First female Astronomer Royal

That this House congratulates Professor Michelle Dougherty on her recent appointment as Astronomer Royal, becoming the first woman to hold the post in its 350 year history advising the monarch on astronomical issues; recognises the important contribution which she has made in her career to astronomy and physics and in her other roles as Professor of Physics at Imperial College London, Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council and as President-elect of the Institute of Physics; supports Professor Dougherty in her efforts to inspire more women and girls to study science, as well as her aim to open people’s eyes to the wonders of space; and wishes her luck in her exciting project with the European Space Agency to probe the viability of life on the moons of Jupiter.