BGU is recognized by the United Nations as a world leader in desert research, water resources and sustainable development of drylands.
BGU’s Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research are focused on harnessing the arid-zone ecosystem for human habitation. The Blaustein Institutes are comprised of three world-renowned research institutes: the Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, the French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, and the Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research. The knowledge gained here is shared with the world, where the rapid expansion of desert, called desertification, affects 1 billion people in 100 countries.
Its Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies (AKIS) offers English-language master and doctoral degree programs in desert studies, and hydrology and water quality.
“Israel is moving straight ahead in producing water with major desalination plants and we get more and more each year this way from seawater. This will be the solution for Israel and Jordan.”
–Prof. Eilon Adar
Desert & Water Research News
see all newsOveruse Is Drying Out the Sea of Galilee
Diversion for agriculture is the reason for the diminishment of Israel’s major source of fresh water.
BGU Announces New Rector and Deans
Prof. Haim Hames is elected rector. New deans are elected for the Glazer Faculty and the Blaustein Institutes.
American Associates Village Honored for Eco Design
The student village in Sede Boqer won an architecture award for its unique and desert-friendly design.