From the Sky of Childhood to the NASA Space: Maryam Al-Yajouri’s Journey among the Stars
In a significant achievement that underscores the growing presence of Moroccan talent in the international scientific arena, Moroccan scientist Maryam Al-Yajouri has joined the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) affiliated with NASA, becoming the first Moroccan woman in this center, which oversees prominent missions such as the Hubble and James Webb telescopes.
Born in Morocco, Al-Yajouri moved to France to pursue her higher education, where in 2018 she defended her PhD thesis in astrophysics on “Spectra Spreading Between Stars,” for which she received the Best Thesis Award from the International Astronomical Union. Her research path led her to the European Southern Observatory in Chile, and then to the Institute of Space Astrophysics at Paris-Saclay University, where she contributed to key programs related to the James Webb Telescope.
In addition to her academic endeavors, she founded the “Travelers for Science” initiative, inspired by her previous experiences such as the “Space Caravan” and “The Little Prince Stars,” and worked on projects to raise awareness and protect the Moroccan sky from light pollution. She has received international awards, including the Camille Flammarion Prize for Scientific Communication and recognition as one of the 100 Most Outstanding Young Africans.
Commenting on her achievement, Al-Yajouri expressed pride in representing Morocco in the field of space sciences, affirming that “childhood dreams, even those born under skies far from the major observatories, can find their place in the greatest scientific adventures.”
