Every summer since 1969, the Dr. Bessie F. Lawrence International Summer Science Institute (ISSI), more fondly known as the “Bessie program,” brings together approximately 80 highly talented 18–20-year-old students from all over the world. During the month-long program, students experience the challenges and rewards of scientific research, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the Weizmann Institute of Science and life in Israel.
Prof. Yardena Samuels of the Dept. of Cell and Molecular Biology can attest to the value of The Bessie Lawrence Program. She was a “Bessie” student herself at age 17. “It was my first experience working in a lab, being mentored, doing very serious research. And it had a very strong impact on me,” she said. Today, Prof. Samuels is a cancer geneticist at the Weizmann Institute.
During the month of July, students spend the first three weeks conducting research in the campus labs. The work combines the exploration of problems in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematical and computer science. Students are also instructed in the use of sophisticated lab equipment such as electron microscopes, advanced computers, a high-energy particle accelerator, and lasers.
But it’s not all work – there are lectures by senior Weizmann Institute scientists, departmental talks, and visits to some of the state-of-the-art facilities on campus. And after three weeks on campus, the group moves to an altogether different scientific focus: a field school in the Judean Desert and the Negev. Expert guides from the Sde-Boker field school lead hikes that acquaint the students with the unique ecological, geographical, geological, zoological, and archaeological characteristics of the area – some of which are one-of-a-kind in the world.
One program student said, “It’s only been a week, and I’ve already learned ten times what I learned in high school.” Students also appreciated being on the Weizmann campus to soak up the campus culture of knowledge and discovery at Weizmann. Tzippora Chwat from Cedarhurst, New York, said, “Everywhere you turn, there’s someone talking about their cutting-edge research... it’s an atmosphere.” Like Prof. Samuels before her, Tzippora hopes to return to Weizmann one day as a researcher.
The American Committee continues to support students from the U.S. who want to pursue their scientific dreams at the Weizmann Institute. These talented, young scholars represent the future of scientific research.
