Moroccan Astrophysicist Meriem El Yajouri Joins NASA’s Space Telescope Science Institute

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Moroccan astrophysicist Meriem El Yajouri has officially joined NASA’s Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, the research hub that manages the science operations of the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and soon the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

The announcement was made by El Yajouri on her personal Instagram account, accompanied by a photograph beside the NASA logo. In her message, she reflected on her journey, recalling her childhood without a telescope or mentor but with unwavering determination and family support. “It is an immense pride to carry a part of Morocco into the heart of global space science,” she wrote, underscoring her pride in representing her country on the international stage.

El Yajouri earned her PhD in astrophysics at the Paris Observatory in 2018, focusing on diffuse interstellar bands — mysterious absorption features in starlight linked to complex cosmic molecules. Her research earned her the International Astronomical Union’s prestigious PhD Prize, awarded for exceptional early-career achievements.

She went on to hold postdoctoral positions at world-leading institutions, including the European Southern Observatory in Chile and the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale in France. In these roles, she worked extensively with data from Hubble and Webb, the very telescopes she now engages with at STScI.

At NASA’s institute, El Yajouri’s research centers on interstellar dust in star-forming regions of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. By studying multi-wavelength observations from Hubble, Webb, and the forthcoming Roman telescope, she aims to shed light on the processes that govern star and planet formation, as well as the recycling of cosmic material that fuels galactic evolution.

Beyond her scientific accomplishments, El Yajouri has been widely recognized for her contributions to science outreach. In Morocco, she launched initiatives such as SpaceBus Morocco and Nomads for Science, bringing astronomy directly to children and rural communities. She co-led The Stars of the Little Prince program, encouraging young students, particularly girls, to see themselves in future scientific careers. As Vice President of the Atlas Dark Sky Foundation, she also advocated for protecting Morocco’s night skies from light pollution.

Her efforts have earned her numerous honors, including the Camille Flammarion Prize for Scientific Communication and recognition as one of the 100 Most Outstanding Young Africans.

El Yajouri’s appointment to STScI is seen as a milestone not only for her personal career but also for Morocco’s visibility in the global space community. Her story illustrates that a child inspired by the night skies of Casablanca or the Atlas Mountains can one day contribute to the world’s most advanced observatories.

“For young scientists, especially women from underrepresented regions, her journey is a powerful example that determination can overcome barriers of distance and access,” observers noted.

In her announcement, she summed up her journey with a reminder: “Childhood dreams, even those born under skies far from the world’s great observatories, can one day find their place in the greatest scientific adventures.”