Meet the BGU Prof. Breaking Barriers in Space
Meet the BGU Prof. Breaking Barriers in Space
March 9, 2026
Dr. Shimrit Tirosh-Maman with her father, Gabriel Tirosh z’l, at her appointment ceremony on July 22, 2025. (Photo credit Michael Dimenstein via JNS)
Jewish News Syndicate—Dr. Shimrit Tirosh Maman, a senior scientist at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), has broken new ground as the first woman appointed chairperson of the Israel Space Agency (ISA) within Israel’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. As highlighted by Jewish News Syndicate, Maman is also the youngest person to hold the position, bringing both scientific expertise and a forward-thinking vision to Israel’s growing role in the global space sector. Despite the historic nature of her appointment, she emphasizes that her work should be measured by achievements rather than gender, stating, “I’m also the youngest to be selected. But the important thing is to highlight my achievements, not my gender.”
Alongside her leadership role, Maman continues her academic work at BGU, where she has established initiatives that connect space research to real-world applications. She founded “She Space,” an educational program at BGU designed to inspire high school girls to pursue STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). The program has gained international recognition and received the International Astronautical Federation’s Excellence in 3G Diversity Award in 2021. Through the initiative, students engage in advanced research and collaborate with international partners, demonstrating that young women can thrive in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Maman’s work highlights how space technology can directly benefit life on Earth. She stresses that space is not just about exploration but about solving urgent global challenges. “Space is not only about exploration. It is a strategic infrastructure that underpins national resilience, economic growth, security, and scientific excellence,” she explained. Her philosophy was demonstrated during the devastating 2023 earthquake in Turkey when satellite imagery, quickly secured through her efforts, helped rescue teams identify survivors in the rubble.
Beyond disaster response, Maman points to the growing importance of space in environmental monitoring, security, and technological innovation. Satellite data is increasingly used to track climate change, analyze environmental conditions, and support decision-making. As she noted, “50 percent of the data we could gain about climate change comes from satellites.”
Looking ahead, Maman is helping guide Israel’s ambitions in the next era of space exploration, including renewed lunar missions and innovation initiatives that support startups in the space sector. At the same time, programs like She Space continue to expand opportunities for young women worldwide. “I want students who want to learn and who dare to do something they have never done before,” she said.
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