John Paul College student off to Israel

The ‘Bessie program’, as it is fondly known, is organised by the Weizmann Institute of Science in Jerusalem. It brings together approximately 80 highly-talented senior secondary students from all over the world to experience the challenges and rewards of scientific research and is geared towards students who are interested in pursuing a career in science research. The main focus of the programme is student participation in the on-going laboratory work of the Weizmann Institute. Students need more than good grades to take part; they also need to be able to work under intense laboratory conditions. 

This amazing opportunity is fully supported by the Raye Freedman organisation, which includes all international travel and registration costs. The scholarship is worth $10,000. 

During the three week programme, the students spend the first couple of weeks conducting research in the campus laboratories.  The work includes the exploration of problems in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematical and computer science, with instruction in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment, advanced computers, a particle accelerator, and lasers. 

For the last week, students move to a different scientific focus: a field school in the Judean and Negev Desert. Expert guides from the Syd-Boker field school will lead hikes and 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. 

“This is a great opportunity for a talented young New Zealander,” says Andrew Cleland, Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. 

Eamon leaves for Israel at the start of July.