OU honours leading science educator for widening participation in space science

Posted on 22 September 2017 • University news

Science writer and educator, Emily Lakdawalla, has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her contributions to planetary and space science communication.

The OU presented Emily Lakdawalla with a Doctor of the University at its recent Barbican Degree Ceremony. Senior Editor of The Planetary Society, Emily is respected internationally as a passionate advocate for the exploration of our solar system. Her Twitter account, which currently has 140,000 followers, has been recognised as one of the ‘Must-follow Feeds in the World of Science’ by WIRED Magazine. Emily said:

“It is a great privilege to accept the degree of Doctor of the University. The philosophy of The Open University to provide the opportunity of education to all comers complements my own commitment to making sure that the wonders of space science are available to everyone.”

“A passionate advocate for public engagement”

Emily was nominated by Rhian Chapman, a postgraduate research student in the School of Physical Sciences (SPS) Planetary Environments Group at The Open University. Rhian nominated Emily for her exceptional contribution to communicating planetary and space science. She said:

Emily is a passionate advocate for public engagement with all science, and appreciates the importance of ensuring research is accessible to the general public. Her enthusiasm mirrors The Open University’s commitment to public engagement and lifelong learning, with staff and students from SPS regularly engaging media, schools, and society with our incredible research, which includes science instruments on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and the Rosetta Mission to Comet 67P.