You don’t need a big brain the size of a planet, or mad hair. You need a passion to understand things. ~ Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Margaret Ebunoluwa Aderin-Pocock was born on March 9, 1968, in London, England to Nigerian parents. She was a curious and bright child who was fascinated with the stars and the mysteries of the universe. She often spent hours staring at the night sky, trying to make sense of what she saw.

Maggie attended 13 different schools by the age of 18. She hated school because she struggled with dyslexia, which made reading and writing challenging.

Despite these challenges, she was a determined student. She developed a love for science and her father, who believed in the power of education, supported her throughout.

She went on to study physics and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Imperial College London. She then pursued a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at University College London, where she focused on the development of novel techniques for manufacturing and testing novel materials.

After completing her Ph.D., Maggie worked as a scientist for the Ministry of Defence and later for Astrium, a satellite manufacturing company. She worked on several groundbreaking projects, including the development of an instrument to measure ozone levels in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Although her dyslexia proved challenging, it helped her develop unique skills and ways of thinking, which gave her an advantage in her career as a space scientist.

In 2006, she co-founded her own company, Science Innovation Ltd., which aims to inspire young people to become scientists and engineers.

In addition to her work in the space industry, Maggie is a dedicated science communicator. She has made numerous appearances on television and radio programs, including the BBC’s The Sky at Night and Stargazing Live.

She has also written several books on space science, including “The Sky at Night: Book of the Moon” and “Dr. Maggie’s Grand Tour of the Solar System.”

She is also a known advocate for STEM education and a committed activist and has participated in many campaigns to encourage girls to take up careers in STEM, and her efforts are making a significant impact in shaping the future of scientific research and innovation.

Maggie’s exceptional work as a space scientist and science communicator has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized with several awards and honors by many scientific organizations globally, including:

• Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
• The Royal Society’s Kavli Education Medal
• The Honorary Fellowship of the British Science Association
• Honorary Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society
• Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
• The first black woman to win a gold medal in the Physics News Award
• Served as the president of the British Science Association from 2021 to 2022.

Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s life and career are an inspiration to aspiring scientists and science communicators around the world. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion for science have helped her overcome numerous challenges and achieve great success in her field.

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