Maggie Aderin-Pocock

British Space Scientist Who Presented 'The Sky At Night', 'Do We Really Need The Moon?' & 'In Orbit: How Satellites Rule Our World'

Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a renowned British space scientist, stands as a prominent figure in the scientific community. With a degree in Physics and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, Maggie has made significant contributions across industrial, academic, and government sectors. Her career began at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, a branch of the UK Ministry of Defence, where she specialised in aircraft missile warning systems and advanced to managing projects for developing landmine detection instruments. This early experience set the foundation for her illustrious career in space science and technology.

Maggie later transitioned to University College London, managing the construction of a high-resolution optical spectrograph for the Gemini telescope in Chile. Her expertise led her to EADS Defence and Space as the lead optical scientist, where she oversaw the development of the Aeolus satellite, designed to measure wind speed in Earth's atmosphere, aiding our understanding of climate change. Additionally, she contributed to the James Webb Space Telescope project, underscoring her pivotal role in significant space exploration endeavours.

Driven by a passion for inspiring others about the wonders of space and science, Maggie founded Science Innovation Ltd. Through her company, she has reached over 350,000 people globally, motivating the next generation to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Maggie's efforts extend to regular school visits, where she shares her journey as a scientist, aiming to dismantle stereotypes about scientific careers and gender roles. Her dedication to science communication is evident in her leadership roles, including her presidency of the British Science Association and her involvement with various scientific advisory boards.

As a well-known television presenter, Maggie hosts BBC's Sky at Night and CBeebies Stargazing, and makes frequent appearances on popular shows like The Wheel and Morning Live. She is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Sky at Night Book of the Moon" and "Dr Maggie's Grand Tour of the Universe," with more publications forthcoming. Maggie's contributions to science education were recognised with an MBE in 2009, cementing her status as a highly sought-after speaker. Her ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences makes her an ideal keynote speaker for International Women’s Day, celebrating her role as a trailblazer in science and her commitment to fostering future generations of scientists.

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