The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Faculty of Sciences, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
Research Areas
1. Coral reef ecology
2. Global change biology
3. Marine heatwaves and coral bleaching
4. Coral physiology and resilience
5. Transboundary environmental cooperation in the Red Sea
Prof. Maoz Fine is a marine ecologist specializing in the ecology, physiology, and resilience of coral reefs. He leads the Laboratory for Coral Reef Ecology at the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat and heads the National Monitoring Program in the Gulf of Aqaba. His research explores how corals and reef organisms respond to climate change stressors, particularly marine heatwaves, light fluctuations, and biochemical signals. Beyond science, Prof. Fine is deeply engaged in international cooperation, contributing to transboundary conservation initiatives in the Red Sea region. He has supervised numerous MSc and PhD students and maintains a strong commitment to training the next generation of marine scientists.
Research Topics for Master’s and Doctoral Theses
1. Coral resilience and adaptation to marine heatwaves.
2. The role of local stressors (nutrients, pollution, turbidity) in coral bleaching sensitivity.
3. Hormonal regulation of coral reproduction (steroid hormones and gametogenesis).
4. Optical phenomena (wave lensing) and coral photobiology.