Fact Check: Years of research obliterated in Weizmann Institute missile strike
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, was struck by Iranian missiles, resulting in significant damage to its facilities and research capabilities. The strike is reported to have destroyed multiple laboratories, including those focused on critical areas such as life sciences and chemistry, effectively halting years of ongoing research. According to AP News, the damage was extensive, with reports indicating that "several buildings were hit quite hard," leading to the obliteration of some labs and the loss of invaluable research materials.
Professor Eldad Tzahor, whose regenerative medicine lab was completely destroyed, described the scene as resembling "a war zone," and noted that around 90% of the institute's buildings sustained some level of damage (Science). The strike has been characterized as a retaliatory act by Iran in response to Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations (Science Business).
Analysis
The claim that years of research were obliterated at the Weizmann Institute is supported by multiple credible sources. The AP News article highlights the emotional and professional toll on scientists, stating that the strike "snuffed out years of scientific research." This sentiment is echoed by Professor Oren Schuldiner, who lamented that his lab's work over 16 years was "entirely gone" with "no trace" left behind.
The Science Business report further corroborates the extent of the damage, estimating that around 15 European Research Council-funded projects could be disrupted due to the missile strike. This aligns with Professor Tzahor's assertion that the damage is "enormous," and that many research groups are now left without facilities.
Moreover, the Times of Israel provides personal accounts from affected researchers, emphasizing the loss of critical biological samples and experimental data, which are often irreplaceable. The emotional and practical ramifications of such destruction are profound, as many scientists have dedicated years, if not decades, to their work.
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news organizations and scientific publications, which lend credibility to the claims made regarding the missile strike's impact. The reports are consistent in their descriptions of the destruction and the implications for scientific research at the Weizmann Institute.
Conclusion
The claim that years of research were obliterated in the missile strike on the Weizmann Institute is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates that the strike resulted in extensive damage to laboratories and research projects, effectively halting significant scientific work and causing irreparable loss to the research community.
Sources
- Iranian missile strikes Israel's Weizmann research institute | AP News
- Iranian missile strike devastates two buildings at Israel's Weizmann | Science
- Weizmann Institute missile strikes hits EU-funded research projects | Science Business
- From heart tissue to DNA samples, Weizmann scientists mourn work | Times of Israel
- Iran's strike decimates top Israeli science institute after Tel Aviv | TRT
- Iran's missile strike destroys pioneering research lab at the Weizmann | i24 News
