Impact Report 2025
Impact Report 2025

In a year that brought unprecedented challenges to the Weizmann Institute of Science, our community rose to the moment with remarkable strength, resolve, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Greetings

from Weizmann President Prof. Alon Chen
The Weizmann Institute’s Campaign for the future of humanity

In 2025, we launched Empower Tomorrow, a global initiative to shape the future through science. By investing in brilliant minds and pioneering research, this bold campaign accelerates discoveries that improve health, protect our planet, and expand human knowledge—strengthening the community of researchers and supporters who believe science, powered by people, can change the world.

YEAR AT A GLANCE

Powered by exceptional people and daring ideas, the Weizmann Institute transforms curiosity into discovery with global impact. (The figures below highlight achievements from October 2024 to September 2025.)

#6
worldwide on the 2025 Leiden Ranking measuring research quality and impact

The Weizmann Institute's highest ranking in its history

Nature's 10
Prof. Yifat Merbl named as one of the top 10 people who shaped science in 2025
62%
success rate for ERC Starting Grants

More than 5x the average for European Research Council members

1,030
studies published based on collaborative research with institutions outside of Israel
126
patents awarded
28,598
mentions of Weizmann research across all digital platforms
70,000
students from 360 schools participated in Davidson Institute educational programs
120,000
visitors to Clore Garden, including 1,200 classes from schools across Israel
3.5M
views of the Davidson Institute’s YouTube channel
70%
women in the inaugural class of the MD-PhD Program in honor of Miriam and Aaron Gutwirth
3,000
members of 50 student clubs on campus, including cricket, cooking, and chess
50,000
people attended cultural and academic events at the Michael Sela Auditorium
See more Facts & Figures for 2025
RECOVERY

Rebuilding the Weizmann Institute and restoring research, together

On June 15, 2025, the Islamic Republic of Iran targeted the Weizmann Institute of Science, with two ballistic missiles directly hitting two buildings on campus. This unprecedented attack devastated research facilities, infrastructure, and campus housing, halting nearly one-fifth of the Institute’s scientific activity—particularly in the life sciences and cancer research. Some 52 labs, 100 buildings, 5,600 pieces of equipment, and 25,500 biological samples were damaged or destroyed.

Our global community of friends and partners responded swiftly, providing vital support that expedited recovery efforts and the resumption of research across campus. We are deeply grateful to the many donors to the Weizmann Institute's Emergency and Recovery Fund, whose generosity ensured comprehensive rehabilitation and a prompt return to groundbreaking science.

49
mobile structures erected
60%
of core facilities fully operational
70%
of affected equipment restored
90%
of damaged buildings repaired
100%
of scientists have work spaces
100%
of power infrastructure operational
Propel Innovative Research

Curiosity. Rigor. Imagination. These qualities shape the work of Weizmann’s internationally renowned scientists and the discoveries that follow. Here are a few stand-out breakthroughs from this past year.

For more breakthroughs
For more breakthroughs
Transform Discoveries into Market Solutions

The Bina Unit is on a mission to identify, nurture, and advance early-stage Weizmann research with practical applications that are likely to produce intellectual property. Promising projects receive guidance and resources, bringing scientists, alumni, students, and industry experts together to turn ideas into reality.

Read More About Bina
Read More About Bina

In their own words

Ariela Agosin
Chile

“The magic that comes from the interaction of so many brilliant minds at the Institute is invaluable. Each lab is nourished by the knowledge of its members, obtaining unexpected advances that benefit all humanity. Being close to that magic, as President of the Association of Friends of Chile, has been a wonderful and inspiring experience.”

Ariela Agosin
Chile
Barry Townsley CBE
United Kingdom

"I have been a proud supporter of the Weizmann Institute for 50 years, and my wife’s family, the Wolfsons, have been benefactors since its earliest days. This year, our commitment has taken on a deeper significance as Weizmann’s resilience and dedication to discovery have profoundly inspired us. We are honoured to support their vital work."

Barry Townsley CBE
United Kingdom
Gabrielle and Dan Bennett
Australia

"Our commitment to Weizmann is based on its foundational mission to advance humanity. The Weizmann seeks to solve critical real-world problems and make groundbreaking discoveries to improve countless lives across the world—serving as a lighthouse for cooperation and hope.”

Gabrielle and Dan Bennett
Australia
Darlene Switzer-Foster
Canada

“Joining the Weizmann community was a dream of mine since I learned of it as a child. This affiliation has shown me how I might positively contribute to Israel through supporting powerfully brilliant minds, and how the freedom to pursue curiosity can shape our future. This is something I am proud to help advance.”

