Moroccan astrophysicist Meriem El Yajouri has officially joined NASA’s Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, the research center responsible for the scientific operations of the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and soon the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. She shared the news on her personal Instagram, accompanied by a photo of herself next to the NASA logo.
In her post, El Yajouri reflected on her early years, growing up without a telescope or mentor but driven by determination and the support of her family. "It is an immense pride to carry a part of Morocco into the heart of global space science," she wrote, emphasizing her pride in representing Morocco on this international stage.
El Yajouri’s career has been marked by both exceptional research and a strong commitment to science outreach. She completed her PhD in astrophysics in 2018 at the Paris Observatory, where she researched diffuse interstellar bands—mysterious absorption features in starlight believed to be caused by complex molecules in space. For this work, she was honored with the International Astronomical Union’s PhD Prize, a prestigious award for outstanding early-career research.
Her postdoctoral career took her to some of the world’s top astrophysics institutions. She worked at the European Southern Observatory in Chile, home to some of the most advanced ground-based telescopes, before continuing her research at the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale in France. In both roles, she contributed to projects involving data from the Hubble and Webb telescopes—two instruments she now officially works on through STScI.
At NASA’s institute, El Yajouri’s research focuses on interstellar dust in star-forming regions of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. This dust is critical in the formation of stars and planetary systems, carrying the essential elements for the creation of new worlds. By analyzing multi-wavelength observations from Hubble, Webb, and the upcoming Roman telescope, her work aims to deepen our understanding of galaxy evolution and the recycling of elements in the universe.
In addition to her scientific career, El Yajouri has worked tirelessly to make science accessible to the public. In Morocco, she founded initiatives like SpaceBus Morocco and Nomads for Science, which brought astronomy directly to children and rural communities. She also co-led "The Stars of the Little Prince," a program designed to inspire young students, particularly girls, to see themselves as part of the scientific future.
El Yajouri has also been a strong advocate for protecting Morocco’s natural night skies from light pollution, serving as Vice President of the Atlas Dark Sky Foundation. Her efforts in both science and advocacy have earned her several prestigious recognitions, including the Camille Flammarion Prize for Scientific Communication and a spot on the list of the 100 Most Outstanding Young Africans.
For Morocco, El Yajouri’s appointment to STScI is not just a personal achievement but a significant moment of visibility in the global space community. It proves that a child, fascinated by the skies above 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 story serves as a powerful reminder that determination can overcome barriers of distance and access.
As El Yajouri put it in her announcement, "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."