Student Spotlight: PhD Student Inbar Shani

Meet Inbar Shani, PhD student in the Department of Physics of Complex Systems, in the lab of Prof. Ofer Firstenberg.

Inbar’s passion for science and physics cannot be missed! Her motivation, passion and curiosity exemplify Weizmann’s core values. Inbar is the recipient of a scholarship by a donor of the European Committee of the Weizmann Institute of Science, that is awarded to outstanding students.

We asked her a few questions- learn more about Inbar below!

What motivated you to pursue a PhD in physics? 

What motivated me to pursue a PhD in physics is my lifelong fascination with understanding how the world works. Physics captivated me with its ability to precisely describe the dynamics of various systems. When I saw how this understanding could drive technological advancements and improve daily life, my excitement only grew. I became immersed in the pursuit of narrowing the gaps in our knowledge, and I realized that precision measurement is the key to achieving this. A PhD offers the opportunity to explore these questions deeply and contribute meaningfully to the field.

What about Weizmann made you want to devote your time and research here?

What drew me to devote my time and research to the Weizmann Institute of Science is its exceptional reputation for groundbreaking research and its strong focus on advancing science. The opportunity to work in an environment that fosters collaboration with brilliant minds, provides excellent working conditions, and offers robust research funding is invaluable. At Weizmann, I can fully dedicate myself to my research goals without unnecessary distractions, ensuring that I have the best possible support to achieve meaningful scientific progress.

What have you been most surprised about since starting at Weizmann?

What has surprised me most since starting at the Weizmann Institute is how seamlessly everything operates. The management team does an outstanding job, and the level of support is truly remarkable. Whenever I encounter an issue, I know exactly who to reach out to, and it is resolved quickly. As I am in the process of assembling a new lab, the departmental workshop has been incredibly collaborative, working closely with my team. They design and simulate every component specifically for our experiment, ensuring that even the finest details are executed perfectly. The IT team is equally impressive – always available to resolve technical issues promptly. Their dedication and efficiency have made my experience here exceptional, and I know I will miss this support system greatly when my time at Weizmann comes to an end.

How has your outlook on your research evolved over time?

Before arriving at the Weizmann Institute, my MSc research focused on theoretical physics. Seeking to grow professionally and gain a deeper understanding of physics, I chose to join an experimental physics group led by the brilliant Prof. Ofer Firstenberg. Through this transition, I came to appreciate how concepts that seem straightforward in theory can become extraordinarily challenging in practice. This experience has deepened my understanding of the hard work and dedication required to bridge the gap between theoretical ideas and experimental realization. It has profoundly shaped my outlook, teaching me to value the complexity and persistence needed to bring research from paper to practice.

Anything else you would like to share?

Physics intersects with numerous research fields, offering insights at many levels. I believe that fostering fundamental physics research is essential, as it plays a crucial role in driving advancements not only in technology but also in disciplines like chemistry, biology, and beyond. Being part of this exciting journey of discovery is truly a privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute.