Even the impossible can be achieved if you put your mind to it
Prof. Zvi Ben-Avraham, founding Head of the Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, has a message for the next generation of marine scientists, “Anything is possible, so follow your dreams. I explored the Dead Sea in a submarine.”
Eleven years ago, the President of the University of Haifa, Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze’ev, asked him to head a new graduate school in marine sciences. “The School opened with the Department of Maritime Civilizations,” notes Prof. Ben-Avraham. “Shortly afterward, we established a Department of Marine Geosciences. All the while, we invested efforts in recruiting good people. The Department of Marine Biology was inaugurated next, followed by Marine Technologies. Thanks to the generous support of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, we are now well equipped to advance our deep-sea research agenda.”
An internationally renowned geoscientist and an Israel Prize recipient, Prof. Ben-Avraham also heads the Mediterranean Sea Research Center of Israel, was President of the Israel Geological Society and has served as a scientific advisor to leading Israeli government officials. “We are pleased to announce that following successful international and national academic reviews, the School was recognized for its outstanding research agenda and high professional standards. As I hand over the reins to Prof. Ilana Berman-Frank, I feel confident that the future looks bright.”
Prof. Ben-Avraham in a submarine transported to the Dead Sea to explore
the geological structure of the seafloor.
A calling from the deep
Prof. Ilana Berman-Frank is no stranger to the Sea. A seasoned marine biologist with extensive experience exploring the Mediterranean and Red Seas, she is an internationally respected professor of aquatic ecology and biological oceanography. In March 2018, she became the new Director of the Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences.
“The University of Haifa’s proven commitment to promote and develop an interdisciplinary school bridging together the many aspects of marine sciences was a major factor in my decision to accept this position,” stated Prof. Berman-Frank. “The School of Marine Sciences is a launching pad for advanced marine research and technological developments, training the next generation of marine scientists, advancing environmental protection, promoting stewardship of Israel’s natural resources, and raising the international visibility of marine research in Israel.”
Sixteen years ago, Prof. Berman-Frank founded the Biological Oceanography and Phytoplankton Ecophysiology Lab at Bar Ilan University. She served as President of the Israeli Association of Aquatic Sciences, and is an active member of a number of organizations and committees devoted to marine research and education in Israel and abroad.
Prof. Ilana Berman-Frank
“In ten years, I envision the School moving closer to the sea – where it naturally belongs – to serve as a hub linking marine and coastal research to commercial, technological and educational outreach programs.”
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