Israeli Space Agency Mourns Dr. Adi Ninios Greenberg, Pioneer and Educator
Dr. Adi Ninios Greenberg, a leading Israeli planetary scientist, senior adviser to the Israel Space Agency, and STEM education advocate, has passed away at 50.
The Israeli scientific and space community is mourning the loss of Dr. Adi Ninios Greenberg, a prominent planetary scientist, senior adviser to the Israel Space Agency, and a dedicated advocate for scientific education, who passed away at the age of 50.
A Career Spanning Military Service and Academia
Born in Ramat Gan, Ninios Greenberg combined a distinguished military career in the Israeli Air Force (IAF) with groundbreaking academic research. Serving in the IAF from 2001 to 2012, she held key positions including Head of the Space Technology and Satellite Branch and Head of the Technological Innovation Branch, retiring with the rank of Major (Rav-Seren).
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences from Tel Aviv University, followed by doctoral research in planetary sciences. Her Ph.D. work focused on analyzing the composition of trapped gases in Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, utilizing data collected by the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft.
Leadership at the Israel Space Agency
In recent years, Ninios Greenberg served as a senior adviser at the Israel Space Agency, managing academic relations and fostering vital collaborations between researchers and the broader space industry. Her extensive portfolio included:
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Managing the Israel Space Agency fellowship program at NASA’s Ames Research Center.
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Promoting joint research initiatives under the joint Israeli-French Venus environmental research satellite.
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Leading the agency's research grants fund and establishing the scientific track at the International Ramon Conference.
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Co-founding the space community platform on Campus IL.
"Dr. Adi Ninios Greenberg was a true and inspiring shooting star for all of us, bridging advanced planetary research with accessible education and touching the lives of thousands of students," the Israel Space Agency stated.
Dedication to Education and Outreach
Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Ninios Greenberg devoted significant energy to educational outreach, particularly encouraging young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). She established dedicated initiatives aimed at building self-efficacy among female students in fields historically dominated by men.
Her funeral was held at the cemetery in Even Yehuda. She is survived by her husband and three children. The Israel Space Agency, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the wider Israeli scientific community expressed deep sorrow over her untimely passing.
