London, UK – July 30, 2025
In a historic moment for British science, His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of Professor Michele Dougherty as the next Astronomer Royal.
This significant appointment marks the first time a woman will hold the prestigious, 350-year-old honorary title since its creation in 1675. Professor Dougherty succeeds Lord Martin Rees, who is retiring from the role.
The Astronomer Royal, a position established by King Charles II, was originally tasked with improving navigation at sea by determining longitude through precise astronomical observations.
While no longer tied to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the role retains immense prestige and involves advising the Sovereign on astronomical and related scientific matters, as well as engaging the public with the wonders of the universe.
Professor Dougherty, renowned for her pioneering work in planetary science, brings an impressive resume to the role. She is currently the Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, President-elect of the Institute of Physics, and a Professor of Space Physics at Imperial College London.
Her career has been marked by leading significant uncrewed exploratory space missions. She served as the Principal Investigator for the magnetometer instrument on board the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and its moons, a role that led to the groundbreaking discovery of water vapour erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus, suggesting the potential for extraterrestrial life. She is also the Principal Investigator for the magnetometer for the European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), which launched in April 2023 and is en route to Jupiter.
Expressing her delight at the appointment, Professor Dougherty stated, “I am absolutely delighted to be taking on the important role of Astronomer Royal. As a young child, I never thought I’d end up working on planetary spacecraft missions and science, so I can’t quite believe I’m actually taking on this position. In this role, I look forward to engaging the general public in how exciting astronomy is, and how important it and its outcomes are to our everyday life.”
Her appointment has been widely celebrated across the scientific community and beyond. Professor Dame Angela McLean, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, offered warm congratulations, recognizing Professor Dougherty’s “outstanding work and enduring commitment to the field of astronomy.”
The Institute of Physics also lauded the decision, with Chief Executive Tom Grinyer calling Professor Dougherty “an inspirational ambassador for science and a role model for every young person who has gazed up at the stars and imagined a future in physics or astronomy.”
Professor Dougherty’s historic appointment is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists, particularly women and girls, to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her continued work at the forefront of space exploration, coupled with her new advisory role to the King, positions her to make a profound impact on both scientific advancement and public engagement with astronomy in the UK.
