The lives of humans and insects are closely entwined, and have been so since our early origins. Some insects adversely affect human health, some are a burden on our agricultural production, and yet others are beneficial by pollinating crops and attacking pests.

The Department of Entomology is in a unique position to study the many facets of this broad interface, at various levels of biological organization. Research focuses on molecular, physiological, organismic, population and community level. In addition to the breadth of this focus, the Department is able to bring diverse analytical and experimental tools to bear. These tools vary from cutting edge genomic, neurophysiology and bioinformatic techniques, to rigorous ecological field based projects.

This research flexibility allows us to address basic questions in insect science, as well as to focus on solutions to pressing questions arising from imbalance in the insect-human interface. These relate to public health, crop production and conservation biology. Thus this enables the researchers to both investigate the truth (science) and to serve society.

The Department's research topics are as follows:

• Control and disruption of insect reproduction.

• Development pf alternative/green pest control approaches.

• Genomics and metabolomics of insect-plant-interaction.

• Improving pollination efficiency and conservation of native bees.

• Symbiosis between insects and microorganisms.

• Honey bee decision making.

• The molecular mechanism of aging.

• Molecular neuropharmacology of insect odorant receptors.

As human population grows and our environment faces many new challenges, the interface between humans and insects is constantly evolving. The Department is uniquely poised to address novel challenges as they arise. The staff of researchers expect, through their teaching and original, innovative research, to continue to provide solutions, which will contribute to human welfare, all while promoting and preserving a healthy and biologically diverse environment.

Department Of Entomology
The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
P.O Box 12, Rehovot 76100, ISRAEL

Tel: 08-948-9223
Fax: 08-936-6768

email: orlytal@savion.huji.ac.il

The Department Office is located in Room 11 in the Eisenberg Entomology Building.