Women in Science alumni luncheon
The Weizmann Institute of Science hosted an event for the alumni of the Israel National Postdoctoral Award Program for Advancing Women in Science on December 18 at the iconic Koffler Accelerator building on campus.
The informal lunch meeting was the first of its kind since the program’s inception in 2007, bringing together 20 women scientists from a range of scientific fields. The women received the award in recognition of the excellence of their research and spent their postdoc years at leading academic institutions in the U.S., UK, and Europe.
The goal of the Israel National Postdoctoral Award Program is to nurture the careers of women scientists in Israel and enrich the ranks of Israeli academia with women, thereby enriching Israeli science. The program, which is funded exclusively by donors, offers 10 women scientists awards of $40,000 over two years to ease the financial burden during the postdoc years abroad. The program is open to all Israeli women scientists (graduates of all institutions).
Prof. Daniella Goldfarb, who heads the program as the President’s Advisor for Advancing Women in Science, presented on the success of the program and Prof. Israel Bar-Joseph, Weizmann Institute Vice President for Resource Development and Public Relations, gave a welcome address. The women then took part in a roundtable discussion, describing their individual experiences in their postdoc fellowships and how the award helped them. Each woman had her own personal story, but they were united in their praise and appreciation for the financial help and the boost in confidence that they received through securing the fellowship.
“It was clear from the accounts of the women scientists that the award helped to alleviate many challenging situations, whether to help pay for childcare, travel, or general living costs. Receiving the award helped these women to feel supported and empowered to succeed,” says Prof. Goldfarb.
The program, now in its ninth year, has awarded grants to 96 women to date. About three-quarters of those who have completed their postdocs have attained faculty-track positions in Israel.
