Sharon Liper

Director of Administration
Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences

Field of Research:
Blue Economy, Corporate Partnerships & Cross-Sector Collaboration

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Advancing Israel’s Blue Economy: Academic-Industry Partnerships

Sharon Liper connects world-class marine science research and education with industry and community to drive sustainable innovation.

The Project 

Under Sharon’s leadership, the Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences plans to launch an Industry Partnership Program that forges 3-4 long-term collaborations each year with leading MarineTech companies. 

These alliances will channel expertise and resources into blue-economy innovation, industry-relevant research, specialized services, graduate training, and community-focused initiatives – creating a sustainable bridge between academia and the maritime sector.

Fundraising Goals

Establishing an Industry Partnership Program that forges high-impact collaborations between the School of Marine Sciences and the MarineTech industry, and enabling:

  • Industry-relevant research initiatives
  • Specialized research services
  • Graduate-student scholarships (Masters and PhD)
  • Community-engagement projects aligned with partners’ core business activities

Meet Sharon Liper

I hold an MA in Political Science from the University of Haifa, where I have served as Director of Administration at the Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences since 2008.

My professional focus centers on bridging academia with industry and community partners in the marine sciences sector. As the founder and leader of “SEA THE FUTURE”, I have created a platform that connects academic knowledge with community needs, making marine science accessible to broader audiences – an initiative that earned EU grant support.

I have successfully led three cohorts through our Blue Economy Pre-Acceleration Program for marine initiatives, collaborating with the Haifa Innovation Labs at the University of Haifa with backing from the EU’s SwitchMed program. 

Beyond my administrative responsibilities managing the School’s budget, staff, and operations across multiple research facilities, I have pioneered the Blue Economy domain within our institution. My work involves cultivating industry collaborations, developing resources, and fostering cross-sector partnerships that enhance both our academic mission and real-world impact.

Additionally, I serve on the Think Tank for Israel’s National Blue-tech Development Program and am a member of the Wydra Center for Ports and Shipping Research, while also heading administration for the Mediterranean Sea Research Center of Israel.

I am deeply committed to advancing marine science education and research through innovative collaborations that benefit both the academic community and society at large, helping to position the University of Haifa as a leader in marine sciences and blue technology.

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