Prof. Dr. Dan Blumberg

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

Prof. Dr. Dan Blumberg is a distinguished geoscientist and academic leader, currently serving as the Chairman of the Israel Space Agency and the Vice President for Regional and Industrial Development at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). His career spans over three decades, during which he has made significant contributions to space research, remote sensing, and the advancement of Israel's space capabilities. At BGU, Prof. Blumberg has held several key positions, including Vice President and Dean for Research and Development, Deputy Vice President, and Chairperson of the Department of Geography and Environmental Development. He also founded the Green Campus initiative, propelling BGU to an international ranking of #18 for environmental sustainability.​ Prof. Blumberg earned his Ph.D. from Arizona State University in 1993, focusing on aeolian processes and microwave radar remote sensing to study arid zone environments and planetary geology. He has been involved in numerous space missions, including serving as a Co-Investigator on NASA's Spaceborne Radar Laboratory (SRL) and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM).​ As Chairman of the Israel Space Agency, Prof. Blumberg plays a pivotal role in shaping Israel's space policy and fostering international collaborations. Under his leadership, the agency has strengthened its position in the global space industry, signing new partnerships and advancing Israel's space missions Prof. Blumberg's work has been instrumental in promoting the integration of space technologies into various sectors, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, and national security. His vision and leadership continue to drive innovation and excellence in Israel's space endeavors.​