UK gets first female Astronomer Royal in 350 years

9 months ago

Prof Michele Dougherty is the first female UK Astronomer Royal in 350 years.
She was inspired by using her father's telescope and did not study science in secondary school.
Prof Dougherty hopes her appointment will inspire more women and girls to study science.
She aims to engage the public with astronomy and highlight its importance to the UK economy.
Prof Dougherty is involved in a European Space Agency mission to Jupiter's icy moons to search for life.
She first saw Jupiter through a homemade telescope at age 10 and never imagined sending instruments there.
Despite not studying science in secondary school, she excelled in maths and pursued a career in space science.
The role of Astronomer Royal has evolved from advising on navigation to international collaborations in astronomy.
Prof Catherine Heyman, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, welcomes the increasing diversity in astronomy.
Prof Dougherty's leadership at Imperial College saw an increase in female physics undergraduates.

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