The importance of the maritime component in Israel’s resilience and security has increased significantly over the last few decades. Here are some key points: 99% of Israel’s trade volume is conducted by sea, making it an “economic island.” The country’s economic waters (EEZ) are crucial, as is the discovery of hydrocarbons in the sea, their production, and their contribution to Israel’s energy independence. The maritime domain also serves as a medium for international infrastructure communication, including telephone and internet (via optical fibers). The sea is the primary source of drinking water for the Israeli population through desalination facilities along Israel’s coastline. Additionally, around 50% of the population in the country resides close to the sea, and the maritime domain is essential to Israeli life, covering recreational activities and historic locations.

All of the above necessitated the establishment of the Institute for Maritime Policy and Strategy (MPS) at the National Center for Blue Economy and Innovation in Haifa.
MPS presents itself as a foremost and distinctive international Israeli research institute and a center of knowledge worldwide in maritime policy and strategy.

To achieve its mission, the institute is seeking to recruit researchers, research associates, experts, and research assistants specializing in fields related to the maritime domain. These individuals will participate in the institute’s activities and play a crucial role in shaping its research agenda and collaborating with its researchers in Israel and internationally.

Researchers who are accepted into the institute’s research staff will benefit from the institute’s long-standing reputation, a nurturing research environment, and the opportunity to collaborate with other esteemed researchers. The institute also provides a platform for creating internal discussions and work groups, fostering a supportive and stimulating research culture. Additionally, the institute offers a network of collaborations from institutions in Israel and abroad, including access to dedicated funding sources for research from the institute’s budget and international funding sources.