Prof. Daniel Zajfman tells us “How to Change the World”

Weizmann Institute President Prof. Daniel Zajfman joined Weizmann UK at the prestigious Royal Institution in London on 1 December to give the keynote speech at the How to Academy’s one-day conference, How to Change the World 2016.

We were delighted to once again sponsor the event, now in its third year, which provides unparalleled insight into the innovations that experts predict will change our lives.  Presented through engaging 15-minute demonstrations by experts in their respective fields, the day was moderated by Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of the Arts. Subjects included solar power, 3D computing, new approaches in cancer research, neural implants, robotic brains, human-centred geolocation, clean hydrogen fuel cells, 3D printed organs, epigenetics, Alzheimer’s prevention, and more.

Prof. Zajfman spoke on curiosity-driven research, outlining the Weizmann Institute’s unique philosophy of recruiting the best scientists on the basis of their professional excellence and enabling them to pursue their curiosity. He admitted pride over the fact that, despite having served for 10 years at the helm of the Institute, he had “no idea” what the next scientific revolution would be.

Prof. Zajfman was joined by Prof. Asaph Aharoni from the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, who spoke about the potential to reduce malnutrition by using CRISPR gene-editing technology to increase the nutritional value of crops and in some cases reduce the need for pesticides.

Prof. Aharoni (below) also visited JCoSS and Benenden Schools where he gave two lively talks to sixth-formers on his research.