In 1934 Dr. Chaim Weizmann, a world-renowned chemist, who headed the Zionist movement for many years and later became the first President of the State of Israel initiated the creation of the Daniel Sieff Research Institute in Rehovot, that was financially supported by Lord Israel and Lady Rebecca Sieff of London in memory of their late son Daniel.

Dr. Weizmann actively conducted research in the laboratories of the Sieff Institute, primarily in the field of Organic Chemistry.

In November 1944, with the consent of the Sieff family, it was decided that the Sieff Institute would become the nucleus of a large-scale research institution named after Dr. Chaim Weizmann.

The Association "The Weizmann Institute of Science" was incorporated on October 27, 1947, "to establish, hold, maintain, conduct and manage or assist in the establishment, holding, maintenance, conduct and management of a scientific institute in Rehovoth and/or elsewhere in Israel to be known as The Weizmann Institute of Science for the purpose of furthering research in the fields of pure and applied science in any branch thereof, together with all laboratories, libraries, workshops, storehouses, store-rooms and other buildings, structures, premises and all apparatus, instruments, books, furniture, plant, machinery and other equipment appertaining to or used with the same and generally to continue and extend the work of the Institute".

On November 2, 1949, on the occasion of Dr. Weizmann’s 75th birthday, and in appreciation of his activities and accomplishments, the Weizmann Institute was formally dedicated.

In the dedication ceremony Dr. Weizmann said:

“The Institute is the fulfillment of a vision and the translation of a dream into reality. It can achieve much for the good of Israel and when peace comes to the Middle East, for the good of our neighbors and the good of mankind.”

November 2, 1969

Currently the Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research institutions. Hundreds of scientists, laboratory technicians and research students working on its lushly landscaped campus embark daily on fascinating journeys into the unknown, seeking to improve our understanding of nature and our place within it.

At the Weizmann Institute of Science, research takes place all along the frontier of the natural and exact sciences: the life sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. Over the years, work by Institute scientists has widely expanded our knowledge in these areas, created new research fields, and combined traditional scientific disciplines in multidisciplinary studies that steer research into new, exciting and often surprising paths. This curiosity-fueled journey leads Institute scientists to discoveries and inventions that improve our quality of life: drugs to treat cancer and other diseases, technology that forms the basis of the polymer industry, improved visual displays for pilots’ headsets and surgeons, amniocentesis for testing fetal genetics, a method of growing seeds that protects them from various pests. These and many other inventions owe their existence solely to the curiosity, perseverance and talents of Weizmann Institute scientists.

The Institute is managed by an International Board headed by an elected Chair, and by an Executive Board, also headed by an elected Chair. The Executive Board elects the President of the Weizmann Institute, who appoints the Vice President, and the Vice Presidents for Resource Development and Public Affairs, for Technology Transfer, and for Administration and Finance. They work alongside the Deans, the Scientific Council (which includes all the Institute’s scientists) and the Council of Professors (which includes all the full Professors of the Institute).