Careering Through Astronomy

Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, one of the most influential physicists of her generation, joins Manchester Lit & Phil for a special talk exploring her remarkable career in science.

As a PhD student at the University of Cambridge, Bell Burnell played a pivotal role in the discovery of pulsars in 1967, helping to establish an entirely new field of astrophysics. Over the course of her career, she has worked with a wide range of astronomical instruments, from high-altitude balloon-borne telescopes to radio telescopes and satellite-based technologies.

A leading advocate for the public understanding of science, Bell Burnell has received numerous honours for her contributions to physics. In 2018, she was awarded the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics and used the £2.3 million prize fund to create scholarships supporting women, minority ethnic and refugee students pursuing careers in research physics. In 2021, she became only the second woman to receive the Royal Society’s prestigious Copley Medal.

Alongside her research achievements, Bell Burnell has held senior leadership roles across the scientific community, including serving as President of both the Royal Astronomical Society and the Institute of Physics.

The event will include an opportunity for audience questions and discussion. Advance booking is strongly recommended.