Jocelyn Bell Burnell talks to Nuala McGovern

Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell was overlooked for a Nobel Prize for a discovery she made – instead it went to her male boss.  She has been a campaigner for greater access and recognition for women in science for 50 years. For us she will also consider ways of increasing global participation on prestige space science projects

In 1967 Bell Burnell discovered a previously unknown kind of star, the pulsar. A discovery of such significance that it changed our understanding of the solar system. A Nobel prize followed – but not for Burnell. Her male boss who had initially dismissed the discovery as interference took the honour.

Bell Burnell has never been bitter about that experience, but she has always been an exceptional scientist working in a male dominated field.  She argues that today things really should have moved much further than they have. Yes, more women are working in space research, but is it enough?  She argues that different perspectives are essential for moving the science forward. And there is also a need for a more global inclusive vision to exploring the cosmos. India and China have space programmes, as prestigious nationalistic projects. But the low-key space missions of Japan and Nigeria have been far more innovative and collaborative, drawing in international partners from around the world. Which is the best way forward? How to create opportunity, how might our listeners around the world pursue careers in space research?

Bell Burnell is professor of astrophysics at the University of Oxford.
Forward Thinking is a series of 4 programmes for the BBC World Service presented by Nuala McGovern and recorded at the Oxford Literary Festival.

Audience questions will follow the initial conversation with the guests.  If you are planning to attend the event there will be an opportunity for you to ask a question.  If you are unable to attend but might like to ask a question that the BBC then features in the broadcast, you can send those in advance to the producer of the shows julian.siddle@bbc.co.uk

Tickets are free but must be booked through the box office.

The recording will begin at 11am in The Tuanku Bainun Auditorium located within the Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre at Worcester College Oxford. If attending the recording, please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time. The auditorium is a few minutes’ walk from the main Worcester College entrance.