💨 Abstract

Professor Michele Dougherty, born in Johannesburg and raised in Durban, is the first woman and first South African to be named Britain’s Astronomer Royal. She advises the British monarchy on astronomy, focusing on public outreach and economic potential. After studying at UKZN, she excelled in space physics at Imperial College London. Now she leads in the field of astronomy under the European Space Agency. Dougherty hopes her role will inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in science.

Courtesy: Neesha Maharaj