German-Israeli Cooperation in Water Technology Research

Water in sufficient quantity and quality is an essential basis of life. But global water needs are steadily increasing with a simultaneous rapid decline in natural water resources and water-dependent ecosystems. This applies even more in arid and semi-arid areas. Germany and Israel, both world-renowned manufacturers of water technologies, work together to provide answers to these challenges. As part of the cooperation between the German BMBF and the Israeli MOST, research and development projects in the field of water technology are funded. More than 171 projects with Israeli and German partners have led to trusting relationships between Israeli and German researchers.

The overarching technical spectrum of the cooperation includes:

• Increase of water availability and quality
• Wastewater treatment and reuse
• Energy efficiency in the water sector
• Groundwater investigation and remediation
• Drinking water treatment and health aspects of the drinking water supply
• Integrated water resources management

In 1999, the BMBF and MOST launched an exchange program for young scientists (Young Scientists Exchange Program - YSEP) to promote long term bilateral cooperation. Since then, more than 154 young scientists from Israel and Germany have benefited from the exchange program. Details about the program can be found here.

There are specific topics for new funding applications to be submitted under the annual calls. Based on the CfP2023, four new cooperation projects on the topic of "Water reuse in agriculture" started in December 2024. Please refer to this document for a comprehensive overview of recent projects of the German-Israeli Water Technology Cooperation.

The latest status seminar of the water cooperation program celebrating its 50th anniversary, took place in Koblenz, Germany, on June 18-19, 2024. The conference proceedings are available for download.