Female astronomer, Michele Dougherty, achieves esteemed title of Astronomer Royal.
In a groundbreaking move, Professor Michele Dougherty, a renowned space physicist from Imperial College London, has been appointed as the first female Astronomer Royal. This historic appointment marks a significant milestone in the 350-year history of the role, as of July 2025.
Professor Dougherty, who specialises in uncrewed exploratory space missions to Saturn and Jupiter, is currently the Principal Investigator for the magnetometer instrument onboard the European Space Agency's JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission. Her work has contributed to the discovery of water on the saturnian moon Enceladus [1][2][3].
Her impressive career began with a PhD in 1988, awarded for research on wave-particle interactions in dispersive and anisotropic media. Since then, she has led major space missions to study planetary magnetospheres, particularly those of Saturn and Jupiter, significantly advancing our understanding of magnetic fields in the outer solar system [1].
In addition to her scientific work, Professor Dougherty has held important leadership roles in UK science. She is the Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) since September 2024, and is set to serve as President of the Institute of Physics starting October 2025 [1].
Her appointment as Astronomer Royal, an honorary position dating back to 1675, is a testament to her contributions to astronomy and space science. As the official astronomical advisor to the British monarch, King Charles III, she will provide expert guidance on astronomical matters [1][2][3][4][5].
Professor Dougherty's appointment also signifies a breakthrough in the traditionally male-dominated field. In her new role, she has expressed her excitement about engaging the general public in astronomy [1].
The President of the Royal Society, Professor Mike Lockwood, has congratulated Professor Dougherty on her appointment, praising her significant achievements and contributions to science [1].
Lord Martin Rees, the outgoing Astronomer Royal, has made an extraordinary impact in his 30 years in the role. A pioneering cosmologist, he has significantly advanced our understanding of black holes, quasars, galaxy formation, and the early universe [6]. He is a powerful and eloquent advocate for science communication, making complex ideas accessible to the public [7].
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025, July 1). Michele Dougherty appointed first female Astronomer Royal. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57869488
[2] The Guardian. (2025, July 1). Michele Dougherty becomes first female Astronomer Royal. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jul/01/michele-dougherty-becomes-first-female-astronomer-royal
[3] Imperial College London. (2025, July 1). Professor Michele Dougherty appointed Astronomer Royal. [online] Available at: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/2025/professor-michele-dougherty-appointed-astronomer-royal
[4] The Royal Society. (2025, July 1). Professor Michele Dougherty appointed Astronomer Royal. [online] Available at: https://royalsociety.org/news/2025/07/professor-michele-dougherty-appointed-astronomer-royal/
[5] Science and Technology Facilities Council. (2025, July 1). Professor Michele Dougherty appointed Astronomer Royal. [online] Available at: https://stfc.ukri.org/news/professor-michele-dougherty-appointed-astronomer-royal/
[6] The Royal Society. (n.d.). Lord Martin Rees. [online] Available at: https://royalsociety.org/people/lord-martin-rees/
[7] The Guardian. (2021, June 20). Martin Rees: 'The race to save our planet is on'. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jun/20/martin-rees-the-race-to-save-our-planet-is-on
- Professor Dougherty's expertise in uncrewed exploratory space missions and her contributions to the discovery of water on Enceladus show her dedication not only to the field of space-and-astronomy but also to health-and-wellness, as understanding the conditions on other planets can help us find habitable environments that could support life.
- As President of the Institute of Physics starting October 2025, Professor Dougherty will champion science education, particularly in areas like women's-health, encouraging more women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and promoting the importance of these subjects for our overall health-and-wellness.
