Voices of Science

Maggie Aderin-Pocock, born in 1968 in London, is a space scientist, television presenter and science communicator. Maggie’s parents emigrated from Nigeria in the late 1950s. Following secondary and further education at a number of schools, she read physics at Imperial College, London, 1987-1990 and then completed a PhD (funded by Castrol Oils) on optical techniques for measuring thin layers ofoil, in Imperial College’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, 1990-1994. Following this PhD, Maggie worked as System Scientist at DERA Air Systems working on missile warning systems (1996-1997), Project Manager at DERA Land Systems working on land mine detection (1997-1999), Project and Engineering Manager at Mullard Space Science Laboratory developing an instrument for the Gemini South telescope (1999-2004), Senior Project Manager at Surrey Satellites Technology Ltd. working on instruments for the James Webb Space Telescope and European Space Agency satellites. In 2006 Maggie set up and led an optical space instrumentation group at Astrium Ltd., building instruments for ESA and NASA satellites and ground systems. From undergraduate studies onwards, Maggie has worked in science communication, often involving talks to groups of school children; since 2004 she has continued this work through her company Science Innovation Ltd., supported by a Science and Technology Facilities Council Fellowship at University College London.