About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), Israel
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is an agent of change, fulfilling the vision of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s legendary first prime minister, who envisaged the future of Israel emerging from the Negev. A recognized national and global trailblazer in many fields, the University is known for its commitment to excellence in research and teaching, its commitment to the community, and for its dynamic atmosphere and vibrant student life. Having just celebrated its 50th anniversary, BGU is looking ahead to the next 50 years with ambitious goals _ to continue to grow, transforming the Negev, Israel, and the world through cutting-edge research, education and community action.
A Research Powerhouse
An emphasis on research that can drive real world change has been part of the University's mandate from its inception. Unique collaborations and interdisciplinary degree programs are developing innovative approaches to solving problems and leading to singular advances across the sciences and the humanities.
Ben-Gurion University is a research powerhouse, with state-of-the-art facilities, research institutes of national and international stature, several affiliated hospitals, and over 60 interdisciplinary research centers and hubs. Its researchers have significant impact in fields at the frontier of science and technology, such as cybersecurity, robotics, and precision medicine. The University is also a recognized leader in multiple fields, including Israel studies, biotechnology, agritech, Hebrew literature, data sciences, tourism studies, chemistry, nanoscale science and technology, public health, and psychology. In order to continue to produce cutting edge research and educate the next generation of leaders and problem solvers, the University is committed to recruiting outstanding faculty and students, nurturing them, and providing the best possible environment for transformative research.
Strategically located in the heart of the Negev desert, BGU has a longstanding tradition of outstanding environmental research and an impressive track record of results. BGU research plays a key role in meeting the challenges of desertification and climate change – in the Negev, Israel and the world.
Much of this work takes place at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research at BGU’s Sde Boker Campus. Here, researchers and graduate students from around the world are developing strategies that address the most pressing concerns of the modern world: providing food, water, and energy in increasingly resource-scarce areas.
Additional cutting-edge climate change-related research takes place in departments and field sites across the University, including environmental engineering, earth sciences, geography and environmental development, and life sciences. This work has made Israel one of the few countries in the world where the desert is receding, thanks to sustainable development of drylands and advances in desert agriculture. Likewise, water security has actually improved through water reclamation and desalination. For more details, click here. The knowledge and expertise developed at BGU is disseminated around the world through The Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies; a truly unique graduate school in Sde Boker, whose alumni go on to lead the battle for sustainable development of their home countries. BGU is ranked the most sustainable university in Israel and one of the most sustainable universities in the world by “Green Metrics.”