November 6, 2009—The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, ranked second among the top international academic institutions on The Scientist magazine's annual survey of "Best Places to Work in Academia." In both 2005 and 2008, the Weizmann Institute of Science was ranked as the top international academic institution (outside the United States) by survey respondents.
The survey, published in the November issue of The Scientist, reviewed the entries of more than 2,350 qualified respondents. Survey respondents represented 119 institutions: 94 from the U.S. and 25 from abroad. The respondents were asked to assess their working environment by indicating their level of agreement with 38 criteria in eight different areas, while also specifying how important each factor was to them. Research resources, pay, peers, job satisfaction, and tenure and promotion were among the eight categories included in the survey.
Princeton University was ranked the best place to work in academia in the U.S. and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics was ranked the top international academic institution. The magazine determined that, overall, respondents focused on collaboration, team building, and unique funding opportunities as important work environment factors.
The Scientist magazine provides coverage of the latest developments in the life sciences. This year's survey results, as well as in-depth analysis, full-color charts, methodology, and past survey results can be viewed at www.the-scientist.com/bptw.
The Weizmann Institute of Science, noted for its wide-ranging exploration of the natural and exact sciences, is home to 2,600 scientists, students, technicians, and supporting staff. Institute research efforts include the search for new ways of fighting disease and hunger, examining leading questions in mathematics and computer science, probing the physics of matter and the universe, creating novel materials, and developing new strategies for protecting the environment.
The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science is a community of dedicated people who share a common vision in support of the Institute. The generous assistance the Institute receives from individuals, foundations, and corporations is vital for its future. Committee members show their devotion to the advancement of the Institute's goals by becoming partners in the search for answers to the most difficult challenges facing humanity.
