Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE

British space scientist and science educator

Born in London to Nigerian parents in 1968, Maggie’s dreams of becoming an astronaut and a love of Star Trek encouraged her interest in space and science. In 1990, she completed her Physics degree at Imperial and went on to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 1994.

After leaving Imperial, Maggie worked for the Ministry of Defence and has created bespoke instruments, from a missile warning system to hand-held land mine detectors and an optical subsystem for the James Webb Space Telescope.

In 2009, she was appointed MBE for services to science and education and has been listed as one of the UK top 100 most influential black people.

Maggie also set up her own company, called Science Innovation Ltd. She conducts public engagement activities to show school children and adults the wonders of space, and has given talks to over 300,000 to people around the world