Who We Are

The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat (IUI) is an academic and research center of excellence that has been operating for over 50 years. Established as the first research institute on the Red Sea in Israel, it continues to serve as a central hub for marine research, education, and innovation.
The institute is unique in that it functions as a shared research infrastructure for all universities in Israel, providing access to researchers, students, government agencies, and start-up companies interested in marine studies.

Located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Eilat, the institute offers direct access to coral reefs, deep-sea environments, and unique oligotrophic waters, making it an ideal location for diverse marine and environmental research. Over the years, the IUI has supported hundreds of groundbreaking studies published in leading scientific journals and has trained generations of marine researchers in Israel.

What We Offer

The Interuniversity Institute serves as a multidisciplinary platform for research, education, and collaboration. With state-of-the-art facilities, expert staff, and a unique location, we provide the perfect environment for scientific advancement. Below is an overview of our main areas of activity and services:

The IUI offers a wide range of advanced research infrastructures, including:

  • Well-equipped public laboratories.
  • Seawater experimental systems.
  • A scientific diving center and research boats.
  • A research vessel with oceanographic equipment.
  • Extensive databases, some available online, collected over 20 years as part of the National Monitoring Program of the Gulf of Eilat.

Whether for academia, government agencies, or industry, the IUI serves as a "One-Stop Shop" for marine research, enabling efficient, innovative, and cost-effective studies.

The institute is home to around 50 graduate and postdoctoral students from Israel and around the world:

  • Diverse Community: Approximately 40% of the students come from abroad, representing countries across the globe.
  • Supportive Environment: The institute offers scholarships, teaching opportunities in academic courses, and a welcoming academic community.

Interuniversity Courses

The IUI offers unique courses in marine sciences:

  • Immersive Learning Experience: Intensive 6-10 day courses combining lectures, fieldwork, and hands-on research.
  • Open to All Students: Courses are available to students from all higher education institutions in Israel and count toward academic credits.
  • No additional cost: Course fees are covered as part of the degree, providing access to top-tier educational content.

Community Engagement and Education

The institute promotes marine education and contributes to the Eilat community:

  • Educational programs for students in Eilat and the Hevel Eilot region.
  • Public lectures in collaboration with the Eilat Municipality and other organizations.
  • Dissemination of real-time marine and weather data through the "Yam Eilat" mobile app.

The National Monitoring Program

The IUI leads the National Monitoring Program of the Gulf of Eilat, providing up-to-date environmental data to help protect the unique ecosystem of the Gulf.

Why Choose Us?

Ideal Research Conditions

  • Access to deep-sea environments (up to 700m), coral reefs, and a protected, pristine marine setting.
  • Stable weather conditions, allowing research activities nearly year-round.

Advanced Infrastructure

  • Cutting-edge laboratories with immediate access to research areas in the sea and onshore.
  • Technological tools for planning and conducting complex research.

Efficiency and Availability

  • High availability between sample collection and laboratory analysis.
  • Lower research costs compared to other locations worldwide.

Academic Excellence and Collaborations

  • Nine resident researchers and over 50 visiting research groups each year.
  • Partnerships with governmental and industrial entities in Israel and globally.

Global Scientific Contribution

  • Pioneering research that has advanced the global understanding of unique marine systems.

Join Us

Whether you are a researcher, student, or resident of Eilat, we invite you to become part of the IUI community:

  • Researchers: Gain access to cutting-edge infrastructure and expert support in a unique marine research setting.
  • Students: Experience exceptional academic opportunities, hands-on learning, scholarships, and research support.
  • Eilat Residents: Participate in educational activities and explore the world of marine sciences through the IUI.

The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat is more than just a research institute—it is a gateway to the future of marine science, education, and community engagement. Join us in preserving and exploring one of the world’s most unique marine ecosystems.