Message from the Chair

Mr. Bob Drake

Chair, International Board

November 8, 2023

Dear colleagues and friends,

I am humbled and honored to take on the chairmanship of the International Board of the Weizmann Institute of Science. As Vice Chair, I have been privileged to work closely with the Institute management and scientists for many years.

I believe that what connects us as Board members with Weizmann scientists is curiosity. We are all curious individuals. We all come from a variety of professions, cultures, and places. However, we are all curious about the way the world works, about health and disease, about the environment, and about the Universe. And we are also curious about what the future holds.

In a sense, what we and Weizmann scientists have is synergy. We want Weizmann scientists to be able to do what they do best, which is to discover. To achieve that, we can offer our expertise and knowledge in service of the management of the Institute, as well as raise funding for all the ambitious scientific goals our researchers set for themselves.

As members of the International Board of the Weizmann Institute, we have the incredible privilege of dreaming big and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge by supporting this one-of-a-kind institution. However, this is not merely an honorary role. It is a mission, or a “Shlichut” in Hebrew. That is how I, and my wife and partner Renee, see our involvement with Weizmann.

What does our mission entail? It means that everywhere we go in our travels and at home, the Weizmann Institute is first in our minds, and on the tip of our tongues. We think about Weizmann’s contribution to the world, and how we can engage the person in front of us in one area of research or another aspect of Weizmann that may appeal to them; about an experience that we recently had on campus that may resonate with them.

As Board members, we must also lead by example. Philanthropy is essential for Weizmann to maintain its excellence and make even more profound discoveries. Science is a never-ending racetrack, and our job is to help feed the runners and keep them hydrated. Together, I am confident we can continue to help the Weizmann Institute reach new heights, for the future of humanity.

Sincerely,
Message author signature
Mr. Bob Drake

Announcements

  • Date:
    February 29, 2024

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Professor Allen J. Bard; A dear friend, supporter, and a Life Member of the Weizmann Institute International Board; and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family.

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    Date:
    February 29, 2024

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Professor Allen J. Bard; A dear friend, supporter, and a Life Member of the Weizmann Institute International Board; and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family.

  • Date:
    February 26, 2024

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Lord Nathaniel Charles Jacob Rothschild, GBE of United Kingdom; A dear friend, supporter, and Member of the Weizmann Institute International Board; and extends its heartfelt condolences to his entire family.

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    Date:
    February 26, 2024

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Lord Nathaniel Charles Jacob Rothschild, GBE of United Kingdom; A dear friend, supporter, and Member of the Weizmann Institute International Board; and extends its heartfelt condolences to his entire family.

  • Date:
    January 3, 2024

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Abraham Ben-Naftali, dear and beloved friend, longtime dedicated supporter, Chair of the International Board 2014-2017 and Chair of the Executive Council 2002-2008, Life Member of the International Board, Member of the President’s Circle and recipient of the Institute’s PhD honoris causa in 2009, and extends its heartfelt condolences to his daughters Orna and Michal, his partner Irona, and the entire family. 

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    Date:
    January 3, 2024

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Abraham Ben-Naftali, dear and beloved friend, longtime dedicated supporter, Chair of the International Board 2014-2017 and Chair of the Executive Council 2002-2008, Life Member of the International Board, Member of the President’s Circle and recipient of the Institute’s PhD honoris causa in 2009, and extends its heartfelt condolences to his daughters Orna and Michal, his partner Irona, and the entire family. 

  • Date:
    November 23, 2023

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Marcia Sue Robinson, sister of International Board Member Francie Klein, and sends its sincere condolences to the entire family.

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    Date:
    November 23, 2023

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Marcia Sue Robinson, sister of International Board Member Francie Klein, and sends its sincere condolences to the entire family.

  • Date:
    June 27, 2023

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Shimon Picker of Mexico; A dear friend, supporter, and Member of the Weizmann Institute International Board and President’s Circle; and extends its heartfelt condolences to his entire family.

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    Date:
    June 27, 2023

    The Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of Shimon Picker of Mexico; A dear friend, supporter, and Member of the Weizmann Institute International Board and President’s Circle; and extends its heartfelt condolences to his entire family.

  • Date:
    June 25, 2023

    The Weizmann Institute of Science sends its sincere condolences to Lester Crown, a member of the Institute's International Board and Executive Board, for the passing of his son, James Crown.

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    Date:
    June 25, 2023

    The Weizmann Institute of Science sends its sincere condolences to Lester Crown, a member of the Institute's International Board and Executive Board, for the passing of his son, James Crown.

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In Memoriam

The in memoriam page is dedicated to those Board members who have passed away over the years.