The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ACWIS), founded in 1944, develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, one of the world's premier scientific research institutions. The Weizmann Institute is a center of basic multidisciplinary scientific research and graduate study, addressing crucial problems in technology, medicine and health, energy, agriculture, and the environment. ACWIS engages in various activities in order to develop philanthropic funds for the Weizmann Institute from individuals, families, foundations, and the business community; educates the American public about the Institute's research; and represents the Institute's interests in the U.S.