Queen's physicist and Institute of Physics Trustee Dermot Green introduced the acclaimed space scientist and professional broadcaster Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock (BBC's Sky at Night, Stargazing etc) for her keynote Northern Ireland Science Festival talk "Exploring the Universe" at a sold out (400+) QUB Elmwood hall on Sunday 16th February. The event was held at QUB in partnership with the Northern Ireland Science Festival and the Institute of Physics. 

In his introduction, Dermot highlighted the Institute of Physics' "Limitless" campaign, which aims to "support young people to change the world through physics", including correcting misconceptions about what physicists do and what they look like, and creating an inclusive, equitable environment and education system. He highlighted how Dame Maggie, who received her Damehood in the 2024 New Years Honours "for services to science education and diversity", had been instrumental in doing just that. 

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock is an expert space scientist and professional science communicator, host of BBC's The Sky at Night (etc). She received an MBE in 2009 for services to science eduction and was elevated to Dame (DBE) in 2024 for "services to science and diversity". She has been President of the British Science Association. As well as numerous honorary doctorates, she was awarded the 2020 Institute of Physics William Thomson/Lord Kelvin Medal and Prize for science communication. She has worked on many projects in academia, private industry and government. In recognition of her true international impact, in 2023 Mattel created a celebratory "role models" Barbie doll of Maggie for International Women's Day. 

It's the second time Dermot has had the pleasure of introducing Maggie, having previously done so for her sold-out show at the MAC Theatre in Belfast in 2022. It was a pleasure to host Dame Maggie at QUB. 

Photos attached, courtesy of NISF and Neil Harrison.