The natural environment of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert is fascinating and diverse. Natural processes and human activity shape and impact the unique properties of the region, and are likewise affected by the extreme environment.

The Dead Sea region, the lowest landform on Earth, combines unique geology, diverse flora fauna, and ecosystems, and contains significant concentrations of minerals and compounds in the sea, soil and air. The extremely hot and dry climate, the solar radiation spectrum and partial pressure of oxygen are unique physical conditions that characterize the area. Together, these features create an extreme environment on Earth.

Being a peripheral area with such extreme physical conditions, it is not surprising that the human history are also very different from other areas in Israel. According to historical documentation and recent findings, it is evident that humans have always been attracted to the Dead Sea and Judean Desert for many reasons. It is a remote area with challenging access that is suitable for those seeking solitude or hiding, it has abundant natural resources with promising qualities, offers agricultural opportunities, and is at the crossroads for transporting people and goods between Asia, Europe and Africa, by land or sea.

These unconventional properties have made the Dead Sea and its surroundings a magnet for leisure and pilgrimage tourism, for medical tourism for several dermatological and respiratory diseases and of course for local industries that produce agriculture, food, medicine and cosmetic products from the rich natural resources available.

The labs and offices of the Dead Sea Branch of the Dead Sea and Arava Science Center are located at the eastern (main) entrance to Masada National Park. Here, scientists lead research and development projects that directly relate to the unique environment in which they are immersed. In addition, they lead and collaborate in extensive scientific activities that extend beyond the region and affect the entire globe.

Research projects and activities are in line with the organization’s vision of community commitment, as such, all research focuses on the applied value for the benefit of mankind and the environment.

The Dead Sea Branch team leads independent research and development processes, while sustaining extensive and fruitful collaborations with government bodies, local and national authorities, international institutions, universities, businesses and private entrepreneurs from around the world.

The success of the branch is propelled by the high quality and professional level of the researchers and supporting staff, their diverse interests, activities and research areas, by implementing practices that encourage reciprocal inspiration and multidisciplinary thinking. The branch’s researchers work to advance collaborations, even seemingly unconventional ones, to yield novel research results and technological innovation.

Branch manager: Dr Navit Ogen-Shtern; navit@adssc.org

Branch secretary: Tali Rahav; sec@adssc.org