The Bridges of Science Programme is an initiative wherein the Weizmann Institute offers an exceptional opportunity to outstanding recently graduated IMPH students from low/low-middle income countries, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, to become visiting students at the Weizmann Institute of Science and benefit from exposure to basic science research for a period of 3 months. The programme’s creation and design is the collaborative work of Professor Hagit Hochner, Director of the IMPH, and Professor Neta Regev-Rudzki, Weizmann Institute of Science Principal Investigator, Malaria Parasite Biological Aspects.
Neta has felt a strong connection to Africa for years, having spent time working there as part of her research on Malaria. As the PI at a lab at the world-renowned Weizmann Institute for Science, focusing on a communicable disease which significantly impacts the African continent, Neta has felt she needed to establish a connection with Africa through her work.
Luckily, Neta has a friend, Hagit Hochner, from her Master’s Degree Programme in Genetics, who she knew worked with leading public health professionals from around the globe. As Hagit began her period as Director of the IMPH programme at the Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the Hebrew University, sponsored by Pears Foundation, she thought it was the perfect opportunity to collaborate with Neta. Neta and Hagit came up with a pilot programme to have five exceptional IMPH alumni spend three months at a lab at the Weizmann Institute, gaining experience in basic science. Neta pitched the pilot concept to Professor Ziv Reich, of the Weizmann Institute, who thought it was an exciting initiative, and agreed to fund the programme and provide support as needed.
Hagit has reflected on earlier conversations about this collaboration, stating that the impetus for the programme is really rooted in providing a unique opportunity for IMPH alumni to continue to grow, embracing life-long learning in a new way, having an experience to pursue new areas of interest, gain new skills, and have exposure to some high level labs and scientific research. Neta and Hagit have championed the notion of building bridges between different disciplines in the sciences and social science, looking at the bigger picture, of how these worlds connect, especially when we view public health through the “One Health” lens.
Pictured above from left to right, Martin Ngonyani, Judy Omumbo, Bridges of Science Symposium Keynote Speaker and IMPH alumna, Kator Igbudu, Ines Kwawa, Dr. Maureen Malowany, Prof. Hagit Hochner, Prof. Ronit Calderon Margalit, Director of the Braun School of Public Health, Stella Kanja, Innocent Mwombeki
Bridges of Sciences Awardees
The BoS awardees, Kator Igbudu, Nigeria, 2023; Stella Kanja, Kenya, 2019; Ines Kwawa, Cameroon, 2024; Innocent Mwombeki, Tanzania, 2020; and Martin Ngonyani, Tanzania, 2024, were each placed in different labs based on what piqued their interest.
Kator joined the lab of Professor Neta Regev-Rudzki. He reflected on his work, “I contributed to research aimed at combating drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum, by testing the efficacy of synthetic antimicrobial peptides in eliminating Plasmodium infected red blood cells. This work has allowed me to develop cutting-edge biomolecular research skills while contributing to innovative solutions to a disease that continues to affect millions. This journey has been both challenging and fulfilling, and I’m excited about the opportunities to collaborate, learn, and contribute further to public health.”
Stella joined Professor Assaf Gal’s Materials of the Ocean Laboratory which focuses on understanding the biological and chemical processes behind biomineralization in marine algae, such as diatoms and coccolithophores. Stella reflected on her experience, “I have gained fascinating insights into how these microorganisms play a critical role in maintaining atmospheric and oceanic balance as part of the carbon cycle. By fixing atmospheric carbon dioxide into stable forms like calcium carbonate, they contribute to slowing ocean acidification, ultimately supporting life on Earth. I acquired hands-on skills in laboratory and imaging techniques and had the opportunity to conduct my own experiments. This exposure has demonstrated the profound real-world applications of scientific research. Participating in this programme has been a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It has shown me that science is an endless pursuit of knowledge, and I am excited to apply these lessons in my future academic and professional endeavors.”
Ines joined the lab of Professor Ruth Scherz-Shouval, a renowned expert in transcriptional and epigenetic regulation within the tumor microenvironment, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts. Ines reflected on her time at Weizmann, “This experience has been transformative, deepening my understanding of the tumor microenvironment and its role in cancer progression. It has also provided me with insights into how fundamental research can translate into real-world applications, including the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. I am thrilled about the opportunity to expand my research horizons and explore innovative approaches that can ultimately benefit cancer patients.”
Innocent worked in Professor Amnon Bar-Shir’s Molecular MR Imaging Laboratory where he participated in a research project focused on developing MRI molecular probes for detecting diseases. He reflected on his time at the Weizmann Institute, stating “that my placement significantly enhanced my molecular-level research competencies and provided me with hands-on experience using advanced research equipment. It has been transformative, allowing me to bridge my clinical research expertise with the fundamentals of basic science research.”
Martin joined the Vascular Biology Department under the mentorship of Professor Karina Yaniv, a global leader in vascular and lymphatic development research. “My research focused on the mechanisms underlying varicose vein formation—an area with significant knowledge gaps. In collaboration with Dr Natalie Noam, a vascular surgeon and PhD student, we are bridging basic and applied sciences to develop insights that could improve global vascular health outcomes. Through this research, I have gained hands-on experience in molecular techniques such as zymography, cryostat, tissue cell culture, and real-time PCR, alongside participating in programming courses. I feel privileged to be part of a world-class scientific environment at the Weizmann Institute, where collaboration with leading experts fosters innovation and advances human health. This journey has been immensely rewarding, deepening my passion for scientific research that benefits humanity. The Weizmann Institute stands out as a hub of innovation and collaboration, offering an unparalleled environment for learning and discovery.”
BoS Symposium Keynote speaker
Dr. Judy Omumbo
IMPH alumna, Dr Judy Omumbo delivered the keynote address at the Bridges of Science Symposium, which marked the end of the first cohort’s three months at the Weizmann Institute. Judy is an accomplished climate change and global health expert and professional. She is Head of Programmes at the Science for Africa Foundation, managing bespoke programmes that develop research excellence, career progression of emerging to leading African scientists and facilitate the research ecosystem in Africa. Judy also fosters partnerships within the research ecosystem which entails generating innovative scientific ideas that address the Africa’s most pressing developmental needs, while championing the foundation’s efforts for funding from early discovery sciences to translation sciences.
Her passion is to mentor young women scientists to become world class leaders in their fields of study. In her various capacities, she has advised on several national policies addressing vector control, anti-malarial drug resistance, and the impact of interventions against malaria on child mortality and more widely in the research and policy dialogue on climate change adaptation and resilience. She is a member of the WMO Research Board, the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) steering board, and past co-chair of the WMO COVID Task Team on Air Quality and Meteorological Factors in COVD-19 transmission. Judy is an alumna of the International Master of Public Health Course at the Braun School of Public Health, HUJI (1993).
Judy inspired the crowd of accomplished scientists and public health professionals, emphasizing the importance of Africans in Africa determining their own health priorities and building the capacity in the research and science fields to address those priorities without relying on the Global North.