Dr. Elsayed Talaat Appointed as New CEO of Universities Space Research Association

Appointment of Dr. Elsayed Talaat

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Elsayed Talaat as its new President and CEO, effective January 27, 2025. This decision follows a thorough national search overseen by the USRA Board of Trustees with support from executive search firm Korn Ferry.

Dr. Talaat enters this role with a wealth of experience and a strong pedigree in Atmospheric and Space Science. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Office of Space Weather Observations at NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). In that capacity, he has provided critical leadership and oversight regarding the development and management of NOAA's operational environmental satellite systems, which are vital for monitoring space weather and its impacts on Earth's atmosphere.

Prior to this role, Dr. Talaat was a leading figure at NASA, serving as the Chief Scientist for the Heliophysics Division. His responsibilities included directing significant development efforts across key areas of heliophysics that encompass Solar, Heliospheric, and Magnetospheric studies. Dr. Talaat has also played an essential role in the Living with a Star mission, focusing on how solar activity affects Earth and its near-space environment.

Before joining NASA, Dr. Talaat worked at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as the Supervisor of the Earth and Planetary Atmospheres Section. His research here was instrumental in developing remote sensing techniques alongside data analysis and modeling for various geophysical phenomena. This experience has positioned him to navigate and foster relationships with multiple governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Dr. Leslie Lyles, Chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Talaat’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Talaat as the next CEO of USRA. With his extensive leadership experience and impressive track record of success, he is exceptionally qualified to steer our organization into its next growth phase.” Lyles emphasized Dr. Talaat's ability to build partnerships that address customer needs, a vital skill in today’s collaborative scientific environment.

Dr. Talaat is not only a respected leader in his field but also an accomplished scholar, having authored or contributed to more than 60 scientific journal articles and over 250 conference papers. His academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering from the University of Washington, followed by a Master of Science and Doctorate from the University of Michigan, specializing in Atmospheric and Space Sciences.

Founded in 1969, the Universities Space Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research in space science and technology. With 121 member universities, USRA plays a key role in promoting collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies, paving the way for innovative research and educational programs. The association not only takes part in managing scientific institutes but engages in a variety of significant research initiatives.

As Dr. Talaat prepares to lead USRA, he carries forward the legacy of his predecessors while aiming to expand the organization's reach and effectiveness. His vision stands poised to capitalize on USRA’s potential, enhancing its credibility and collaborative efforts with prestigious agencies like NASA and NOAA. The future looks promising as USRA embraces this crucial transition in leadership under Dr. Talaat’s guidance.