A lighthouse for learning
In September 2024, Ruth Shoham stepped into her role as the CEO of the Davidson Institute of Science Education, the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science. With an expansive background, ranging from the military and cybersecurity to academia, Ms. Shoham is bringing a new perspective, experience, and mission to advance science education.
In this conversation, she shares her journey, the new direction she has planned for the Davidson Institute, and her vision for making science education more accessible, innovative, and impactful across Israel, especially for the social and geographical periphery.
Can you describe the new vision for the Davidson Institute?
Davidson is entering a new phase. Our vision is to position the Institute as Israel’s central hub for science education—one that will have a clear national impact. After completing a deep strategic review—where we reassessed our structures, reviewed the external educational landscape, and honed our priorities—we are now focusing on building partnerships with leading institutions and local authorities to expand access to high-quality science education across Israel: to the general public through the Clore Garden of Science, to science enthusiasts and gifted students, and to the educational workforce, all aligned with the Weizmann Institute’s flagship projects.
What specific changes does this vision call for?
We are working on deepening and leveraging our connection with the Weizmann Institute, including a focus on the interdisciplinary areas in which the Institute excels—astrophysics, sustainability and earth sciences, neuroscience, medicine—all integrated with AI as a research tool.
In parallel, we are continuing to offer dedicated pathways for Arabic speakers by expanding bilingual and culturally adapted science programs, ensuring full accessibility to our content for Israel’s Arab sector and promoting coexistence in the country. We are also developing new ways to promote women in science, using the rise of artificial intelligence as an opportunity to shape a field that can grow on equal ground and with fewer built-in biases.
Can you share some examples of initiatives already underway?
We recently established the Pi Center, a professional hub created to meet the evolving challenges of science education in Israel. Designed as a national center for innovation and leadership, the Pi Center develops new models and digital tools for students, educators, and the public, driving initiatives such as promoting girls in STEM and building partnerships with municipalities across Israel’s periphery.
We’ve invested extensively in educational content at the Clore Garden of Science to ensure that visitors have meaningful scientific experiences during their visit.
Our advanced science matriculation programs are at the core of our efforts to expand excellence and inclusion in science education. We are developing an ambitious initiative to significantly increase the number of students completing matriculation exams, with a focus on reaching students in the social and geographic periphery, and on increasing participation among girls.
Having grown up in the periphery myself and having devoted much of my career to advancing women in leadership, I see this as both a personal and national mission. The AI revolution and the emergence of new scientific fields provide a unique opportunity for girls to enter these areas before gender stereotypes take hold. Ultimately, our goal is to expand female representation in AI training programs and strengthen their presence in the military, academia, and industry. Davidson also trains science educators across Israel on how to work with youth in vulnerable situations, teaching them to combine hands-on scientific learning with emotional support and mentorship.
What does a municipal partnership look like?
We offer municipalities a holistic program that starts with identifying their community’s needs, designing a tailored model for the city or town, training staff, and creating a growth pathway for diverse audiences, students, and teachers. The goal is to establish solid long-term partnerships with municipalities to bring world-class science learning to every community.
What’s your vision for the future of science education in Israel, and Davidson’s role in it?
I see the Davidson Institute as a lighthouse for science education in Israel. Our holistic model is rare in Israel but aligned with top institutions abroad. Davidson is uniquely positioned to ensure that a child in the Negev, a teacher in the Galilee, a parent in Tel Aviv, and a science enthusiast in a remote village all receive the same uncompromising quality of science education.
What content areas are you focusing on?
We’re aligned with some of Weizmann’s main scientific areas: astrophysics, brain research, and sustainability. We’re also developing new programs in computational medicine, in alignment with the Weizmann Institute’s new physician-scientist training program [the MD-PhD program in honor of Miriam and Aaron Gutwirth].
Can you tell us about your professional background and how it prepared you for this role?
I began in mathematics and operations research, serving in the IDF’s Planning Directorate and Unit 8200, where I led major strategic efforts. I later established the Center of Excellence of IBM worldwide for cyber research, and the technology for the Israeli government’s national cyber command center, then worked with Start-Up Nation Central, and served as deputy head of the National Cyber Directorate. Most recently, I served as CEO of the Open University of Israel, where I led a large-scale transformation during the pandemic. Each of these roles has shaped how I approach complex systems, innovation, and education.
How do these experiences come together in your role at Davidson?
Davidson sits at the intersection of science, education, and management—exactly the combination I’ve worked in throughout my career. Though I am not a scientist, I bring academic curiosity, a strong understanding of the education system, and leadership experience to help guide Davidson through meaningful change. Promoting women in technology has been an important part of my professional journey, and I remain active in several forums that support this mission.
How do you balance Davidson’s tradition with innovation?
We’re proud of our 25-year legacy, the foundation for everything we’re building now. Our team is outstanding, and with their talent, we’re ready to take a bold leap forward.