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Israel's Weizm nn Institute of Science
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Weizmann Institute o Science in Rehovot,
BILL CARROLL
Special to the Jewish News
r
ormer Detroiter Ed Bayer says he really doesn't know how much
money he makes as a scientist at the Weizmann Institute of Science
in Rohovot, Israel. He just turns over his monthly paycheck to his
wife and returns to his job.
Bayer stresses that money is not that important to him, compared to the grat-
ification he gets from his research work. Most of his colleagues feel the same
way.
And therein lies the beauty, and success, of one of the top-ranking multidisci-
plinary scientific research institutions in the world.
Bayer is one of 2,500 unassuming scientists, research personnel and techni-
cians who quietly go about their work on 1,000 scientific and technological
projects a year, usually with little fanfare and recognition. But, in many cases,
their work has left indelible marks on the quality of life of millions of people
worldwide.
The Weizmann Institute is located in 80 buildings spread over 300 acres in
Rehovot. Dr. Chaim Weizmann, the noted chemist who later became the first
president of the State of Israel, founded the institute in 1949. He realiLed how
important science would be in reclaiming the desert lands of Israel, in generat-
ing industry, achieving economic viability and helping others in the world.
The Weizmann Institute and its work have affected several people in the
Detroit Jewish community, including Bayer, who went there with strong cre-
dentials more than 20 years ago.
Also touched by the institute are Dr. Claude Oster of Bloomfield Hills, a mul-
tiple sclerosis patient who leads an active and productive life after benefiting
from an MS drug developed there, and Bruce and Dorie Miller of Bloomfield
Hills, who adopted Weizmann for their charitable endeavors after both their
daughter and daughter-in-law contracted breast cancer.
The Millers will be honored by the institute at its biannual "gala celebration"
Monday evening, Sept. 10, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn.
On Nov. 14, the new William Davidson Institute of Scientific Education will
be dedicated, honoring the Bloomfield Hills industrialist and philanthropist
who donated $20 million to fund the mini-campus of five buildings.
Many Lives Affected
"In a number of ways, the institute touches the lives of many people around the
world and really makes a difference in their lives," said Daphna Ruby of West
Bloomfield, national vice president and Michigan director for the American
Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science. The organization has 12
offices in the United States, including one in the Max M. Fisher Federation
Building in Bloomfield Township.
The institute does basic research in biology, chemistry and physics, with heavy
emphasis on computers and math. The scientists devote a lot of time to all
forms of cancer research, as well as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis,
Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma and a host of other maladies.