Prof. Dan Ariely thinks people are predictably irrational. What does that mean for the coronavirus era? Join us for the Festive Open Plenary Session of the 2020 International Board, which includes a conversation with the Israeli-American behavioral economist from Duke University and Weizmann scientists who will share news about their COVID-19 research efforts.

What’s the meaning of excellence, and how is educational excellence maintained in times of crisis? As part of our traditional Clore Prize ceremony, we invite you into a conversation between Shirin Natour Hafi, founder and principal of Lod’s first Arab public high school a 2020 PhD honoris causa recipient, and the Weizmann Institute’s Prof. Eran Bouchbinder. They will talk about their joint volunteer science-mentoring program after a decade of challenges and successes.

He waves magical, intricate tales, avoids the role of preacher, and sees writing as a meticulous, painstaking craft. Acclaimed Israeli novelist Meir Shalev will receive an honorary PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science at a festive online ceremony during the International Board’s Annual General Meeting, and will be the keynote speaker.

Please join us.

Ceremony for the conferment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa

Britain’s first astronaut says there is no greater beauty than seeing the Earth from space, and her story is an inspiration for future generations of explorers of all kinds. Helen Sharman will talk about her experiences as part our special session on Frontiers of the Universe, the Weizmann Institute’s flagship project in astrophysics and particle physics, also featuring Weizmann physicists Prof. Avishay Gal-Yam, Dr. Sagi Ben-Ami, and Dr. Ran Budnik.

How do you build the best teams, communicate effectively, inspire each other, and perform at the top of your game? As part of our session on the Institute for Brain and Neural Sciences, we invite you into a conversation between Weizmann Institute President Prof. Alon Chen and veteran NBA and Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball coach David Blatt. The session will also highlight neuroscientists Prof. Ofer Yizhar and Dr. Meital Oren-Suissa who will talk about their cutting-edge research.