Jocelyn Bell Burnell: a star among the stars

We are so happy to be joined by Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, legendary astrophysicist who made the first observations of pulsars during her PhD at the Cavendish, and went on to become a fierce advocate of diversity in science. Dame Jocelyn is visiting Cambridge to give a special talk organised by the Cambridge University Women in Physics Society for International Women’s Day and we’re really excited to be able to spend time with her and ask her about her journey.

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A brief note for our listeners: this episode includes personal reflections on life in academia and physics in past decades, and it may refer to attitudes, behaviours, and workplace cultures that many will find outdated, uncomfortable, or shocking. These accounts are shared to document lived experience and help us understand how the culture has changed; they do not represent current values and operations.

Useful Links:

• Learn more about the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund | Institute of Physics
• Journeys of discovery: Jocelyn Bell Burnell and pulsars - This article published on the University of Camrbidge website includes the photo of Jocelyn mentioned in our conversation.
• To explore Charlotte's student society's activities, visit Cambridge University Women in Physics Society | CUWPS

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Episode credits

Hosts: Charlotte Lane and Vanessa Bismuth

Recording and editing: Chris Brock

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