Universities Space Research Association Elects Three Universities to the Association

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Three distinguished institutions--The University of Notre Dame, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and the University of Padua, Italy--recently joined the ranks of the prestigious Universities Space Research Association (USRA). Following their election by USRA's existing university members, these institutions were formally inducted into the Association on March 22, 2024, bolstering the Association's membership to 120 universities.

Joining Universities Space Research Association (USRA) means becoming an integral part of a dynamic international network comprising of 120 Ph.D.-granting universities deeply engaged in space science and aerospace research and development. As members, universities wield influence in shaping the trajectory of USRA programs and institutes, extending benefits not only to their own researchers but also to counterparts worldwide.

The eligibility criteria for USRA membership includes demonstrated significant contributions in space- or aeronautics-related research by faculty, and a substantial commitment to a course of studies and dissertation research leading to the doctorate in one or more related fields. Members participate in the governance and operations of USRA through the election of members to the USRA Board of Trustees, the establishment of the Association's bylaws, and other activities.

Each of these universities selected by USRA has a demonstrated capability in space research and exploration.

    --  The University of Notre Dame has active research programs in Physics,
        Astronomy, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, and Earth Sciences.
        Research at the University of Notre Dame is built around a robust
        framework of strong interdisciplinary and collaborative activities both
        within in-house departments, and with other renowned national and
        international institutes.  The faculty is well regarded in the fields of
        aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical and biomolecular
        engineering, civil engineering and Earth sciences, computer science and
        engineering and electrical engineering.
    --  The University of Padua, Italy, founded in 1222, is one of the oldest
        universities in the world and among the most prestigious in Italy for
        its contributions to scientific and scholarly research. The
        centuries-old astronomical endeavors initiated with Copernicus and
        Galileo continue today, with involvement in research projects at the
        highest international competitiveness in fundamental physics, applied
        physics and astronomy. The University is one of the most important
        research centers for physics and astronomy in Italy offering Ph.D.
        programs in both disciplines. It hosts a section of the Italian
        Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) and a unit of the Italian
        Interuniversity Consortium for the Physical Sciences of Matter (CNISM),
        and cooperates with the Paduan Astronomical Observatory of the Italian
        Institute for Astrophysics (INAF). In collaboration with INAF, the
        Department runs the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory, where a variety of
        instruments are available for research and student training.
    --  The University of Texas at San Antonio offers many courses in
        engineering and has a joint mechanical engineering program with
        Southwest Research Institute.  It has active research programs in
        astrophysics, including collaborations on a first-ever image of a black
        hole (Event Horizon Telescope) and an exoplanet. It conducts
        interdisciplinary space-related research, with more than 20 centers and
        research facilities and has collaborations with ground based and
        space-based observatories. With an outstanding faculty in disciplines
        such as mechanical engineering, computer engineering, Earth and
        planetary sciences, space science, and astrophysics, it has recognized
        expertise in many diverse fields.

Dr. Jeffrey A. Isaacson, USRA's President and CEO, said, "We are very pleased to welcome these three universities to our Association. Their work adds to the collective strength of USRA, and we look forward to their active engagement with, and contributions to, USRA's Council of Institutions."

About USRA

Founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology, and engineering. USRA operates scientific institutes and facilities and conducts other major research and educational programs. It is an association with 120 university members. USRA engages the broader university community, employs in-house scientific talent, and offers innovative research, development, and project management expertise.

More information about USRA is available at www.usra.edu.

Contact:
Suraiya Farukhi
sfarukhi@usra.edu
443-812-6945

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universities-space-research-association-elects-three-universities-to-the-association-302135540.html

SOURCE Universities Space Research Association