Darlene Switzer-Foster
Canada
Enrico Cucchiani
Italy

"The Weizmann Institute is a beacon of hope for the future. Its extraordinary success rests on three principles: curiosity, collaboration, and competence. Its passion and team spirit fuels its research, attracting some of the most talented brains on the planet. We can all share the same sense of mission through philanthropic support."

Enrico Cucchiani
Italy
Laurence and Thierry Kaïoun
France

"The Weizmann Institute is a top notch research center where passionate people can put their intelligence and heart to advance science for the benefit of mankind."

Laurence and Thierry Kaïoun
France
Prof. Ruth Arnon
Israel

"Supporting the Institute's Emergency and Recovery Fund reflects my family’s and my own commitment to ensuring the continuity of scientific research. The reconstruction of the buildings where I spent my entire scientific career holds deep personal significance for me—it feels like rebuilding my own home."

Prof. Ruth Arnon
Israel
Vera and John Schwartz
United States

"Supporting the Weizmann Institute might be the best way to make an enduring gift to all humanity. We are thrilled to help Weizmann leaders, scientists, staff, and students on their sacred mission to create a better future for everyone.”

Vera and John Schwartz
United States

“The magic that comes from the interaction of so many brilliant minds at the Institute is invaluable. Each lab is nourished by the knowledge of its members, obtaining unexpected advances that benefit all humanity. Being close to that magic, as President of the Association of Friends of Chile, has been a wonderful and inspiring experience.”

Ariela Agosin
Chile

"I have been a proud supporter of the Weizmann Institute for 50 years, and my wife’s family, the Wolfsons, have been benefactors since its earliest days. This year, our commitment has taken on a deeper significance as Weizmann’s resilience and dedication to discovery have profoundly inspired us. We are honoured to support their vital work."

Barry Townsley CBE
United Kingdom

"Our commitment to Weizmann is based on its foundational mission to advance humanity. The Weizmann seeks to solve critical real-world problems and make groundbreaking discoveries to improve countless lives across the world—serving as a lighthouse for cooperation and hope.”

Gabrielle and Dan Bennett
Australia

“Joining the Weizmann community was a dream of mine since I learned of it as a child. This affiliation has shown me how I might positively contribute to Israel through supporting powerfully brilliant minds, and how the freedom to pursue curiosity can shape our future. This is something I am proud to help advance.”

Darlene Switzer-Foster
Canada

"The Weizmann Institute is a beacon of hope for the future. Its extraordinary success rests on three principles: curiosity, collaboration, and competence. Its passion and team spirit fuels its research, attracting some of the most talented brains on the planet. We can all share the same sense of mission through philanthropic support."

Enrico Cucchiani
Italy

"The Weizmann Institute is a top notch research center where passionate people can put their intelligence and heart to advance science for the benefit of mankind."

Laurence and Thierry Kaïoun
France

"Supporting the Institute's Emergency and Recovery Fund reflects my family’s and my own commitment to ensuring the continuity of scientific research. The reconstruction of the buildings where I spent my entire scientific career holds deep personal significance for me—it feels like rebuilding my own home."

Prof. Ruth Arnon
Israel

"Supporting the Weizmann Institute might be the best way to make an enduring gift to all humanity. We are thrilled to help Weizmann leaders, scientists, staff, and students on their sacred mission to create a better future for everyone.”

Vera and John Schwartz
United States
STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL TIES

Collaboration is crucial to the advancement of science and deeply embedded in the Weizmann ethos, strengthening international ties and enabling ideas and expertise to move across borders. Through a robust global network—including more than 600 collaborations launched in the past five years alone—the Institute supports research partnerships that advance knowledge, shape scientific conversations, and accelerate discovery. Click on the map to see some of our active projects from the past year.

