BGU Hosts International Coral Restoration Course
An intensive coral restoration course combining research, fieldwork and advanced marine technologies brings students from three countries to BGU’s Eilat Campus.
Twenty-three students, including ten from Mexico, took part in an immersive academic and hands-on program in the heart of Eilat’s coral reef as part of an international restoration course held at Ben-Gurion University’s Eilat Campus. During their stay, the students — who quickly became enthusiastic ambassadors for the city — were introduced to unique and innovative restoration methods designed to preserve the northernmost coral reef in the Red Sea.
The Marine Biology and Biotechnology Program at Ben-Gurion University’s Eilat Campus successfully conducted a groundbreaking course on coral reef conservation and restoration, held between November 9 and 17, 2025. This international-format course brought together students and leading experts from Israel and abroad, strengthening Israel’s standing at the forefront of global marine research.
The course marked a highlight in international cooperation to advance marine science. As part of the initiative, ten outstanding students from Mexico received a full scholarship covering flights, accommodation, and tuition. Participation of the Mexican students in the program was made possible through the generous support of the Goldberg Crenier family. The program was designed to deepen global partnerships in the protection of marine ecosystems and to expose the next generation of scientists to the worldwide challenges posed by climate change. Alongside the Mexican cohort, twelve Israeli students and an additional participant from Australia also took part in the course.
The practical curriculum included in-depth lectures, field excursions, laboratory experiments, and extensive in-water activities. Students met with international experts, contributed to the design of artificial reefs, identified coral species in the field, and worked with cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing to advance new restoration solutions. At the end of the program, the students returned to Mexico equipped with knowledge and practical tools they can apply in their home countries to support the protection and rehabilitation of local coral reefs.
Prof. Nadav Shashar, Head of the Marine Biology and Biotechnology Program, said:
“Our coral conservation and restoration course at the Eilat Campus is an opportunity to share our most recent advances in marine biotechnology with the world. The Gulf of Eilat lies at the tip of a long coral reef system, and we are developing restoration methods that are now being adopted globally. We are proud to host students from Mexico and Australia who share our passion for safeguarding the marine environment for both wildlife and people.”
Eilat Mayor Eli Lankri noted:
“We were delighted to host the students from Mexico and to introduce them to our research initiatives and unique environment. Their decision to come to Eilat reflects curiosity, courage, and openness—values that connect people, cultures, and worlds, especially in such a challenging period.”
Dr. Jenny Tynyakov, coordinator of the Conservation and Restoration of Coral Reefs Course, added:
“Running an international course on coral reef restoration in parallel with the global climate conference in Brazil reflects our deep commitment to protecting marine life and the ecosystems that sustain it.”
