European flair

More than 140 guests gathered for the annual dinner of the European Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ECWIS) at Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich on January 21. The theme was advancing women in science.

Bob Drake, Chair of the European Committee, spoke about the growth of the Institute’s network of friends in Europe, evidenced by the establishment of three new societies of friends: in Italy, Hungary, and Sweden. He described the diverse range of scientific projects supported by ECWIS in 2014, and emphasized the importance of securing European support for the Weizmann Institute moving forward.

Weizmann Institute President Prof. Daniel Zajfman gave an overview of recent key developments on campus and his keen interest in advancing women in science.

Prof. Daniella Goldfarb, President’s Advisor for Advancing Women in Science, gave a keynote speech in which she described the challenges in securing the best female scientists.

On January 20, some 80 senior business and government leaders from the Principality of Liechtenstein participated in a festive gala dinner hosted by ECWIS and chaired by Mrs. Rita Kieber-Beck, Former Deputy Prime Minister of the Principality. Says Mrs. Kieber-Beck, the event conveyed the “tradition of innovation, collaboration, and promotion of excellence that makes the Weizmann Institute unique”.

The event took place at the Ballenlager in Vaduz, in the presence of H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein; H.E. Mr. Albert Frick, President of the Parliament of the Principality of Liechtenstein; and H.E. Mr. Adrian Hasler, Prime Minister of the Principality of Liechtenstein. ECWIS chair Bob Drake spoke about securing European support for the Institute, and Prof. Zajfman gave the keynote speech on the global impact of the Weizmann Institute.