Weizmann Institute of Science and Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Clalit Health Services, recently signed a memorandum of understanding on a collaborative biomedical research initiative.

The ‘Schneider-Weizmann Center for Research on Child and Adolescent Health’ will be jointly established by the Weizmann Institute and Medical Center. The anticipated fields of research include oncology, neurology, psychiatry, gastroenterology, endocrinology, nutrition and metabolism. Other fields of research may be agreed upon in the future.

The initiative arose from collaborative research activities with the participation of researchers from both institutions that led common interest in investigating processes of growth and development in children and youth, and of discovering new ways of preventing and treating diseases.

The two institutions will act together and separately to raise the funds needed to support this collaborative effort.

“The main mission of the Weizmann Institute of Science is basic science – that is driven by the scientists’ curiosity,” said Professor Alon Chen, President of the Weizmann Institute of Science.

“Many aim to better understand processes in nature, especially those in the human body, and experience has shown us that this sort of basic research can lead to the development of new medical technologies, drugs and methods of treatment. In the past few years, and now as we internalise the lessons of corona, we have put extra effort into shortening the bridge that connects scientific ideas to medical applications,” he said.

“It is important for scientists to learn from physicians about medical areas that need scientific attention. Creating collaborations between scientists and physicians can speed that transfer and enable all of us – researchers and doctors – to use our knowledge and abilities for the benefit of humanity.”

According to Professor Joseph Press, Director of Schneider Children’s Medical Center since it was founded, Schneider Medical Center has been known in the medical community in Israel and around the world for its diverse clinical expertise and its ground breaking research – which have led to international collaborations with top medical establishments.

“I am proud of these research activities, both in Israel and abroad; the innovative techniques we developed and our achievements over the years,” said Professor Press.

“I believe that research is what makes the difference between a good hospital and an excellent hospital; and I am certain that this connection between the Weizmann Institute of Science and Schneider Children’s Medical Center will lead to research into the development of new treatments that will give hope to numerous children around the world,” he concluded.