Celebrating women in science and the arts

The event featured presentations by acclaimed British artist Annie Morris and Weizmann cancer researcher Prof. Ruth Scherz-Shouval, followed by a lively on-stage conversation between Prof. Scherz-Shouval and international broadcaster Tania Bryer OBE, who also served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

Morris spoke movingly about the emotional depth of her creative process and how art has provided strength through personal loss and adversity. Prof. Scherz-Shouval offered fascinating insights into her research on the tumor microenvironment and shared her journey as a scientist navigating the challenges of a competitive field.

Reflecting on her own experience, Prof. Scherz-Shouval described how receiving a Women in Science postdoctoral award early in her career offered not just financial support but valuable encouragement.

“It was a form of recognition,” she said. “I tell young scientists that if this is something you really want, you’ll find a way to do it.”

Thanks to the generosity of the attendees, the event raised vital funds for the Women’s Postdoctoral Career Development Award in Science, a transformative program that enables outstanding Israeli women researchers to conduct fellowships abroad, in addition to providing financial and professional development support to help them return to Israel and pursue a career in academia.

The lunch was hosted by Dr. Arabella Duffield, Chair of Weizmann UK, and Trustee Hayley Sieff.