Training Future Scientists

 

The Feinberg Graduate School, the Institute’s university arm, was established in 1958 with the support of a $25-million loan (eventually turned into a grant) from the U.S. government. The School, which will soon be celebrating its 50th anniversary, is registered as an accredited higher education institution both in Israel and in the U.S. It awards M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in mathematics and computer science, physics,  chemistry, life sciences and science teaching.

Outstanding students from around the globe pursue their studies at the Feinberg Graduate School. The language of instruction is English, and the average advisor-student ratio is 1:3. About 1,000 research students are enrolled: some 300 are pursuing M.Sc. degrees, and 700 Ph.D. degrees. About 45% are female. In addition, the School lists some 220 postdoctoral fellows, about a third of them from the United States, Canada, Latin America, the European Union and Africa, as well as Korea, China, India, Australia and New Zealand.

The Feinberg Graduate School trains research students for senior posts in academia, scientific and medical research, industry and governmental bodies. Its curriculum mandates the students’ direct involvement in research conducted at the Institute. This intensive program poses a real challenge to the students; all receive scholarships to cover their tuition and living expenses so that they can devote their full attention to research and study.

Summer science programs

The Academic Affairs Office organizes the Karyn Kupcinet International Science School for Overseas Students and the Emma and Oscar Getz Summer Science Program for Israeli Students. Every summer, about 30 undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of studies are admitted to each of these programs. (Neither admits graduate students.) They spend 10 to 16 weeks at the Weizmann Institute, gaining experience in various fields of science under the guidance of Institute scientists.

Community involvement