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Weizmann Research Philosophy Non-for Profit Curiosity Driven Impactful Prof. Daniel Zajfman President Weizmann Institute of Science
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Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology Graduate school and Public Education Graduate school and Public Education Basic Science onlyImbedded multidisciplinary approach High level education programIntellectual Property rules and technology transfer Weizmann Approach: Basic Research Landscape Weizmann Approach: Basic Research Landscape
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Math and Computer Science Physics Chemistry Bio- chemistry Biology Feinberg Graduate School Davidson Institute of Science Education Davidson Institute of Science Education Yeda Tech-transfer Yeda Tech-transfer The Weizmann Institute of Science Dept. Science Teaching ~250 research groups 1,000 graduate students 350 post-docs 250,000 kids
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Budget and Facts 240 Faculty members 180 Staff Scientists 1,000 Graduate Students 400 Post-Doctoral Fellows ~2,000 engineers, lab technicians, construction, finance, etc… 240 Faculty members 180 Staff Scientists 1,000 Graduate Students 400 Post-Doctoral Fellows ~2,000 engineers, lab technicians, construction, finance, etc… 4,000 Trees 5.6% annual growth rate (~72%) 340 M€ 380 M$ 340 M€ 380 M$
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Science and Technology Research and Development Technologies and products Scientific Research Reservoir of knowledge Curiosity Industry Market
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One of the major driver of innovation is curiosity No amount of R&D on the candle could ever have done that. No amount of R&D on the candle could ever have done that. Michael Faraday 1791-1867
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We invest in excellent people with excellent ideas Curiosity driven The basic philosophy of the Weizmann Institute of Science We hire scientists who are… Knowledgeable Curious Passionate …about their own ideas
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The Weizmann Institute of Science transforms money into knowledge The industry transforms knowledge into money Science and Technology Research and Development Everyone should have a well defined role
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How do you create new and valuable scientific knowledge? What’s the business plan? Hire excellent scientists who are knowledgeable, curious, and passionate about their own ideas. Offer them top quality human and physical infrastructureProvide them the opportunity to take riskProtect their freedom to think
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Advanced Research Basic Research Applied Research Research Risk/Uncertainty Research Return/Potential Payoff Highest Payoff Lowest Payoff Highest RiskLower Risk Applied vs. Basic Research Risk and Return Weizmann Institute of Science
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Weizmann culture: Risk taking and failure management Little respect for “authorities” Multicultural environment People driven Chutzpah Weizmann culture: Risk taking and failure management Little respect for “authorities” Multicultural environment People driven Chutzpah What makes the Weizmann Institute of Science a successful scientific institution? Regular University Weizmann
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Does it work?
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2006-2009 2007-2010 2008-2011 2009-2012 2010-2013 Citation ranking based on scientific publications only Are the scientists of the Weizmann Institute of Science having an impact? Are the scientists of the Weizmann Institute of Science having an impact?
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Does it work? Top Biotech drugs on the market today
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Technology Transfer from the Weizmann Institute of Science Yeda Research & Development Co. Ltd. w w w. Y e d a R n D. c o mw w w. Y e d a R n D. c o m Cooperation with industrial partners
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Prof. Jonathan Gressel developed herbicide resistance methods for battling parasitic weeds, which ravage crops in several parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. An estimated 100 million farmers in Africa have doubled their yield since then. Prof. Leo Sachs groundbreaking research in the 1950's on the use of amniotic fluid to diagnose a fetus's genetic properties has formed the basis for today s prenatal diagnosis of human diseases. Prof. Michael Sela and Ruth Arnon have discovered the first drug for multiple sclerosis (Copaxone) Prof. Adi Shamir, together with two colleagues from the US, developed an algorithm (now called RSA) that is the basis for internet secure transaction. Examples of Weizmann technologies that are making a difference Examples of Weizmann technologies that are making a difference
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What keeps us busy today?
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Big Data: Using existing medical record for bio-medical research The Integrated Cancer Center: Computer Science, Math and Physics for fighting cancer? Intelligent Material: Learning from nature? New Opportunities? Microbiome: Our second genome?
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Quantum computation: Solving “unsolvable problems” and breaking the classical silicon limit. Science education: Convincing kids (and adults) that science is fun to study New Opportunities?
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What will be the next scientific revolution? Who will make the next scientific revolution?
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The next scientific revolution will be driven by scientists who have a multidisciplinary view of science, the opportunity to take risks, the infrastructure to work, and the freedom to think. Thank You
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