Brain Gain

 

"We can't allow ourselves to not bring these young scientists here. We can't afford to lose their talents," said Prof. Daniel Zajfman, President of the Weizmann Institute of Science, while recently introducing some of the newest members of the Institute faculty to the Institute Board of Governors. This year marks the 60^th anniversary of the Weizmann Institute, and we are celebrating by looking forward: A record number of young scientists has been recruited to the Institute in the last three years. In the years to come, they will shape not only the face of the Institute but the course of science as a whole.

Those who would attract young, outstanding scientists to work in Israel face tough competition. When they're at the point of finishing postdoctoral research and looking for a faculty position, these scientists – men and women who have the potential to pioneer new scientific fields or revolutionize medical research or technology – may be receiving offers from top labs around the world.

 

After spending several years working abroad, the pull of home can pale beside the lure of a large, well-endowed university in North America or Europe – even for native Israelis. Therefore, rather than waiting for these young scientists to come knocking on the door, the Weizmann Institute has made a concerted effort to seek out new talent.

 

Recruiting young, promising scientists requires, first and foremost, up-to-date labs with the latest scientific equipment, often running to a million dollars or more for a new researcher. The outlay can include everything from an entire lab outfitted to study bats in a natural, cave-like environment to investing in the fastest lasers in the world – with pulses of a billionth of a billionth of a second.