Advanced Technology

Weizmann’s research into advanced technology is immense and acts as a time line for technology’s evolution.

It all began in 1954 when researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science built Israel’s first computer – which was also one of the first in the world. Later in the 1970s the algorithm that allows our online transactions to be secure, was co-developed by a Weizmann cryptographer. More recently an Institute scientist created a DNA-based biological computer that can fit into a drop of water. Apart from these important achievements Weizmann scientists also developed the technology behind light-sensitive spectacles and windscreens; are using quantum electronics to develop our next generation computers; creating artificial vision and image-recognition systems; and finding ways to use technology to increase our security, such safety-checking complex systems in nuclear reactors and spacecraft.

Weizmann Facts

In 1954 built Israel’s first computer and one of the world’s first

Designed the world’s smallest computer made of DNA – 1 trillion can fit into a drop of water

Winners of the version of the Nobel Prize for computer science – the AM Turing Award

Weizmann scientists have created a formula to predict how cracks will advance in specific materials

Seeking to guarantee privacy online

A Weizmann mathematician and MIT colleagues invented ways to encrypt and decrypt information, creating the Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) algorithm. In addition to laying the foundation of Internet privacy, RSA is used worldwide for financial and governmental online security.

Seeking high distinction and recognition in computer science

In 2003 the A.M. Turing Award was awarded to Weizmann’s Professor Adi Shamir to recognise his work in the field of Cryptography. Known as the ‘Nobel Prize of computer science’ in 2013 it was again awarded to Professor Shafira Goldwasser to acknowledge her work also in the science of cryptography. She is third woman to win the award.

Seeking ways to use mathematics to predict material stress and failure in airplanes and dams

A mathematical formula to predict how cracks will advance in specific materials, such is the metal of airplane wings and concrete in dams has been created by Weizmann scientists. This is important in helping to predict how such structures can manage under stress.

Seeking ways to get microscopic biological computers into our blood and find, identify and diagnose illness

The world’s smallest computer made from DNA was created in 2001 by Weizmann’s Professor Ehud Shapiro. This microscopic computer is so small a trillion can fit into one drop of water. In 2004 the computer found signs of cancer and released a drug into the body. Work continues on its development.

Seeking out methods to develop systems that safely operate space shuttles

Computer language that aides in the development of complex safety systems used in aircraft, space shuttles and nuclear power stations have been developed by a Weizmann computer scientist.

Seeking solutions to the online security of our information

Encryption has been around for some years and in the early 1970s a Weizmann mathematician and two MIT colleagues developed several encrypting and decrypting methods, laying the foundations for internet security. This technology has also led to ‘smart cards’ used in current global financial and government communications.

Seeking new diamond cutting methods that make any shape and minimises loss

A method of laser-cutting diamonds to cut to any shape and reduce loss was developed by Weizmann scientists.

Seeking ways to transform material states using light

It was a Weizmann laboratory that discovered how to make clear material like glass turn dark when exposed to light – termed photochromism. This has been the basis of the development of commercial goods, such as spectacles and vehicle windscreens which turn dark when exposed to light.

Seeking to use lasers to help design new medicines

Weizmann and overseas scientists have developed lasers that can control chemical reactions. This technique can help to develop ways of isolating molecules and develop new drugs.

Seeking great science that produces a new patent each week

Weizmann is highly successful in taking research to market. Weizmann’s technology transfer arm – Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. – has in the last five consecutive years been ranked in the top five university licence income earners in the world. In Israel it has the largest patent portfolio overall.

Seeking out the technology for a computer to power a nation’s high-tech economy

The first computer in Israel, and one of the first in the world, was built by Weizmann scientists in 1954. Called WEIZAC it started a high tech economy for the nation.

Seeking to speed up the identification of new genes and proteins to check millions of research samples

A way to identify novel genes and proteins super quickly for research was developed by Weizmann’s Professor Dan Tawfik. The method uses an emulsion of tiny water drops suspended within oil drops allowing samples to be viewed and assessed faster than current methods.

Seeking ways to make robots see as we do

Robotic visual systems are being created at Weizmann using brain research to ultimately help robots see as we do.

Other achievements

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