| |
| |
|
|
Extensions and Affiliates:
Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research
(Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)
|
 |
|
| |
| |
Closing ceremony, training course on Conservation of Biodiversity in Desert Ecosystems, Israel
| |
The institute at Sede Boqer, is the Israeli national institute for
scientific exploration of the desert, its natural resources, flora,
fauna and human inhabitants. It is also a Large-Scale Facility for
Desert Studies of the European Union. The institute has been a MASHAV
extension since 1989. In addition, the institute is home to the
Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies, an integral part
of Ben-Gurion University, established two years ago. The school
offers a two-year program, taught in English, which leads to an M.Sc.
degree in desert studies. This unique program, already attended by a
number of former MASHAV trainees, qualifies its graduates to carry
out research, take responsible positions in the management of
drylands and lead the battle against desertification.
Owing to its dual role as an academic and research institution and to
the unique composition of its faculty, a wide range of research,
study and training activities are carried out. Some 60 scientists as
well as research staff and graduate students are involved in basic
and applied research, addressing Israeli, regional and global
problems and needs. Activities include programs in environmental
physics, desert meteorology, hydrology and water resource management,
ecology, conservation biology, environmental protection, desert
agriculture, livestock production, aquaculture, cellular and
molecular biology, biodegradation of environmental pollutants, social
sciences and desert architecture.
A number of MASHAV sponsored programs are conducted at the Blaustein
Institute, in the interest of promoting international collaboration,
by bringing research scientists and students from all corners of the
world to the Sede Boqer campus.
MASHAV courses taught over the years at the Blaustein Institute
include Desert Agrobiology, Wastewater Treatment and Re-use,
Conservation of Biodiversity in Desert Ecosystems and Photosynthesis
and Algal Biotechnology.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research
Coordinator: Dr. Elliot Birnbaum
Sde Boqer 84990
Website: http://www.bgu.ac.il/BIDR/bic/welcome.htm
E-mail: elliott@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Tel: 972-8-6596745
Fax: 972-8-6596742
Next: Extensions and Affiliates: Israel Meteorological Service
|