About this episode
In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions—the Weizmann Institute—and explore how cutting-edge innovation, visionary philanthropy, and unwavering resilience are shaping the future of medicine and humanity. From revolutionary MD-PhD programs redefining medical education, to breakthrough blood cancer detection methods published in Nature, to the relentless spirit of scientists rebuilding amidst adversity—this conversation is a testament to hope, courage, and the pursuit of progress against all odds. Join us as we uncover how the legacy of scientific excellence is being fiercely protected and propelled forward, inviting you to be part of a movement that transcends generations and changes the course of human health forever.
About the Weizmann Institute of Science
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, is one of the world’s top-ranking multidisciplinary research and graduate institutions. Committed to science for the future of humanity, the scientific community of nearly 5,000 engages in best-in-class exploratory research that leads to breakthrough advances in health and medicine, brain and neural science, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, food security, space exploration, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and education.
The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science shares the Institute’s devotion to advancing world-changing science, partnering with generous individuals, foundations, and corporations to help Weizmann scientists answer some of the most difficult questions facing humanity. Learn more at WEIZMANNUSA.ORG.
What happened on June 15
During the early hours of June 15, the Weizmann campus was devastated by two direct hits from ballistic missiles launched by Iran as part of a broad attack on Israel’s civilian infrastructure.
Five major research buildings were destroyed or significantly damaged. More than 50 labs have been impacted, many losing years of scientific progress in areas that include cancer, life sciences, and computer science. 400 international students have been displaced. Early estimates for the total cost of damages range between $300 million and $500 million.
(View video footage from Kan News)
What now?
The Institute and its global community maintain their resolve that the science must go on because it is critical to addressing some of humanity’s most pressing and widespread challenges. Currently, they are engaging in a global fundraising effort that is essential to providing immediate relief and propelling their long-term rebuilding plans.
With such significant damage, philanthropists have an opportunity to play a greater role in world-changing science than ever before. Now is the time to talk to the American Committee about making a gift to the Emergency and Recovery Fund, and do something bold, great, and lasting.
Contact CEO@acwis.org to support the Emergency and Recovery Fund.
About this guest
Dave Doneson has been CEO of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science since September 2018. Under Dave’s leadership, the American Committee has significantly expanded its outreach on behalf of the Institute, advocating for some of the most innovative, transformational, and essential scientific research in the world today. Weizmann’s generous donors have responded in kind, increasing their philanthropic support of science for the future of humanity to record levels.
Prior to joining the American Committee, Dave was Chief Development Officer of the American Technion Society (ATS), where he led a team of more than 30 fundraising professionals focused on frontline fundraising for the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. He previously served as Director of Development for the University of Michigan Health System, where he managed teams focused on major gifts fundraising.
Dave holds a ... read more at www.9x90.co/Dave-Doneson