The Lab of your D-Reams

You may be surprised to learn that archaeology is a thriving area of research for the Weizmann Institute of Science. With a focus on biology and chemistry, the Institute integrates tools and scientific methods to help us gain a better understanding of history and the development of human societies.

The Dangoor Research Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (D-REAMS) Laboratory aims to time cultural, environmental, and material changes in human history, using radioactive elements of carbon. Headed up by Prof Elisabetta Boaretto, the laboratory works on finding new methods for radiocarbon dating of materials, in order to track early modern human societies. At the centre of the lab is the Accelerator Mass Spectrometer system (AMS). The lab enables scientists to analyze and date archaeological finds with unprecedented precision.

Weizmann UK supporters, Dr. Judy and David Dangoor, members of the Weizmann Institute’s International Board, provided the major gift that, in 2013, established the D-REAMS Laboratory. In 2018, the also generously created the Dangoor Chair of Archaeological Sciences, with Prof. Elisabetta Boaretto, Director of the D-REAMS lab, as its first incumbent.

Speaking about their commitment to funding the lab, David Dangoor said: “What excited us about this project was the opportunity to bring typical Weizmann rigour into archaeology.”

You can find out more about the research of this fascinating laboratory and about what has motivated David and Judy Dangoor to support it in a new dedicated website. http://www.weizmann.ac.il/D-REAMS/

Published: March 13, 2019