The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR), at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), is home to numerous renowned scientists, whose research spans a wide range of environmental disciplines related to renewable natural resources, including desalination techniques and wastewater treatments, hydrology, ecology, environmental microbiology, environmental physics, renewable energy, modern sustainable agriculture, and nature conservation. BIDR’s scientists are renowned for their distinct expertise in implementing environmental sciences tailored to semi-arid and arid lands, and in successfully upscaling ad-hoc strategies to regions threatened by global warming and desertification.
Located in the heart of the Negev Desert, the BIDR offers scientific excellence combined with accessibility to the living laboratory of the desert in which it resides. As such, it is an attractive research and educational institute for international students interested in developing arid regions and addressing the challenges posed by the impacts of global warming and climate change in these environments. The proposed BSc program is a natural and timely addition to BGU’s long-term investment in educating the next generation of experts dealing with the world’s natural resources and their sustainable utilization.
The new international BSc degree in renewable natural resources (RNR) provides a robust study program, for students who are inclined to the natural sciences in the broadest sense, and to anyone who wishes to be part of the next generation of experts who globally endeavor to develop solutions to the current crisis. In this respect, the international nature of the program will serve as a cornerstone in the creation of a worldwide network of scientists and activists who will lead global actions for the environment.
The potential students will be those who are interested in environmental issues and are aware of the impending risks of neglecting these topics.
Candidates should have a matriculation certificate and provide evidence of having studied mathematics at an intermediate level, with a final grade of 85% or higher/B+ or above, or at an intensive level with a final grade of 75% or higher/B- or above.
Additionally, candidates must have studied at least one of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Earth Sciences, with a final grade of 75% or higher/B- or above.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in the public and private sectors, from government ministries to local authorities, to serving as regulatory advisors and pollution prevention managers in private corporations, environmental engineering consulting firms, NGOs, environmental entrepreneurship enterprises, and more. Furthermore, the suggested program provides a strong foundation for those interested in continuing to higher degrees in all disciplines of the natural sciences, and especially for those wishing to create a broad understanding of our global ecosystems.
The program includes core modules followed by selected specialization tracks. The program will focus on creating a robust educational foundation in the natural sciences and on familiarizing students with cutting-edge strategies for the sustainable use, development, and conservation of soil, water, and vegetation.
During the first year, students will develop their fundamental scientific background, while being exposed to a broad selection of topics, an introduction to renewable natural resources (RNR) as a science, and the pivotal role this science plays in addressing future environmental issues.
The second year will be devoted to introductory courses in the core subjects of environmental sciences and renewable natural resources.
This background will prepare the students for the third year, during which the studies will branch into three specialization tracks:
- Environmental agrobiology: plant sciences, biodiversity, nature conservation, and the interactions between the physical and biotic habitat;
- Environmental science: environmental physics and chemistry, climate, sustainability, and natural resources;
- Environmental technologies: sustainable solutions in water treatments, renewable energy, food security, environmental entrepreneurship, and desert-tech.
Students will live in the dorms of BGU's Sde Boker campus.
Courses will take place in Sde Boker as well as in Beer-Sheva, and transportation between the campuses will be provided to students of the program.
This program will launch in 2026 - more details are coming soon!
