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Young and inspired in Europe

Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Dr. Christian Tidona

Dr. Christian Tidona

Dr. Christian Tidona, 47, is Chairman of the Weizmann Young European Network (WYEN), the next-generation club of the European Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science and a member of the Institute’s International Board. He is Managing Director of BioMed X Innovation Center in Heidelberg, Germany, which offers a new model for fostering biomedical research at the interface between academia and industry, and has a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Heidelberg.

Q    Why join WYEN?

A    If you’re a young European—aged 25 to 50—and you want to be inspired, network, and learn about state of the art scientific research, think about joining WYEN. Our members are passionate about creating impact, looking for opportunities to meet inspiring peers. They don’t necessarily have a background in science and many have never been to Israel before, but they are curious about science and want to know about the “start-up nation.”

WYEN brings together people from throughout the European continent to explore the wonders of basic research, meet Weizmann scientists, and learn about the role the Weizmann Institute plays in advancing science for the benefit of humanity. They are usually on the verge of thinking about philanthropy and how to leverage their impact by giving back to society.

Q    How does it work?

A    Everyone who becomes a WYEN member automatically becomes a member of a Weizmann friends society in the country in which he or she lives, and we hope that our members ultimately get involved in the activities of their local societies. Our board is very international with representatives from all over Europe.

Our members are connected virtually and interact throughout the year. Our events are held about two or three times per year in different locations throughout Europe or Israel. Everyone is a busy professional, so typically our events span half a day and they are filled with inspiration, action, and networking.

Our launch event was in Berlin two years ago, and we’ve held events in Budapest, Brussels, Zurich, Geneva, and Heidelberg. We’ve had fantastic speakers—entrepreneurs like Uri Levine, the founder of Waze, and scientific superstars from Weizmann. And we always had amazing venues! What could be better than hearing about the latest scientific breakthroughs at a pool party?

Q    What was the impetus for establishing WYEN?

A    The young generation of Jews living in Europe and America is not as active in supporting Jewish and Israeli causes as their parents’ generation. So, how do we get these young people involved? The answer is: outstanding science and technology. And that broadens our potential base beyond the Jewish community. In Heidelberg, our keynote speaker was Özlem Türeci, one of the most successful biotech entrepreneurs in Europe, who is a Turkish Muslim. Outstanding curiosity-driven research connects people of all cultural backgrounds and beliefs. And the ones who love outstanding science also love the Weizmann Institute. 

Q    How did you get involved?

A    I came to know Weizmann well during my work in developing the biotech network in Heidelberg and initiating collaborations with top institutions outside of our region. I learned that the Weizmann Institute is not just an iconic scientific institution, but that I share its values. In my organization, the BioMed X Innovation Center, we are like a little Weizmann. We only recruit the best of the best. Our approach is to recruit top young research talents worldwide and give them the best resources and freedom to explore. Weizmann scientists from various disciplines don’t work in silos—and I know from my own experience that this multidisciplinary approach is the best way to find solutions to the most pressing scientific problems of humanity. 

Also, the fact that scientists live on campus is a great thing. Many times, innovation doesn’t happen in a lab—it happens during social activities, when bright minds discuss their ideas freely without the need for immediate results. The more talented people with diverse scientific backgrounds you can get in the same place who are looking at the same problem from different perspectives, the more likely you’ll find a truly innovative solution.  

Q    What’s up next for WYEN? 

A    I am looking forward to our four-day retreat in Israel in October. Coming to Israel and being on the Weizmann campus is always an amazing experience. In fact, Tel Aviv is my favorite city. If I were young again, I’d definitely move to Tel Aviv!

Q    But you are young! You’re part of WYEN!

 A    Good point. Let’s wait and see.