Marker
Getting into the Algorithm
Weizmann experts joined the Shonan Meeting, convened by the Japanese National Institute of Informatics to advance algorithmic and quantum computational tools, embedding its researchers in international networks shaping the future of computer science.
Marker
Built into the Universe
With key telescopic instrumentation designed and built on campus, Weizmann plays a central role in the European Southern Observatory’s collaboration with Chile, shaping one of the world’s most advanced facilities for observing the dynamic universe.
Marker
Parasite Insights
A partnership with the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil has led to numerous publications and ongoing biological studies that deepen understanding of parasitic diseases and lay the groundwork for new treatments.
Marker
Climate Impact on the Go
A Weizmann-built mobile tracking lab is beginning its journey from Kenya to South Africa, to drive climate research and create a bridge between nations by providing policymakers, farmers, and communities with shared knowledge for a sustainable future.
Marker
Cancer Bench and Bedside
Weizmann scientists are working side-by-side with doctors at Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva and Rambam Hospital in Haifa to drive cancer discoveries with significant implications for patient care.
Marker
Bolder Brain Science
A partnership with Brain Canada connects Weizmann neuroscientists with colleagues at McGill University, University of Calgary, and other leading Canadian institutions. Through competitively awarded collaborative grants, this program is accelerating neuroscience research that translates fundamental discoveries into therapeutic possibilities.
Marker
Meeting of the Minds
A new interdisciplinary exchange with Washington University is examining how interactions among microbes, the immune system, and the nervous system contribute to health and disease. The seeds for this partnership were planted at an academic conference on the Weizmann campus.
Marker
From Lab to Life
Weizmann’s Bina unit met with global innovators at the World ADC Conference in San Diego, California, on the latest in antibody-drug conjugates. In bringing these insights back, Bina is strengthening the Institute’s ability to translate pioneering research into real-world impact while fostering future partnerships and industry collaboration.
Marker
Shaping AI for Education
At the HEXED Workshop in Palermo, Italy, researchers from Weizmann’s Department of Science Teaching took an active role in developing work at the intersection of AI in education and large-scale machine learning systems.
Marker
Chemical Conversations
Weizmann scientists helped gather experts together at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research to explore how microbes—and the chemical signals they exchange—shape marine ecosystems, spurring collaborations that advance this frontier of oceanography.
Marker
Postdoc Partnership
The Max Planck–Weizmann Joint Postdoctoral Program fuels scientific breakthroughs by enabling research fellows to live and work across two prestigious institutions, propelling interdisciplinary studies, fostering a vibrant academic community, and building enduring professional networks between Israel and Germany.
Marker
Getting into the Algorithm
Weizmann experts joined the Shonan Meeting, convened by the Japanese National Institute of Informatics to advance algorithmic and quantum computational tools, embedding its researchers in international networks shaping the future of computer science.
Marker
Cancer Bench and Bedside
Weizmann scientists are working side-by-side with doctors at Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva and Rambam Hospital in Haifa to drive cancer discoveries with significant implications for patient care.
Marker
Built into the Universe
With key telescopic instrumentation designed and built on campus, Weizmann plays a central role in the European Southern Observatory’s collaboration with Chile, shaping one of the world’s most advanced facilities for observing the dynamic universe.
Marker
Parasite Insights
A partnership with the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil has led to numerous publications and ongoing biological studies that deepen understanding of parasitic diseases and lay the groundwork for new treatments.
Marker
Climate Impact on the Go
A Weizmann-built mobile tracking lab is beginning its journey from Kenya to South Africa, to drive climate research and create a bridge between nations by providing policymakers, farmers, and communities with shared knowledge for a sustainable future.
Marker
Bolder Brain Science
A partnership with Brain Canada connects Weizmann neuroscientists with colleagues at McGill University, University of Calgary, and other leading Canadian institutions. Through competitively awarded collaborative grants, this program is accelerating neuroscience research that translates fundamental discoveries into therapeutic possibilities.
Marker
Meeting of the Minds
A new interdisciplinary exchange with Washington University is examining how interactions among microbes, the immune system, and the nervous system contribute to health and disease. The seeds for this partnership were planted at an academic conference on the Weizmann campus.
Marker
From Lab to Life
Weizmann’s Bina unit met with global innovators at the World ADC Conference in San Diego, California, on the latest in antibody-drug conjugates. In bringing these insights back, Bina is strengthening the Institute’s ability to translate pioneering research into real-world impact while fostering future partnerships and industry collaboration.
Marker
Shaping AI for Education
At the HEXED Workshop in Palermo, Italy, researchers from Weizmann’s Department of Science Teaching took an active role in developing work at the intersection of AI in education and large-scale machine learning systems.
Marker
Chemical Conversations
Weizmann scientists helped gather experts together at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research to explore how microbes—and the chemical signals they exchange—shape marine ecosystems, spurring collaborations that advance this frontier of oceanography.
Marker
Postdoc Partnership
The Max Planck–Weizmann Joint Postdoctoral Program fuels scientific breakthroughs by enabling research fellows to live and work across two prestigious institutions, propelling interdisciplinary studies, fostering a vibrant academic community, and building enduring professional networks between Israel and Germany.
GROW OUR COMMUNITY

The Weizmann Institute actively cultivates the next generation of innovators, recruiting outstanding scientists whose curiosity, creativity, and drive invigorate our community. We set no caps or departmental quotas—we hire purely for excellence.

