Pictured is Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock speaking at the graduation ceremony.

Renowned space scientist receives Honorary Doctorate from ߲Ƶ

Space scientist and BBC Sky at Night presenter Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the University “in recognition of her contributions to science”.

Pictured, from left to right, are ߲Ƶ Chancellor Lord Sebastian Coe, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE, and Professor Robert Allison, Vice Chancellor of ߲Ƶ.

The degree was conferred upon her by ߲Ƶ Chancellor Lord Sebastian Coe at yesterday's winter graduation ceremony, which honoured the achievements of more than 1,100 students.

Maggie's passion is presenting science to a general audience, and she strives to demonstrate that you 'don't need a brain the size of a small planet' to understand, participate in and enjoy the subject. 

Maggie has worked on many innovative projects and has also become a successful TV personality. She is currently presenting Sky at Night on BBC 4, Mini Stargazing for Cbeebies and is a panellist on Sky One's science quiz show, Duck Quacks Don't Echo. She also makes regular appearances on The One Show, Newsnight and Woman's Hour.

To further share her love of science, Maggie conducts 'Tours of the Universe' and other public engagement activities, showing school children and adults around the world the wonders of space.  

Maggie has won a string of accolades for her work and was awarded an MBE for her services to science and education in 2009.

Back in 2014, the University had the honour of welcoming Maggie to the campus as she delivered the first-ever Claudia Parsons Memorial Lecture. Her talk, titled Women in Science: The Challenge, saw her discuss pioneering women in space science, her own adventures and triumphs and how female representation can be changed across STEM subjects.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of ߲Ƶ Professor Chris Linton said:As a university, we have celebrated the achievements of many great scientists over the years, and today we celebrate another; Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

“Maggie is an outstanding role model, leading the way for future generations of scientists and encouraging audiences to embark on their own journeys in scientific exploration.”

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 17/178

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