Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock has become the first Black woman to win a gold medal from the Institute of Physics, according to the Institute of Physics.

An accomplished space scientist and science communicator, Dr. Aderin-Pocock has worked with hundreds of thousands of children to educate them around physics space research and physics engagement.

Throughout the years, she has continued to push the conversation around women in science while simultaneously creating access to careers in the field.

According to Because of Them We Can (BOTWC), her accolades include a 2009 New Year Honours, in addition to receiving the member of the order of the British Empire (MBE) award, a Science and Technology Facilities Council Science in Society Fellowship. Dr. Aderin-Pocock is also the author of two popular science books called “Dr. Maggie’s Grand Tour of the Solar System” and “The Sky at Night: book of the Moon – A Guide to Our Closest Neighbour.”

Now, she is the recipient of the 2020 William Thomson, Lord Kelvin Medal and Prize for her “exceptional services to science education and physics communication,” making her the first Black woman to win a gold medal in the award’s history.

Her passion and advocacy for diversity in physics put her ahead of the class, ultimately revolutionizing the public perception of women in science.

As she continues to push the conversation forward through her work with BBC and other television series, Dr. Aderin-Pocock has also earned the title of president-elect of the British Science Association.

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