The Centre of International Postgraduate Training in Applied Meteorology was established in 1963 as part of the Israel Meteorological Service (IMS). It is now a recognized Regional Training Centre by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). At the laying of the IMS corner stone ceremony, the late Prime-Minister David Ben Gurion, together with the Secretary General of WMO, Mr. Vion, declared that this institute will serve as an International Training and Education Centre, especially for developing countries.

Since then, over 3,600 meteorologists, hydrologists, agronomists and other scientific and professional personnel have taken part in the various international post-graduate courses offered in agrometeorology and applied meteorology.

The Regional Meteorological Training Centre (RMTC) in Bet Dagan is a joint enterprise of the Israel Meteorological Service, the Centre of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MASHAV) and the WMO.

The courses held in Bet Dagan each year cover a wide range of topics, including agricultural meteorology, crop-weather modeling, hydrometeorology, efficient use of water resources and database management

The 2-3 week international postgraduate courses in Israel are extremely intensive, and place great emphasis on the application of meteorology and hydrology to the planning and utilization of natural and climate resources. Part of the program includes field and demonstration trips, as well as discussions with extension personnel.

Our RMTC provides also training seminars and workshops abroad. Such training courses are held annually in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and South America. These training programs cater for both scientific and technical personnel and are tailored to the specific needs of the host country’s participants. Some 80-120 scientific and technical staff take part in these programs each year.