The Institute of Earth Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been hosting a series of bi-annual symposiums in environmental geosciences since 2005. Funding for these symposiums comes from a donation by Prof. I.R. Kaplan, who has been a teacher, a colleague, and a friend of our institute for many years. The present symposium will focus on trace element cycling in seawater and marine particulates, the role of atmospheric dust in these cycles, and related applications of isotope systems and instrumental developments. By bringing together first rate marine geochemists and earth science researchers from Europe, North America, Asia and Israel, we hope to strengthen the links between different working groups and initiate international and interdisciplinary collaborations. The invited speakers are requested to give an hour long comprehensive presentation including an up to date overview of their specific field and their current research topics.

The Kaplan symposiums are medium sized, intimate conferences (50-80 participants), resembling the “Gordon Research Conferences” format including field trips, long poster sessions, overview talks by leading scientists from the international community and informal interactions. The past successful Kaplan symposiums hosted 7-14 distinguished international scientists, were well attended and had a great atmosphere. In addition to scientists and graduate students from the Hebrew University, we expect the participation of other scientists and graduate students from the Weizmann Institute of Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Tel Aviv University, Bar-Ilan University, Haifa University, research institutes such as Israel Limnology and Oceanography Research and The Geological Survey of Israel, and others.

The upcoming Kaplan symposium is primarily directed towards the inorganic chemical oceanography community, and will also be of interest to both geochemically-oriented marine biologists, atmospheric dust scientists and the paleoceanography community. The meeting will also include a guided hike in the Eilat Mountains, group snorkeling in coral reefs (and diving for those interested) and additional activities. Following the symposium, the guests are invited to Jerusalem to visit the Hebrew University and tour the Earth Science Institute facilities, as well as the Old City of Jerusalem.

See below a list of previous Kaplan Symposiums: