Proposed by: Inbal Schekler (postdoc fellow) Information Systems and Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa; Prof. Nir Sapir, Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa; Prof. Ilan Shimshoni, Information Systems, University of
This project develops the first automated AI-based surveillance system to detect and alert in near real-time to mass mortality events in Israel’s largest tern colony at Atlit, where 85% of the country’s terns breed. Combining artificial intelligence with citizen science and school-based participation, the initiative strengthens conservation monitoring, supports early disease outbreak detection, and enhances breeding success data collection.
Aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), the project integrates research, technology, and community engagement to protect vulnerable species, reduce ecological and economic risks, and foster the next generation’s involvement in biodiversity conservation.
This project was selected as part of the University’s 2024 Call for Impact Projects, launched by the Division of Innovation & Sustainability to promote research and educational initiatives with significant social and environmental impact. Following a highly competitive selection process, each awarded project received ₪50,000 for a 24-month period to support interdisciplinary collaboration and translate academic knowledge into real-world outcomes.