Technion’s Engagement in Shaping the Future of Haifa Bay
On November 26, 2025, a panel was held to present Technion’s Engagement in Transforming Haifa Bay, as part of a broader campus sustainability initiative aimed at connecting academic knowledge, real world implementation, and regional collaboration.
Haifa Bay is one of the most complex and influential regions in Israel, and the Technion – as a leading research institution – holds significant potential to impact planning, policy, innovation, and environmental outcomes.
The event facilitated an open dialogue between academia, government authorities, industry, and civil society, with the goal of strengthening the Technion’s role in shaping the region’s future.
Its purpose was to bridge disciplinary gaps, lay the groundwork for new partnerships with regional stakeholders, position the Technion as a leading voice in environmental restoration and innovation, and encourage ongoing engagement of students and researchers in the vision for Haifa Bay.
Panel Participants
The panel brought together representatives from government, industry, research, and student activism, including:
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Yuval Admon – Director, Haifa Bay Development Authority
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Dr. Lehi Shahar Berman – CEO, Haifa Bay Municipal Association
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Shlomi Basson – Deputy CEO, Bazan Group
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Prof. Yael Dubowski – Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Prof. Gideon Grader – Faculty of Chemical Engineering
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Prof. Michelle Portman – Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning
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Ariel Hai Slotzker – Northern Coordinator at Green Course and Technion student
The discussion was moderated by Prof. Ophira Ayalon, who skillfully integrated diverse, and at times conflicting, perspectives and facilitated an open and constructive conversation on the future of Haifa Bay.
Key Themes Highlighted in the Discussion
Research as a Driver of Change
The Technion leads research in engineering, planning, air pollution, and nature based solutions. A central question raised was how to translate scientific knowledge into actionable impact on the ground.
Industry: Between Constraints and Opportunities
Speakers presented ongoing transitions toward cleaner industrial processes, alongside existing complexities. The discussion emphasized the need for clear regulatory frameworks combined with technological collaboration.
Regional Planning as a Cornerstone
The models presented demonstrated how effective planning can yield both environmental and economic benefits. A key insight that emerged is that Haifa Bay is not a single problem point but an interconnected system requiring integrated thinking.
The Role of the Public
The student perspective underscored the importance of civic participation and community responsibility. A guiding question was how to meaningfully include local residents in decision making processes.
Click here to view the event photo gallery
We extend our sincere appreciation to the panelists for their knowledge, openness, and willingness to confront complex questions.
Special thanks to the Technion Ecological Garden for hosting the event and creating a natural, welcoming atmosphere that enabled a meaningful discussion.
Click here to watch the full panel recording
