A Tour of BGU’s Innovations
March 28, 2012
On a recent trip to Israel, a blogger for the Mother Nature Network took a tour of some of BGU’s most impressive innovations in the desert. He learned that BGU can overcome almost any obstacle put in its way.
At the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, researchers are taking advantage of the constant desert sunshine to discover new ways of creating and storing solar energy. They are also studying “the intractable problem of desertification, and focus on water conservation and growing plants in an inhospitable desert that is one of the driest (and saltiest) places on earth.”
At Qasr A Sir, a small Bedouin village in the desert that lacks grid electricity, solar panels and wind power provide its inhabitants with the power they need. BGU’s Dr. Yodan Rofė is studying the settlement patterns of Qasr A Sir and is working with the Israeli government to plan the development of the village according to the community’s needs.
In addition to solar energy, desert researchers are also producing the most unlikely treat: red wine. BGU scientist Dr. Aaron Fait is helping wine maker Daniel Kish determine the best possible water quality and quantity for each type of grape grown.
The blogger also got a close-up view of Israel’s new electric car future and posted a video blog.
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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