Career Development Award in Science, was recently recruited as a principal investigator to the Department of Chemical and Structural Biology. In her new lab, she will be using Israel’s first high-speed atomic force microscope to study the dynamics and structure of membrane proteins.

S t u d e n t s   a n d   p o s t d o c s

Students and postdocs

1766
Total
653
MSc students
58 International
786
PhD students
155 International
327
Postdoctoral fellows
249 International
Weizmann School of Science Booklet
  • 794Female
  • 10
  • 972Male
  • 10

Innovation exchange

The Kupcinet-Getz International Science School is a prestigious summer program that brings outstanding undergraduate students from around the world to the Weizmann campus, where they actively contribute to cutting-edge research. Mentored by Institute experts, participants gain valuable experience, hone their scientific skills, and dive deep into the world of curiosity-driven basic science.

Bridging research and medicine

The Weizmann Institute has launched a unique MD-PhD program to train the next generation of physician-scientists in Israel. Set to commence in 2025, the program will be the centerpiece of the new Miriam and Aaron Gutwirth Medical School, blending groundbreaking research with clinical expertise to advance medicine and improve human health.

S c i e n c e   e d u c a t i o n

Science education

At the core of the Weizmann mission is a commitment to nurturing bright young minds and connecting science with society. The Davidson Institute of Science Education, Clore Garden of Science, and Department of Science Teaching spearhead these efforts, using creative approaches to make science accessible to all.

Promoting literacy and stability

Since October 7, 2023, the Davidson Institute has supported over 9,000 evacuated students in 60 emergency centers across Israel, offering academic programs, emotional relief, and lifelines for maintaining continuity in education. Its on-campus biology matriculation camp, for example, helps war-displaced high schoolers meet graduation requirements. (The figures below represent the period of September 2023-August 2024.)

Davidson Institute Booklet
15.35
total views of the Davidson website
70000
participants in Davidson programs

Garden growth

The Clore Garden of Science fully reopened in 2024, unveiling 14,200 square meters of reimagined indoor and outdoor space for hands-on exploration through interactive exhibits, ultramodern labs, and dynamic educational activities. Blending science with art and nature, the Clore Garden welcomed over 30,000 visitors of all ages in July and August 2024 alone, redefining how the public engages with science.

1049574417
Bringing AI into the classroom

Bringing AI into the classroom

The Department of Science Teaching recently launched a program to teach machine learning and deep learning at the high school level, addressing the increasing demand for AI education in the classroom. Over 40 teachers and 500 students have so far received training through this two-year course, which combines digital tools with interactive learning to master sophisticated concepts in artificial intelligence.

I n   t h e i r   o w n   w o r d s

In their own words

Friends and supporters from around the world share their thoughts about the Weizmann Institute, its mission, and the importance of philanthropy in advancing science.

“When we connect with the people from Weizmann, we embrace the curious and enthusiastic child within, while fostering a deep connection with our ancestors.”

Gastón Frydlewski

Uruguay

“Weizmann advances humanity’s understanding of the world—from the brain to clean energy to the farthest galaxies. This basic research drives innovative discoveries that can be translated to improve the world.”

Dr. Arthur Slutsky, CM

Canada

“We’ve always believed it takes extraordinary people to make extraordinary discoveries. That’s what makes the Weizmann Institute so remarkable. Supporting the Institute is a rewarding experience—not only because of the discoveries being made but because it’s home to some of the brightest, most driven minds in science today.”

Joan and Jonathan Birnbach

United States

“I am honored to be part of the Weizmann family, where I unite my lifelong spirit of service to Israel with pride in a world-renowned institute of scientific excellence. Here, I contribute to advancing knowledge in an inclusive, innovative environment, dedicated to benefiting humanity.”

Micaela Goren-Monti

Italy

“The work of clinician-scientists has proven vital to many medical breakthroughs over the years. The launch of Weizmann’s MD/PhD program sustains that important tradition at a time when such dual training is becoming increasingly rare. We have no doubt that this program will change the world for the better.”

Prof. David Celermajer AO and Noirin Celermajer

Australia

“Since 2006, the Weizmann Institute has been a fundamental part of both our relationship with the State of Israel and our family’s philanthropic endeavors.”

Renata and Roberto Ruhman

Brazil/UK

C e l e b r a t i n g   t h e   I n s t i t u t e ’ s   h i g h e s t   h o n o r

Celebrating the Institute’s highest honor

In 2024, the Weizmann Institute of Science bestowed the prestigious degree of PhD honoris causa upon eight exceptional individuals, including distinguished researchers, Israeli cultural icons, and close friends of the Institute, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to science and society.

Dr. Ilana Dayan-Orbach

Renée H. Drake

Elie Horn

Roberto Kaminitz

Martha A. Darling

Dr. Gilbert S. Omenn

Danny Sanderson

Prof. Avi Wigderson

READ ABOUT OUR HONORARY PHDS

W e i z m a n n   l e g a c y :
C o p a x o n e   2 . 0

Weizmann legacy: Copaxone 2.0

In the late 1960s, Weizmann scientists Prof. Michael Sela, Prof. Ruth Arnon, and Dr. Dvora Teitelbaum embarked on a serendipitous research path that led to the development of glatiramer acetate—the groundbreaking compound behind Copaxone®. This revolutionary drug has helped millions worldwide experience fewer relapses of multiple sclerosis by suppressing inflammation. The development and commercialization of Copaxone not only generated significant revenue, but also elevated the Institute’s international standing, showcasing its ability to translate research from bench to bedside.

Today, Weizmann scientists, led by Prof. Eldad Tzahor and Dr. Rachel Sarig, have uncovered a potential new use for Copaxone: protecting heart muscle and improving its function after heart attack or failure. By boosting the resilience of heart muscle cells and delaying scar tissue formation, the researchers found that Copaxone significantly enhances heart function, offering a promising new avenue for treating heart disease. A clinical trial is now underway to examine its effectiveness in a larger cohort of patients with heart failure.

Read more about Copaxone for your heart

L e a d e r s h i p

Leadership

The Weizmann leadership team continues to steer the Institute through unprecedented challenges, making significant strides in advancing scientific research, philanthropic engagement, and campus development.

  • Prof. Alon Chen

    President

  • Prof. Ziv Reich

    Vice President

  • Prof. Irit Sagi

    VP, Innovation and Technology Transfer

  • Prof. Roee Ozeri

    VP, Development and Communications

  • Alon Weingarten

    VP, Administration

  • Tamir Kadishi

    Chief Financial Officer

W e i z m a n n
w o r l d w i d e
c o m m i t t e e s

Weizmann worldwide committees

The international committees of the Weizmann Institute of Science are dedicated to strengthening and expanding the Institute’s circle of friends and supporters around the globe. Reach out to your local organization to learn more about ongoing research at the Weizmann Institute, how it is being leveraged for the future of humanity, and how you can get involved.