11 young female scientists, from a number of universities and research institutions, will receive grants that will encourage them to pursue a scientific career

This is within the framework of the Weizmann Institute's program for the advancement of women in science

11 young female scientists, who completed PhD studies with honors at several institutions of higher education in Israel, will receive grants in the amount of 15 to 25 thousand dollars per year (for two years), for each winner. The grant distribution ceremony will be held on September 14 in Schmidt Hall at the Weizmann Institute of Science. These grants will help them embark on post-doctoral research at leading universities abroad. This, as part of a program of the Weizmann Institute, which is designed to encourage women and help them choose a scientific career in the fields of natural sciences (physics, chemistry and life sciences), and the exact sciences (mathematics and computer sciences). The goal: to close the large gap that exists today between the number of women and men in the senior academic ranks.

Five of the winners completed their studies at the Hebrew University, three at the Weizmann Institute of Science, two female scientists studied at the Technion, and one winner studied at Tel Aviv University. The winning young scientists were chosen by a special committee on behalf of the Feinberg Seminary, led by the adviser to the president of the Weizmann Institute for the Advancement of Women in Science, Prof. Adi Kimchi.

The Weizmann Institute of Science's program for the advancement of women in science, which began operating three years ago, is designed to help young scientists overcome the main bottleneck in which the women's professional training path is blocked - the departure for a period of research abroad. As part of the program, the Weizmann Institute awards special grants that enable many outstanding women to undertake post-doctoral research at leading research institutions abroad. The grant provides an incentive (financial, but also social and professional), and makes it easier for women - and especially for married women and mothers of small children - to finance the stay abroad for two years of training. The program is intended for women who see their future in developing a scientific career in Israel, with the intention of creating female leadership in Israeli research institutions.