Founded in 1944, the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ACWIS) develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, which is one of the worlds leading scientific research institutions. It is a national community of volunteers and professional staff who share a common vision with the institute in advancing science for the benefit of humanity and in strengthening Israel through science and technology. The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science s research efforts include creating novel materials, developing new strategies for protecting the environment, searching for the new ways of fighting disease and hunger, and probing the physics of matter and the universe. It engages in various activities to develop philanthropic funds for the institute from individuals, families, foundations and the business community. The Weizmann Institute of Science, founded in 1934, is a community of more than 2,500 scientists and engineers who are engaged in a full agenda of over 1,000 research projects ranging from basic medical research to chemistry, biology, agriculture, computer science, environmental studies and the fundamental laws of physics.