When Professor Michele Dougherty was building a telescope as a curious schoolgirl in Durban, she had no idea that one day she’d be advising the British monarchy on space and science.
But now, she’s made history as the first woman — and a South African at that — to be named Astronomer Royal, a prestigious title that’s been around since 1675.
Breaking a 350-Year Tradition
The honorary role of Astronomer Royal is a big deal in the UK. Traditionally reserved for elite British scientists, it comes with the responsibility of advising the monarchy on all things astronomy.
And until now, it had never been held by a woman.
That changed when Dougherty was appointed, making her not only the first woman but also the first South African to hold the position.
A Proud South African Journey
Dougherty’s roots run deep in South Africa.
Born in Johannesburg and raised in Durban, she attended Gordon Road Girls’ School and later Mitchell High School. After finishing school, she was unsure of what to study.
Her late father, Professor Brian Dougherty — a respected civil engineering lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) — suggested she try a science degree.
So she enrolled for a Bachelor of Science at UKZN (then University of Natal).
Falling in Love with the Stars
It turns out, her father’s advice was life-changing. His love for astronomy sparked Dougherty’s own passion.
She still remembers those early days, assembling a telescope to catch a glimpse of Jupiter and Saturn’s moons.
That childhood hobby slowly turned into a calling.
Leading Space Missions Across the Solar System
Dougherty’s curiosity took her to incredible places.
By 1997, she was leading the magnetometer team on the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn — a massive international project.
Fast forward to 2023, and she was again at the forefront of space exploration, this time overseeing the same instrument on the European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer.
Championing Science Outreach in the UK
Taking over from Lord Martin Rees, Dougherty says her mission as Astronomer Royal isn’t just about looking at the stars.
She wants to use the platform to promote public engagement with science, inspiring young minds and highlighting how astronomy and physics can actually help the UK economy.
She believes science shouldn’t feel unreachable, and wants more people — especially women — to see it as a field where they belong.
A Tough Climb, But Worth It
Getting there wasn’t easy. Dougherty admits she wasn’t fully prepared for the rigorous pure science courses at university, especially since her strengths in high school were biology and maths.
But thanks to her dad’s support and her own determination, she pushed through.
She completed her honours in physics and then went on to earn a PhD in applied mathematics — a journey that took seven years.
Blazing a Trail for Women in Science
Dougherty is used to being one of the few women in the room — especially in leadership roles within the science world.
But she’s always insisted that her accomplishments are based on merit, not gender.
Still, she hopes that her new role helps open doors for more women, showing them that leadership positions in science are not just possible, but necessary.
Staying Connected to Her Roots
Even with her demanding international work, Dougherty makes time to visit South Africa.
She stays close to her family and contributes to key scientific projects back home, like the Square Kilometre Array — a cutting-edge telescope project partly based in South Africa.
A Proud Moment for South Africa
Her journey is a powerful reminder of how talent, passion, and perseverance can take you far — even from a high school classroom in Durban to the heights of the British royal scientific circle.