October 28, 2015
The goal of the Feinberg Graduate School is not only to educate people in a specific, well-defined scientific discipline, but to create a true scientific leadership for our society. We expect our students to become leaders in their fields, whether they end up in academia, industry or something completely different.
Prof. Daniel Zajfman, President, Weizmann Institute of Science
Founded in 1958, the Feinberg Graduate School has since become a world leader in teaching motivated students to conduct independent research at the cutting-edge of science.
The Culture
The highly-esteemed reputation of the Feinberg Graduate School cannot be attributed to one particular variable, but instead to a culture that nurtures scientific curiosity and a rigorous passion to potentially “change hundreds of thousands of lives,” in the words of Feinberg graduate, Dr. Eitan Shaulian.
In promoting an informal and dynamic learning environment, all students at the Feinberg Graduate School are immersed in pioneering lab work from day one and are encouraged to collaborate across scientific disciplines.
From the Lab to the Lecture Hall
Not only do Weizmann scientists mentor graduate students in their labs, they are the lecturers and instructors of the coursework required to complete a graduate degree. This collaboration is mutually beneficial. In the words of Weizmann scientist, Professor Joe Gillis: “Standing before a class presents a challenge that often compels a scientist to re-examine and clarify his thinking, or at least it ought to do so.”
It is within this shared, intimate framework that the students learn to be devoted to the pursuit of scientific excellence. Feinberg graduate, Dr. Lior Bogin, reflects on this pursuit. “We were exposed to all the latest scientific advances and we had all the best tools for testing our theories,” she reflects. “The feeling was that the sky is the limit.”
Accessibility
The most unique quality at the Feinberg Graduate School lies in its accessibility. Not only is the School physically accessible to it’s students at all hours, it also promotes a family-like culture that lends itself to interdisciplinary research.
The Feinberg Graduate School is also financially accessible. Every student is the recipient of a highly-prized scholarship, to assist them in focusing on their research studies.
Feinberg graduate, Professor Yoram Yovell reflects on his experience of this accessibility. “The always-open libraries, the open communication, the open horizon and the open door – for these I am grateful,” says the now Head of Haifa University’s Institute for the Study of Affective Neuroscience.
Overseas students also benefit from this accessible outlook. The School attracts a student population of over 700 MSc and PhD candidates from Israel and 24 other countries. Overseas students have always been an integral part of the Feinberg Graduate School – and one of the reasons why all course content is in English.
Criterion for Acceptance
The only criterion for acceptance to the graduate programs is academic excellence and integrity. Professor Lia Addadi, Dean of the Feinberg Graduate School, believes two steps form an essential part of the selection process.
“First, the openness to listen to all those who come, without prejudice and without suspicion; then the sensitivity to perceive the light in the eye that reveals a true drive to enter the world of science.
“Once such students have been identified, there follows the kindling of that passion in each individual, through daily contact with a productive scientific environment. Each student must be provided with the tools to develop what is often a nebulous, as – yet – unformed scientific personality into a full-blown scientist.”
Graduate Pathways
The Feinberg Graduate School offers graduate programs leading to either a Master of Science (MSc) and/or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Study programs are offered in five major fields of study: Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Science Teaching.
Applications to the PhD tracks are accepted throughout the year, while applications to the MSc degree must be received before the end of May for the following academic year, typically beginning in late October.
In addition to the degree programs, the School administrates the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at the Institute. Applications to this program are accepted throughout the year.
For more information about the School and how to apply, please contact WEIZMANN AUSTRALIA.
I always knew the Institute was excellent, but only later did I realise how extraordinary it is. Being at the Weizmann Institute was like being on a scientific adventure. I had a unique opportunity to learn about all fields of science by just talking with friends.
Feinberg graduate, Prof.Gilead Tadmor
