Every summer since 1969, the Dr. Bessie F. Lawrence International Summer Science Institute (ISSI), more fondly known as “the Bessie program,” brings together approximately 80 highly talented 18-20 year old students from all over the world to experience the challenges and rewards of scientific research and to learn more about the Weizmann Institute of Science and life in Israel.
During the month-long program, the students spend the first three weeks conducting research in the campus labs. The work combines the exploration of problems in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematical and computer science, and instruction in the use of sophisticated lab equipment such as electron microscopes, advanced computers, a high-energy particle accelerator, and lasers.
But it’s not all work – there are lectures by senior Weizmann Institute scientists, departmental talks, and visits to some of the state-of-the-art facilities on campus. And after three weeks on campus, the group moves to an altogether different scientific focus: a field school in the Judean Desert and the Negev. Expert guides from the Sde-Boker field school lead hikes that acquaint the students with the unique ecological, geographical, geological, zoological, and archaeological characteristics of the area – some of which are one-of-a-kind in the world.
Location(s)
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
- Sde-Boker Field School, Israel
Schedule
- July 1st - July 24th, 2025
Cost/Compensation
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Participants are required to be 18 years old by July 1 st , 2025. Minors will not be able to participate in the program.
- Academic studies: The program is intended for outstanding high school graduates, gap-year students and 1 st or 2nd year bachelor’s degree students.
- Academic requirements: Candidates are required to present a strong scientific background. A successful candidate will demonstrate excellent academic achievements in science studies as well as proven involvement/ interest in scientific research outside the classroom. This can be manifested by means of extracurricular scientific activities, projects, competitions, summer programs, etc.
- English requirements: The International Summer Science Institute (ISSI) is an English spoken program. High proficiency in English is mandatory.
Deadline
- March 1st, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed application form, which must be completed as a single pdf or docx file.
- A complete transcript or list of courses (with grades) the applicants have taken during their last year's academic studies.
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors, school principal, professors or others, from relevant scientific oriented fields, who know the applicant well during the last couple of years.
- A photograph of the applicant, pasted in the designated box.
- 2 essays
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The Weizmann Institute of Science is a research institution located in Rehovot, Israel. It was founded in 1934 and is home to over 2,500 scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students from around the world who conduct cutting-edge research in a wide range of scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and computer science. The Weizmann Institute offers a variety of programs for undergraduate and graduate students, including a highly selective graduate school, an undergraduate honors program, and summer research internships for students from around the world. In addition, the institute offers a range of outreach programs and activities to promote science education and public engagement with science.
