Solent: University of Portsmouth astronomer wins Women of the Future award

A University of Portsmouth astronomer, Dr Karen Masters, has won the Women of the Future science award on the same day she took part in the BBC’s 100 Women – a day of debate, discussion and live broadcasting on inspiring women around the world.

Masters, a senior lecturer from the University’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, was among obstetricians, lawyers, designers and entrepreneurs at the recent Women of the Future awards ceremony, which recognises the country’s most inspirational women.

Masters won the award for her research into understanding how galaxies form and evolve in our universe.

She said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised alongside this group of extraordinary women. I’m delighted that the Women of the Future Awards include this science category; it highlights how important it is for women to be part of our scientific culture.”

The Women of the Future Awards, founded nine years ago by entrepreneur Pinky Lilani OBE, identify female role models under the age of 35 who are rising stars in the business, public and creative worlds.

The awards aim to unearth and recognise the stars of tomorrow across diverse industries, acknowledging talented women early on in their careers and creating positive role models for school girls. Cherie Blair is awards patron.

Championed by judges for her clear goals and determination to inspire the next generation of scientists, Masters is responsible for pioneering studies into galaxy evolution.

She said: “I’m passionate about demonstrating that science is for everyone. I do this through my work with the citizen science project, Galaxy Zoo, where more than 400,000 people help my research on galaxies, and through helping to encourage young women (as well as men) to consider science as an exciting, creative and important area to study.”

Vice-chancellor Professor Graham Galbraith said: “I am incredibly proud of Karen’s success, which is wonderful news for her personally and for the University. As an institution we are focused on promoting and supporting the careers of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and I am delighted that one of our senior lecturers is such an inspirational role model for young women.”