About

Since its establishment in 2013, the Schwartz/Reisman Science Education Center in Rehovot is a state-of-the-art scientific hub for outstanding high-school science students from Rehovot and Ness Ziona. The Center offers high-level science coursework in core curriculum and advanced topics in physics. The Center in Rehovot – located at the Weizmann Institute of Science, on the Ruth and Uriel Arnon Science Education Campus – advances quality science education with the aim of cultivating the next generation of scientists in Israel. Additional centers are planned in other areas of Israel, with an overarching goal of establishing a national network.

Today, the Center caters to 1300 students in grades 10-12 from 14 area high schools. Future plans include integrating chemistry coursework as well.

The Schwartz/Reisman Science Education Center’s operational model is based on the success of the HEMDA – Schwartz/Reisman Science Education Center in Tel Aviv, which was founded by Prof. Haim Harari, former president of the Weizmann Institute of Science, in 1991. The model is based on a concentration of infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. By providing one central hub for physics studies in the region, the Center offers a supportive learning environment, top-notch lab facilities and equipment, and a staff of excellent teachers, all highly experienced education professionals with advanced degrees in science.

The Schwartz/Reisman Science Education Center offers diverse and technology-oriented learning methods that facilitate a broad understanding of science. It is cultivating a community of students, teachers, and parents, thereby promoting excellence and increasing student motivation for advanced science studies at the university level.

One of the central features of the Ruth and Uriel Arnon Science Education Campus is the Gelfand Fab Lab, a digital design and production laboratory in which teachers and students are able to design tools for experiments and competitions utilizing the computers.

The interplay between students, teachers, parents, and the unique participation by staff members of the Weizmann Institute of Science fosters science literacy at the highest level. It is expected that these students will go on to careers in science, high-tech, and biotech.

When it reaches its full potential, Schwartz/Reisman Center is expected to accommodate more than 1,500 students each school year.

The center is headed by Dr. Ronen Mir. Dr. Mir has established and managed science museums and science education centers in Israel and abroad and has served as Scientific Director of the Clore Garden of Science, General Director of MadaTech – the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space in Haifa, and Executive Director of the SciTech Hands-On Museum in Illinois.

The Board of Directors of the Schwartz/Reisman Science Education Center is headed by Prof. Daniel Zajfman, President of the Weizmann Institute of Science, and includes prominent Weizmann Institute scientists, and leaders in industry and academia.