​Agricultural researchers play a critical role in supplying food and fiber to the world’s growing population and economy. Central to sustainable food production is responsible management of resources including soil, nutrients and water and central to this is understanding of processes and mechanisms in the water-soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. We therefore invite scientists from Africa to Israel for an exchange of knowledge and to open dialogue involving research that stimulates understanding of water and nutrients in soils and plants, and thus promotes agricultural production and resource conservation.

Our objective is to bring together researchers whose expertise and activity focus on water, nutrients, their interactions and their function in agricultural crop systems. We believe that sharing one-another’s findings and stimulation of intellection interactions around this common theme will be beneficial for all and will lead to scientific collaboration and cooperation bridging our countries and regions.

The workshop will be fully interactive. In addition to each participant bringing and presenting his/her research to the group there will be opportunity for both moderated and casual discussion of mutual topics of interest.

The hosts of the workshop are scientists of Israel’s Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) located at the ARO’s southern campus in Gilat. This group includes soil scientists, crop scientists, plant physiologists, and food scientists.

The main theme of the workshop is water and nutrients and their interactions. Sub themes include:

 -Soil-water-plant-atmosphere interactions

 -Water and nutrient uptake

 -Irrigation and fertilization

 -Water quality

 -Crop responses and plant physiology

 -Stress causing factors

 -Resource management and sustainable management

 -Production and product quality

The workshop is open to PhD scientists from universities and other centers of research. For consideration for participation and support, in addition to the application forms ,please submit a short cv (education, experience, current position, publication) and the title and abstract of your proposed presentation.

A full command of English is required.

Application forms and other information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at MASHAV’s website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

Completed application forms, including the medical form, should be sent to the Israeli mission nearest you by January 7th, 2018.

Arrival date: February 18th (Hotel rooms Check-in from 14:00)

Opening date: February 19th

Closing date: February 21st

Departure date: February 22nd (departures from February 21st evening, check out from hotel no later than 11:00 on February 22nd).

Early arrivals/late departures if required, must be arranged by the participants themselves, directly with the hotel/center, and must be paid for by the participant him/herself.

The Workshop will be held at the Gilat Research Center, situated 18 km west of Beersheva, Israel. Participants will be accommodated at Leonardo Hotel Negev Beersheba .

MASHAV scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfers to and from the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included in the scholarship.

Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Participants will be responsible for all other expenses, which are not covered by policy conditions. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been vaccinated against tetanus in the last ten years.