Impact
For the first time in its short history, USFRS was the financial and technical sponsor of the 6-9 January 2026 National Radio Science Meeting (NRSM) in Boulder, CO. This included free registration and hotel accommodations for approximately 60 undergraduate and graduate students, travel support for three invited speakers, monetary awards for the top three students in the Student Paper Competition, as well as the recipients of the prestigious, triennial USNC-URSI Awards.
This year's NRSM was held for the first time in the new Limelight Hotel Boulder and was attended by over 400 engineers and scientists in all phases of their careers, from undergraduate students through distinguished researchers from across the world. We were honored to have in attendance both the President of URSI, Prof. Ari Sihvola, as well as the President of IEEE-APS, Dr. CJ Reddy. USFRS leaders enjoyed time with both distinguished guests as we discussed the future relationships with both organizations.
A few highlights from the meeting are shown below:
2026 NRSM
Dr. Ari Sihvola, President of URSI, addresses the attendees during the plenary session.
Dr. CJ Reddy, IEEE AP-S President, addresses the attendees during the plenary session.
Dr. Michael Newkirk, USFRS President, addresses the Plenary Session attendees.
Current and Past Presidents of IEEE AP-S are joined by URSI and USNC-URSI Leaders.
Prof John Volakis the USNC-URSI Distinguished Radio Science Award from USNC-URSI Chair, Prof. Jamesina Simpson.
Prof. David Jackson receives the USNC-URSI Outstanding Educator Award from USNC-URSI Chair, Prof. Jamesina Simpson.
Prof. Susan Hagness receives the USNC-URSI Impact Award from USNC-URSI Chair, Prof. Jamesina Simpson.
Mason Matrazzo of Auburn University receives the First-Place award for the Student Paper Competition from Prof. Asimina Kiourti, SPC Chair.
Joseph Gedney of The Ohio State University receives the Second-Place award for the Student Paper Competition from Prof. Asimina Kiourti, SPC Chair.
Brenna Royersmith of the University of Colorado Boulder receives the Third-Place award for the Student Paper Competition from Prof. Asimina Kiourti, SPC Chair.