For one night, the Weizmann Institute of Science opens its doors to the public
Ever wanted to know how to fix a broken heart? What a scratch, pneumonia, and soil pollution have in common? Why insects could be the food of the future? Researchers’ Night at the Weizmann Institute of Science is an evening dedicated to science for everyone – to answering any and all questions about science.
Researchers’ Night has been taking place annually at the Weizmann Institute of Science since 2006, as part of the European Union Researchers’ Night event that takes place in hundreds of sites all over Europe. In Israel, it occurs within a nationwide framework of activities at academic research institutes and science museums and is supported by the Israeli Ministry of Science, Technology and Space. Researchers’ Night at the Weizmann Institute is organized by the Davidson Institute of Science Education, the Weizmann Institute’s educational arm.
This year’s Researchers’ Night theme is Humanity@2050, and it will take place just one night before the eve of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. By opening its doors to the public, the Weizmann Institute of Science is hoping to help answer a big question: just what do all of its scientists do in their labs?
The public is invited to partake of lectures and hands-on sessions, exhibits and demonstrations, tours of labs, and a visit to the Clore Garden of Science. Nobel Laureate Prof. Ada Yonath will explain why some of the most amazing discoveries in medicine have been snatched from the brink of “bankruptcy;” Prof. Tzachi Pilpel will talk about evolution as you’ve never heard it before; Dr. Ulyana Shimanovich will speak about worms and mice and what they teach us; Prof. Dan Yakir will ask whether planting forests is the best way to alleviate global warming; Prof. Varda Rotter will give us a peek into the cancer genome; Prof. Eli Arama will talk about cells that commit suicide; and many other scientists will be present to speak about their latest forays into the forefront of global science.
The activities will commence at 17:00 (5:00 p.m.) on September 19, 2017, and continue until late in the evening in the auditoria, halls, and open spaces of the campus. The activities are suitable for children, youth, and adults. All the events and activities are free of charge, but some may require registration on the Davidson Institute’s website.