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Extensions and Affiliates:
Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research
(Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)
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Training Course on Desert Agrobiology
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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 designated
Access to Research Infrastructure (ARI) 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
in 1998. 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, the Institute carries out a wide range of research, study and training activities.
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: Institute for Agriculture & Applied Biology (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)
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