Read about our new scientists
Dr. Tamar Ben-Shaanan, Molecular Neuroscience

"What excited me the most about joining Weizmann is 100% the people."

Prof. Noam Shemesh, Chemical and Biological Physics

“I cannot think of a better place than Weizmann to make big discoveries.”

Read about our new scientists

TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION

MD-PhD Program in honor of Miriam and Aaron Gutwirth

Weizmann's newly launched MD-PhD program combines cutting-edge research and advanced clinical training, offering unparalleled opportunities for the “problem-solvers of the future” to learn from world-class scientists and medical experts.

Pennie and Gary Abramson Family International Residence

Designed for comfort and connection, this 16-story, state-of-the-art building provides international students and fellows with a warm home away from home, and a much-needed solution to limited local housing options.

INSPIRE YOUNG MINDS

Reaching for the Stars

What happens when the night sky becomes more than just something to admire? For students in the Shavit program, the answer is clear: it becomes a working laboratory, inviting them to investigate, test ideas, draw their own conclusions, and ask better questions. Through shared exploration, learning becomes a collective experience shaped by dialogue and discovery. 

READ MORE
From Clicks to Curiosity

In a digital landscape shaped by distraction and misinformation, meaningful science engagement depends on trust, clarity, and relevance. With carefully crafted questions that invite people to pause and think, the Davidson Institute's weekly challenge has become a gateway to deeper engagement and lasting interest in science. 

READ MORE
CELEBRATING THE INSTITUTE'S HIGHEST HONOR

In 2025, the Weizmann Institute proudly conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa upon seven awe-inspiring individuals whose achievements span science, innovation, and philanthropy:

  • Dita (Yehudit) Bronicki (Israel)
  • Prof. Patrick Cramer (Germany)
  • Karen W. Davidson (United States)
  • Dr. Eugene V. Koonin (United States)
  • Maurice Lévy (France)
  • Former Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel (Germany)
  • Ilana Ronat-Mantoux (Israel)
Videos of each honoree
Videos of each honoree
WEIZMANN LEGACY

The fate and future of the Ullmann Building
 

THEN: A building for the science of life

 

The Ullmann Building for Life Sciences was inaugurated on June 12, 1963 at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and other leading figures. At the ribbon-cutting, Ben-Gurion called on biologists to “transform the sciences of life into the science of peace and cooperation.” In the decades after, Ullmann became home to pioneering work in plant science and isotope analysis, and later to game-changing cancer research that shaped generations.

NOW: Loss, resilience, and renewal

 

Sixty-two years later, almost to the day, the Ullmann Building was hit directly by an Iranian ballistic missile, destroying labs, equipment, and samples, and rendering the facility unusable. In the aftermath of the attack, researchers returned to confront the devastation, as documented by Israel’s Channel 11. Once thought beyond saving, Ullmann is now being rebuilt according to its original plans—restoring a legacy of scientific continuity and resolve.
 

LEADERSHIP

The leadership of the Weizmann Institute demonstrated exceptional steadiness and continuity—across both research and community—through a year of profound challenge.

 

We extend our deep appreciation to our outgoing Vice Presidents for their vision and service, and warmly welcome their successors.

Prof. Alon Chen
President
Prof. Rony Paz
Vice President
Prof. Avishay Gal-Yam
VP, Development and Communications
Prof. Tony Futerman
VP, Innovation and Technology Transfer
Alon Weingarten
VP, Administration
Tamir Kadishi
Chief Financial Officer
With gratitude to our outgoing Vice Presidents
Prof. Ziv Reich
Vice President
Prof. Roee Ozeri
VP, Development and Communications
Prof. Irit Sagi
VP, Innovation and Technology Transfer

Our Deans play a central role in shaping the Weizmann Institute’s scientific direction by supporting our researchers, strengthening our academic community, and ensuring discovery can flourish.

Prof. Rivka Dikstein
Dean, Faculty of Biochemistry
Prof. Nirit Dudovich
Dean, Faculty of Physics
Prof. Ron Milo
Dean of Educational Activities
Prof. Moni Naor
Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Prof. Maya Schuldiner
Dean, Weizmann School of Science
Prof. Igor Ulitsky
Dean, Faculty of Biology
Prof. Milko van der Boom
Dean, Faculty of Chemistry
WEIZMANN WORLDWIDE COMMITTEES

The international committees of the Weizmann Institute of Science are dedicated to strengthening and expanding our circle of friends and supporters around the globe. Reach out to your local organization to learn more about ongoing projects at the Weizmann Institute and how you can get involved.

Australia
Israel
Canada
Latin America
Europe
UK
France
USA