Weizmann

Weizmann is a surname most closely associated with Chaim Weizmann, a Russian-born chemist and statesman who played a pivotal role in the Zionist movement and in the founding of the modern state of Israel. The name is linked to several institutions named in his honor.

Chaim Weizmann (1874–1952) trained as a chemist in Germany and Britain. He developed the acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation (ABE) process using Clostridium acetobutylicum, a breakthrough that helped the British war effort during World War I and boosted his international standing. He became a leading figure in Zionist diplomacy, chairing the World Zionist Organization and advocating Jewish settlement in Palestine. After Israel declared independence, Weizmann served as its first president from 1949 to 1952 and remained an influential elder statesman.

The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot is a major scientific research center that traces its origins to his support for science and higher education in the region. Established in the 1930s, the institute conducts research across life and physical sciences and mathematics, contributing to advances in multiple fields. The Weizmann House, his residence on the campus, is preserved as a museum and function venue, reflecting the historical ties between science and state-building in Israel.

The Weizmann name is used for other programs, centers, and facilities in Israel and around the world, underscoring Chaim Weizmann's legacy in science, education, and national development.