Born: July 15, 1943 (Lurgan, Northern Ireland)
Biography:
Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell DBE FRS FRSE FRAS FInstP, born on July 15, 1943, is an astrophysicist from Northern Ireland. She made an astounding discovery as a postgraduate student in 1967 when she detected the first radio pulsars, which ultimately led to a groundbreaking breakthrough in the field of astrophysics. Although her discovery earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974, she was not included amongst the recipients. Bell Burnell’s contributions to science and her notable achievements have had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe. Her significant roles within scientific organizations and her commitment to promoting inclusivity in physics further solidify her position as a trailblazer.
Bell Burnell’s scientific journey began with her upbringing in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. She was raised in a home called Solitude by her parents M. Allison and G. Philip Bell, along with her younger brother and two sisters. Her father, an architect who played a role in designing the Armagh Planetarium, regularly exposed her to astronomy and encouraged her passion for the subject. Bell Burnell was particularly captivated by her father’s books on astronomy and eagerly absorbed their contents.
However, her educational path faced numerous obstacles. During her time at the Preparatory Department of Lurgan College from 1948 to 1956, traditional gender expectations limited girls’ access to technical subjects. While boys had the opportunity to study science, girls were directed towards domestic pursuits like cooking and cross-stitching. Challenging these prevailing norms, Bell Burnell’s parents and others advocated for her right to pursue science education. Despite failing the eleven-plus exam, she was sent to The Mount School, a Quaker girls’ boarding school in York, England. It was here that she thrived and completed her secondary education in 1961.
At The Mount School, Bell Burnell encountered a physics teacher named Mr. Tillott, who left a lasting impression on her. His teaching style emphasized grasping fundamental principles rather than memorizing copious amounts of facts. This approach resonated with her, cementing her belief in the accessibility of physics. She cherished the simplicity of understanding a few key concepts and building upon them. It was through Mr. Tillott’s guidance that she discovered her affinity for physics and developed a strong foundation in the subject.
Following her time at The Mount School, Bell Burnell enrolled at the University of Glasgow. In 1965, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Philosophy (physics) with honors. Her passion for astrophysics continued to flourish, leading her to pursue further studies at New Hall, Cambridge. Under the mentorship of Antony Hewish and alongside a collaborative team, Bell Burnell played an instrumental role in constructing the Interplanetary Scintillation Array.
Amidst her work at Cambridge, Bell Burnell’s breakthrough moment arrived in 1967. As a postgraduate student, she detected peculiar radio signals emanating from celestial bodies. These signals turned out to be the first-ever observations of pulsars, rapidly rotating neutron stars with intense magnetic fields. Her discovery challenged existing astronomical theories and opened up entirely new avenues of research.
While Bell Burnell’s groundbreaking discovery fundamentally altered our understanding of the universe, it was not recognized with a Nobel Prize. Nonetheless, her contributions to astrophysics did not go unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including being named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). In 2018, Bell Burnell was honored with the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, which came with a generous prize of $3 million (£2.3 million). In a remarkable gesture, she decided to use the prize money to establish a fund that supports female, minority, and refugee students pursuing careers in research physics. This fund is administered by the Institute of Physics, showcasing her commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the field.
Bell Burnell’s impact extends beyond her scientific achievements. She has held significant leadership positions within prestigious scientific organizations. From 2002 to 2004, she served as the president of the Royal Astronomical Society, furthering her dedication to advancing astronomical research and fostering collaboration among scientists. In addition, she served as president of the Institute of Physics from 2008 to 2010 and as interim president following the untimely death of her successor, Marshall Stoneham, in 2011. These leadership roles allowed her to advocate for the importance of physics education and research, particularly in terms of diversity and inclusion.
Furthermore, Bell Burnell’s trailblazing journey has played a crucial role in women’s history. Her achievements as a female astrophysicist have shattered gender barriers and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields. By overcoming societal expectations and challenging discriminatory practices, she has paved the way for future generations of women in science, encouraging them to embrace their passions and make groundbreaking discoveries.
Bell Burnell’s remarkable career and lifelong dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and inclusivity have solidified her status as a pioneer in astrophysics and a champion of underrepresented groups in physics. Her contributions to the field and her commitment to elevating the voices of marginalized individuals will continue to shape the scientific community for generations to come.
Awards:
– Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (2018)
– Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)