The Excellence in Ecology Research Fund established by Prof. Yossi Loya
“To a great extent, I believe a person’s life is shaped by opportunity and timing: who you meet, when you meet them, and your ability to recognize and seize the opportunities that come your way". Professor Yossi Loya, reflecting on his mentor Larry Slobodkin (Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Meeting, Boston, January 1998).
The Excellence in Ecology Research Fund established by Prof. Yossi Loya promotes innovative ecological research and supports outstanding graduate students in ecology, environmental sciences, and nature conservation. Through scholarships and prizes, the Foundation encourages scientific excellence, creative thinking, and research with meaningful environmental and societal impact. By investing in early-career researchers at key stages of their academic development, the Foundation seeks to strengthen ecological research in Israel and contribute to shaping the future of the field worldwide.
Professor Yossi Loya is a world-renowned marine ecologist and a pioneering leader in coral reef science. Over decades of research, he has made landmark contributions to our understanding of long-term ecological processes and the impacts of environmental change on marine ecosystems, while helping to shape proactive, science-based approaches to coral reef conservation. His scientific and educational legacy, together with his deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers, forms the foundation of the Fund’s vision.
Eligibility: Applicants must be M.Sc. or Ph.D. students who have fulfilled their degree requirements to date. Applicants and/or their supervisors must be affiliated with the Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University.
2026 Awards: In 2026, up to four prizes will be awarded to outstanding graduate students whose research has been accepted for publication in a leading scientific journal in their field (with a high Impact Factor) from January 2025 onwards, as detailed below:
- Two prizes of NIS 10,000 each — for students in general ecology (terrestrial, aquatic, microbial, etc.).
- Two prizes of NIS 10,000 each — for students in marine ecology.
Apply: Click here to submit your application >>
Important Dates:
- 15 April 2026 — Application deadline
- 10 May 2026 — Announcement of awardees
- 10 June 2026 — Award ceremony and short presentations by the awardees
