Chemistry of Holy Land

Chemical research is thriving in Israel - a tiny country far away from major scientific centers and surrounded by hostile neighbors. The country ranks third in the world in research papers published per million population. That's just one characteristic detailed in the profile of science in the Holy Land based on visits to 30 research groups by Chemical & Engineering News, ACS' weekly newsmagazine.

"The odds of developing a successful chemical research program in such a place and under such circumstances might seem slim, and the task may seem daunting," reports C&EN senior editor Mitch Jacoby, who wrote the cover story. "Yet Israeli chemists don't seem particularly fazed by the challenge. 'Kacha zen ba'arets,' they say in a matter-of-fact way - "That's just the way things are in Israel."

In the article, Jacoby draws on interviews with scientists at institutions throughout Israel to provide a sweeping view of the kinds of research projects underway in Israel, and the scientific life in the Holy Land. The article draws contrasts with science in the West, noting, for instance that young Israeli scientists begin their careers older, due to mandatory military service, and work in a culture of usually-small research groups and modest budgets.-American Chemical Society