Female Astronomer Michele Dougherty Assumes Position of Astronomer Royal for the First Time
British Space Physicist Michele Dougherty Appointed as Astronomer Royal
Professor Michele Dougherty CBE FRS FRAS, a renowned space physicist from Imperial College London, has been appointed as the sixteenth Astronomer Royal, making history as the first woman to hold this prestigious position in its 350-year history. The announcement was made in July 2025, and she will officially take up the role on October 1st, 2025.
In her new role, Professor Dougherty will serve as the official adviser to King Charles III on astronomical matters. This significant appointment follows her impressive career in space science, which includes groundbreaking research and leadership roles.
A Career of Achievements
Professor Dougherty's career is marked by numerous achievements. She has served as the Executive Chair of the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), a key science funding body, since September 2024. Prior to this, she was President-elect of the Institute of Physics, a role she will assume in October 2025.
Her scientific contributions are extensive. Professor Dougherty is renowned for her work on wave-particle interactions in dispersive and anisotropic media, a field that has advanced our understanding of planetary magnetospheres. This research culminated in her receiving her PhD from the University of Natal in South Africa in 1988.
Leading Space Missions
One of Professor Dougherty's most significant contributions is her work as the Principal Investigator for the magnetometer instruments on major space missions. She was the Principal Investigator for the magnetometer instrument onboard the CASSINI-HUYGENS mission to Saturn and its moons, and she is currently the Principal Investigator of the magnetometer instrument for the European Space Agency's JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, which is en route to the Jupiter system.
Promoting Space Science and Technology
Beyond her scientific contributions, Professor Dougherty is a strong advocate for space science and technology. She champions the importance of continued investment in space exploration for both discovery and economic growth, highlighting innovations such as in-orbit manufacturing and sustainable satellite technologies.
A Bright Future for Astronomy
The outgoing Astronomer Royal is Lord Martin Rees, who has made an extraordinary impact in the 30 years since his appointment in 1995. Beyond his scientific contributions, Lord Rees is a powerful and eloquent advocate for science communication, making complex ideas accessible to the public.
The Society looks forward to engaging with Professor Dougherty in her new role as Astronomer Royal. Professor Dougherty has expressed her excitement about engaging the general public in astronomy and its importance to everyday life.
[1] The Guardian
[2] BBC News
[3] NASA
[4] Imperial College London
[5] STFC
- Professor Dougherty's extensive work in space science, particularly her leadership roles and groundbreaking research in the field of wave-particle interactions in dispersive and anisotropic media, aligns her expertise well with the health-and-wellness aspect of womens-health, considering the biological complexities of the human body can be likened to the intricacies of the cosmos.
- As the Principal Investigator for the magnetometer instruments on major space missions and an advocate for space science and technology, Professor Dougherty's appointment as Astronomer Royal further affirms the influence of science, including space-and-astronomy, in shaping our understanding of the universe and driving future advancements, much like the interconnectedness of various scientific disciplines in fostering overall health-and-wellness.
