MAXINE SINGER

SINGER--Dr. Maxine. February 15, 1931 - July 9, 2024. The American Committee joins the worldwide family of the Weizmann Institute of Science and the global scientific community in mourning the passing of Dr. Maxine F. Singer. She was 93. A trailblazing scientist, pioneer in biotechnology, visionary policy and administrative leader, and powerful advocate for women in science, Dr. Singer was a treasured friend and International Board Life Member of the Weizmann Institute. In 1956, Dr. Singer joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and contributed to nucleic acid research, laying the groundwork for deciphering the genetic code in the 1960s. In 1975, she became chief of the Nucleic Acid Enzymology Section at the National Cancer Institute's Laboratory of Biochemistry, leading it from 1980 to 1987. In 1988, she became the first woman to serve as President of the Carnegie Institution for Science, holding the role until her retirement in 2002. During her tenure, she spearheaded major scientific and educational initiatives, including the construction of the twin Magellan telescopes at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Dr. Singer earned a host of honors throughout her celebrated career, among them the National Medal of Science (1992) and the National Academy of Sciences' highest honor, the Public Welfare Medal (2007). Dr. Singer's involvement with the Weizmann Institute began in 1971 as a visiting scientist on sabbatical leave from the NIH. She became an involved collaborator and valued leader for the Weizmann Institute, serving as both a member and co-chair of the Scientific and Academic Advisory Committee, in addition to holding myriad board leadership positions. In 1978, she joined the Board of Governors and in 1991, she was elected a member of the Executive Council. To commemorate her efforts and the indelible mark she has left on the world of science, in 1995 the Weizmann Institute awarded Dr. Singer the Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa, its highest honor. In addition, each year, a prize in her name is awarded to outstanding Weizmann Institute staff scientists. Dr. Singer is survived by her husband, Daniel, their four children - Amy, David, Ellen, and Stephanie - and their grandchildren. May her memory be for a blessing. Harvey G. Knell, National Chair, American Committee; Molly Morse, President, American Committee; Dave Doneson, CEO, American Committee; Prof. Alon Chen, President, Weizmann Institute of Science; Bob Drake, Chair, International Board