ISSI Summer School

Dr. Bessie F. Lawrence International Summer Science Institute (ISSI)

For over five decades, the Weizmann Institute of Science has opened its doors to outstanding graduates from leading schools around the world to deepen their enthusiasm for science. This long-standing event, known since 1969 as the Dr. Bessie F. Lawrence International Summer Science Institute (ISSI), has brought together thousands of science-loving young people in an inspiring atmosphere that fosters their curiosity and passion for science. We, as the Austrian Society of Friends of the Weizmann Institute of Science, are particularly committed to supporting and promoting the scientific education of young adults. The Dr Bessie F. Lawrence International Summer Science Institute offers young people the opportunity to participate in high-calibre research projects and to deepen their enthusiasm for science.

We are therefore proud to report that two Austrian high school graduates successfully qualified for the ISSI programme and were given the opportunity to participate in summer 2023.

Selection procedure and process

After a rigorous selection process, the ISSI programme accepts around 80 outstanding high school students finishing their academics from Israel and around the world each year. Over a period of one month, the programme focuses on conducting scientific research in a cutting-edge research laboratory and learning basic scientific principles. Participants spend the first three weeks doing intensive lab work on campus, experiencing first-hand the challenges and rewards of scientific research and getting to know the Weizmann Institute and Israel. Working with experienced researchers at the Institute, participants explore questions in the fields of biochemistry, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. They attend lectures on topics such as robotics, gene therapy and brain research and are encouraged to lead seminars on topics of their choice.

Finally, participants spend a week in a field in their tents near the Dead Sea, where they study the unique ecosystem and wildlife of Israel and explore its history and archaeology. All activities are supervised by a dedicated programme staff under the auspices of the Davidson Institute of Science Education at the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Since its foundation, more than 3,000 graduates have had the opportunity to participate in the ISSI. In addition to the invaluable scientific knowledge, skills and experience they have gained in the Weizmann Institute's laboratories, participants forge friendships that last for many years. Over the years, alumni in different countries have held reunions and interacted professionally as a result of their shared summer experiences at ISSI.