Portsmouth Astrophysicist Shines in Royal Astronomical Society’s Leading Women Portraits
Dr Jen Gupta from the University of Portsmouth has landed a starring role in a powerful new portrait series celebrating women pioneers in astronomy, space science, and geophysics. The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) commissioned 21 portraits to mark 100 years since women were first allowed to become Fellows—a historic milestone in the male-dominated field.
Honouring a Century of Women in Astronomy
Dr Gupta, SEPnet/Ogden Outreach Officer at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG), joins an elite group of female scientists pushing the boundaries of modern astronomy. She said, “It’s an absolute honour to be included in this portrait exhibition among so many leading women in modern-day astronomy. The portraits show a mix of female scientists at different stages of their careers, and it’s humbling to feature alongside some incredible scientists who I greatly admire.”
She added, “It’s staggering to think early female astronomers had to fight so hard and for so long for recognition, particularly as today’s RAS is committed to improving diversity in the astronomical community. I hope this anniversary inspires even more girls and young women to study astronomy.”
From Pub Meetings to Progressive Inclusion
The RAS’s roots trace back to 1820 with the Astronomical Society of London, founded by men over pints in a pub. At the time, women were entirely excluded from membership. That barrier didn’t fall until the social upheaval of World War I, when women’s crucial wartime roles sparked change.
In 1915, the RAS voted overwhelmingly to open its doors to women Fellows, a move formalised by a Supplemental Charter approved by the Privy Council. The first female Fellows—Mary Adele Blagg, Ella K Church, A Grace Cook, and Fiammetta Wilson—were admitted in January 1916, followed swiftly by six others including solar physicist Annie Maunder, who had waited more than two decades for her chance.
University of Portsmouth Proud
Professor Bob Nichol, Director of ICG, said, “I’m thrilled and proud to see one of our outstanding female astronomers featured in this exhibition. We are dedicated to promoting women in science, and Dr Gupta’s participation is fantastic news for her and the University.”
