A bit earlier than 3 a.m. on 15 June, two Iranian missiles hit the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. We contemplate this a direct focusing on of Israeli science and the worldwide enterprise of science that advantages humanity.
Though, fortunately, there have been no human casualties on campus, greater than 50 Weizmann analysis laboratories, led by world-class scientists doing cutting-edge science, had been destroyed both by direct hits or shock waves. The strikes got here near the houses of many scientists and college students who dwell on campus.
Information adjustments shortly on this a part of the world, however as I write these phrases, I can categorical gratitude for the ceasefire and hope that it’s adhered to.
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Let me be clear: our institute shares values with many Iranians, together with these Iranian scientists dwelling exterior Iran with whom we collaborate on live-saving and life-sustaining analysis. I stay up for the day when Israeli scientists can freely collaborate with scientists in Iran and do good for the area and for humanity. I want the identical for scientists in Gaza and all through the Center East.
This blow comes after 20 months of battle in Gaza and southern Lebanon, following the assaults of seven October 2023 on Israel by Hamas. We proceed to grieve the lack of life on each side. We stay deeply distressed by the continuing battle in Gaza, the hostage disaster and the Palestinian humanitarian disaster.
Over the course of historical past and the numerous wars in our area, science has endured. We at Weizmann are dealing with challenges head-on and persevering with in our mission as we at all times have: by advancing science that protects and sustains life, and doing so by way of worldwide collaboration with colleagues no matter their id or nationality.
The worth of science
Science can tackle points that know no geographical borders. At Weizmann alone, life scientists’ discoveries have led to medicines for most cancers, a number of sclerosis and different autoimmune ailments, in addition to diagnostic strategies comparable to amniocentesis: a prenatal check to test for genetic or chromosomal situations in a fetus. Our microbiologists are engaged in fixing the pressing drawback of antibiotic resistance. And our plant scientists have discovered methods to engineer crops for improved diet and resilience to pests. Different breakthroughs are taking place at different Israeli establishments daily, with constructive results worldwide.
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Regardless of Israel’s small geographical measurement and inhabitants, the nation has achieved nice success in science and expertise because of its profitable mixture of educational freedom, curiosity and scientific literacy.
Whilst Weizmann recovers from probably the most tough second in its historical past, I really feel strongly that we might be on the beginning line of a brand new period for the area — one during which borders open up and Weizmann and different Israeli establishments can have interaction with colleagues all through the Center East. Our want is to ascertain extra partnerships with extra nations in Center East and Gulf states, as we did in 2020, once we established a proper collaboration with Mohamed bin Zayed College of Synthetic Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.