Ben-Gurion University Foundation
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Ambassadorial visit to BGU ahead of the COP26 Conference
His Excellency British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan OBE recently visited Ben-Gurion University of the Negev late last week to hear about cutting-edge environmental research ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), which begins next week in Glasgow. Accompanied by His Excellency Sergio Barbanti, Italian ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Wigan was briefed by BIDR Director Prof. Noam Weisbrod. The UK and Italy are co-hosting COP26.
The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR) have been conducting research on the water-food-energy nexus for 50 years, long before the current climate crisis became everyday news. In recent years, their research has become ever more relevant as countries must find alternate sources of water, food, and energy.
“It was a pleasure to visit Ben-Gurion University in the Negev to learn more about how their desert research can tackle climate change.
"Israeli innovation will play an important part in helping to solve global climate challenges. I look forward to seeing how continued academic cooperation between the UK and Israel can further contribute to the regional and global fight against climate change,” Ambassador Wigan said after the visit.
Prof. Weisbrod briefed the ambassadors on research into desertification, water scarcity, desert agriculture, renewable energy, ecosystem dynamics, dryland sustainability, and climate change.
They also met with Prof. Shai Arnon from the Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research who discussed his research into microplastics transport in rivers and streams. Prof. Naftali Lazarovitch, director of the French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, discussed cultivating vineyards in deserts.
Photo Credits: Shay Shmueli/BGU
Eric Charles Z"L 1931-2020
The Ben-Gurion University Foundation and the whole Ben-Gurion University (BGU) community mourn the very sad loss of its longstanding Treasurer, Trustee and Member of the Board of Governors.
Eric was devoted to his loving wife of 63 years Jacqueline, his children John, Henry, Susan and his 9 grandchildren.
Incredibly generous both in spirit and nature Eric supported many charitable causes as well as ours. Indeed, as a couple, Eric and Jacqueline have been instrumental in providing for BGU students through the Jacqueline Charles Student Scholarship Endowment, and their support of countless other student projects. Eric was a true champion of BGU, who cared deeply about the future of the University and its students.
Outside of his work with BGUF Eric had a wonderful work ethic having been the senior partner at accountancy firm Citroen Wells for very many years. Having retired in 1995 he continued working fulltime as a consultant attending the office most days.
Eric took pride in his appearance and was always impeccably dressed. A world traveller always accompanied by his beloved wife Jacqueline, one of his particular passions was to visit the capital cities of each one of the 50 US states and tick them off his list. No mean feat which he remarkably achieved. His love of music was well known ranging from Frank Sinatra in his earlier years, to classical in later years. He would travel with Jacqueline to many concerts and operas in London and many other locations around the world. Eric was heavily involved with his synagogue, The Central, as well as being a lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur.
We send our sincere condolences to Jacqueline, John, Henry, Susan and the entire family.
Eric's memory should be a blessing to the very many of us who had the pleasure of knowing him.
About
Ben-Gurion University Foundation
Ben-Gurion University Foundation (BGUF) in the UK plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion’s vision of a first class institute of research and higher learning in the desert. We help the University fulfil its unique responsibility to develop the Negev, reach out to its local community and its Arab neighbours, and share its expertise with the world.
Founded in 1974, BGUF is a non-profit organisation located in London. We fulfil our mission by raising funds and awareness for the University across the UK.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is an institution of higher education and research with a mission like no other.
The only Israeli university created by government mandate, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) was established in 1969 with a mission to be an engine for the development of Israel’s Negev region.
About
Ben-Gurion University
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is an institution of higher education and research with a mission like no other.
The only Israeli university created by government mandate, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) was established in 1969 with a mission to be an engine for the development of Israel’s Negev region.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is an institution of higher education and research with a mission like no other.
The only Israeli university created by government mandate, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) was established in 1969 with a mission to be an engine for the development of Israel’s Negev region.
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