Human activities including climate change are altering our oceans. To meet this substantial maritime challenge, a Partnership was formed between University of Haifa and GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel , as a model for Future Ocean Research (EMS FORE). The Eastern Mediterranean Sea is one of the most rapidly changing ocean basins on our planet impacted by both climate change and extensive human pressures. The International Helmholtz Lab combines GEOMAR’s unique experience in investigating processes in global oceans with Haifa’s in-depth insights of the functioning of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The 6 million € project is led by Prof Eric Achterberg (GEOMAR) and Prof. Ilana Berman-Frank (UoH), with a core team of approximately 25 researchers and students.