About The Project
The Plant Microbiome Mapping Project is a joint initiative of the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Davidson Institute of Science Education, the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute. The project is part of ongoing research conducted in the laboratory of Prof. Ziv Reich at the Weizmann Institute, led by Dr. Dagan Sadeh. The goal of the project is to map the composition of microbial communities that live on Israel’s plants and in their surrounding environment and affect plant survival.At this stage of the project, the focus is on microorganisms such as bacteria and microscopic fungi. Data collection for the study is carried out at dedicated centers by high school students specializing in biology, biotechnology, agriculture or environment studies, under the guidance of their teachers. The initiative provides an opportunity to participate in active research conducted at the Weizmann Institute of Science, with real scientific and environmental significance.
What is a Plant Microbiome?
The plants that surround us do not exist in isolation. They depend on a vast community of microorganisms that live on them and in their environment, influencing their growth and ability to survive under diverse conditions. The collection of genes belonging to the microorganisms that live on and around a plant is called the “plant microbiome”. These genes serve as "identity cards", revealing which microorganisms are present on the plant and in its surrounding environment. You may already be familiar with the term "microbiome" in the context of humans: similar to plants, we too host countless microorganisms, such as those found in our digestive system, that significantly affect our health and survival.
Why?
Microorganisms on Plants as a Source of Discoveries for the Benefit of Humanity
Microorganisms that live on plants and in their surrounding environment play a crucial role in plant survival—much like the microorganisms in our bodies influence our health. Although some are known as disease-causing agents, many others support plant growth and confer resistance to diseases and environmental stress. Nevertheless, extensive research is still needed to fully understand their impact on plants. Mapping the plant microbiome holds the potential for discoveries that could drive significant advances in the fields of agriculture and environmental science - for instance by enabling the development of crop varieties more resistant to extreme heat, and even leading to the discovery of new drugs.
What?
Building a Database of Microorganisms Found on Plants
This research enables the construction of a large-scale genetic database of microorganisms - primarily bacteria and microscopic fungi - that inhabit plants and their surrounding environments in Israel. The database is openly accessible to the scientific community, as well as to students and educators participating in the project.
How?
With your help!
Sample collection from plants across Israel is carried out by students from biology, biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental science tracks, accompanied by teaching staff specializing in those fields. This is your opportunity to take part in advanced scientific research conducted at the Weizmann Institute of Science, get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of science, and enjoy hands-on scientific learning in the field - in collaboration with the Davidson Institute of Science Education.
Davidson Institute of Science Education
The Davidson Institute of Science Education is the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to sparking curiosity and inspiring a passion to explore what is fascinating about science. Driven by a belief in the power of connecting people with science, the Davidson Institute of Science Education develops, organizes, and runs a wide range of educational programs
Weizmann Institute of Science
The Weizmann Institute of Science is a world-leading multidisciplinary research institute in the natural and exact sciences. It has a rich history of scientific research that has produced many discoveries, and it upholds a strong tradition of advancing science for the benefit of humanity. The Institute also plays a key role in training Israel’s future scientific leadership and in promoting science education among students of all ages as well as the general public.
Our partners
Arava Environmental Science Education Center
The Center for Science, Agriculture and Environmental Studies in the Arava is an educational institution established in 2019 at the Dead Sea and Desert R&D Center (also known as the Dead Sea-Arava Science Center, ADSSC) in Hatzeva, giving it a unique character. Academic research at the R&D center spans a wide range of fields, including desert ecology, desert agriculture, geology, hydrology, pharmaceutical research, precision agriculture, and more. The center serves as a bridge between R&D and science education, engaging students from the Arava region and across Israel. Equipped with state-of-the-art technological facilities, it also houses a Makerspace—a hub for multidisciplinary technological innovation that encourages exploration, discovery, and hands-on educational activity. The center invites creators, students, and independent researchers to take part in the development of solutions in the fields of precision agriculture, foodtech, and agritech. Its biology laboratory is equipped with analysis tools, systems for monitoring biological processes, and additional molecular and biotechnological equipment that support creativity, entrepreneurship, scientific inquiry, research, and application. Contact: Rachel Bardo Mobile: 052-4212120 Email: rachelib@adssc.org
To the website of Arava environmental science education center
Schneider Children's Center
Schneider Children's Center, part of the Clalit Group, is the only hospital in Israel dedicated exclusively to the treatment of children. Recognized as one of the leading pediatric centers in Israel and worldwide, it is renowned for its medical achievements and contributions to research. The Center encompasses all pediatric specialties and serves as a referral hub for children from across the country and numerous other countries. The hospital also operates an educational center – a school for hospitalized children – designed to ensure educational continuity for children during hospitalization.
Additional partners
More partners will be joining the project in the future – stay tuned!
Thank You
A special thanks to the children of Beit Ekstein, who prepared the sampling kits for us. Beit Ekstein is the largest organization in Israel providing person-centered services for individuals with disabilities.
