Dr. Elsayed R. Talaat Takes Helm as New President and CEO of USRA

Dr. Elsayed R. Talaat Takes Charge at Universities Space Research Association

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Elsayed R. Talaat as its new President and CEO, effective January 27, 2025. USRA is a non-profit organization formed to enhance space-related science, technology, and engineering, and Dr. Talaat brings extensive experience from prestigious institutions such as NOAA, NASA, and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

Dr. Talaat's leadership credentials are impressive. He has held multiple leadership positions that involve programmatic coordination with federal entities, including the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Department of Defense. This multifaceted experience equips him well to lead USRA as it continues to make significant strides in its scientific and educational endeavors.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Dr. Talaat stated, "I am honored to join USRA as its next President and CEO. This organization has a rich history of innovation, customer focus, and community impact. I am eager to work with this talented team to build on USRA's legacy. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, deliver exceptional results, and create lasting value for our stakeholders." This vision reflects his commitment to advancing USRA's mission and strengthening its community and academic ties.

Prior to taking the helm of USRA, Dr. Talaat served as the Director of the Office of Space Weather Observations at NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). There, he provided oversight for the development of critical operational satellite systems designed to monitor space weather conditions, which can significantly affect technology and everyday life.

Dr. Talaat succeeds Dr. Jeffrey A. Isaacson, who retired after a decade of service. Mr. Todd Bidwell, USRA's Chief Financial Officer, has been acting as the Interim President and CEO since Dr. Isaacson's departure on January 1, 2025.

With an academic background that includes a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering from the University of Washington and a doctorate in Atmospheric and Space Sciences from the University of Michigan, Dr. Talaat is well-prepared to lead USRA into the future. Notably, he is a prolific author, having contributed to over 60 journal papers and 400 conference presentations, underscoring his deep engagement in the scientific community.

His commitment to the field of space research is evident, as he aims to harness the talents of USRA's team to expand its initiatives in space science. Dr. Talaat resides in Ellicott City, Maryland, with his family, and he looks forward to making an impactful contribution to the organization and the broader scientific community.

The Universities Space Research Association, established in 1969 at the behest of the U.S. Government, continues to thrive as a key player in the advancement of space science and technology. The organization counts among its members 121 universities and engages with a broad array of federal and international partners to spearhead innovative research and educational programs. To discover more about the organization, interested parties can visit www.usra.edu.