The Weizmann Institute of Science is the best academic institution to work for outside the US, according to Scientist magazine's annual survey of the "best places to work in academia". It is up from second place in 2010 and 2009.

Academics surveyed at Rehovot-based Weizmann were enthusiastic about their institution on the various other criteria featured in the magazine's survey, including how far they agreed with the statement: "My work gives me great personal satisfaction."

"Our success is the result of many years of intense investment in research facilities, as well as of efforts to create a green, pleasing work environment," said Weizmann's vice president Haim Garty.

Investment at Weizmann has increased by almost a fifth since 2007, despite a six per cent drop in US government funding after 2007 as a result of the financial crisis. Weizmann has managed to offset the decrease by increasing support from Israeli and EU sources. Dr Garty said that Weizmann's success is partly due to its role in combating brain drain of Israeli scientists. "In the past five years, around 40 new scientists have joined the institute faculty, most of them Israelis," he said. "The institute has purchased the advanced equipment that will enable them to realise their potential."