Dame Margaret “Maggie” Aderin-Pocock, PhD, is a renowned British space scientist and science educator. Her career in astronomy began as a child when she would beg her parents to let her stay up late to watch the BBC Four’s The Sky at Night. This early fascination with the program inspired her to pursue a degree in physics, and a PhD in mechanical engineering from Imperial College. Then in 2014, Dr. Aderin-Pocock became a co-host of the BBC's long-running astronomy program, a role that has brought her full circle from her childhood inspirations.  
 
In addition to her broadcasting work, Dr. Aderin-Pocock has tirelessly advocated for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. As the founder of Science Innovation Ltd, she has engaged over 350,000 school children, primarily in UK inner-city schools, but also globally. Her efforts in science education were recognized with an MBE in 2009. She is also known for developing innovative scientific instruments, including hand-held land mine detectors and optical sub-systems for spacecraft.  
 
More recently, she became the chancellor of the University of Leicester in March 2023 and was awarded the Institute of Physics William Thomson, Lord Kelvin Medal in 2020 for her public engagement in physics. Dr. Aderin-Pocock also served as the president of the British Science Association from 2021 to 2022.