The life and legacy of the UK’s first female Professor of Physics
On what would have been her 89th birthday, we celebrate the life and legacy of Professor Daphne Jackson – a trailblazer in science whose vision continues to inspire and empower researchers today.
A Groundbreaking Career in Physics
After studying physics at Imperial College London, she completed her PhD in nuclear physics at Battersea Technical University (now the University of Surrey). Her academic talent, combined with her leadership skills, quickly set her apart.
By 1971, she made history when she was appointed Professor of Physics at Surrey – becoming the UK’s first female Professor of Physics at just 34 years old. She later served as Head of the Department of Physics, and alongside her university commitments, she contributed to national committees, advised government on science policy, and received an OBE for her passionate advocacy of widening participation in STEM.
Championing Equality of Opportunity
An exceptional physicist, Daphne also had a strong sense of fairness and compassion. Throughout her career, she saw many brilliant women who, after taking time away for family, caring, or health reasons, struggled to return to research.
Despite their talents, they were often pushed into roles far below their abilities because retraining opportunities simply didn’t exist. Daphne recognised both the personal injustice and the loss to science.
Daphne Jackson Fellowships
In 1985, she created a groundbreaking fellowship scheme that combined research with retraining and offered part-time flexibility – giving talented returners the chance to reignite their careers. Her belief was clear: 
Qualified women who are unemployed or under-employed following a career break… represent an appalling waste of talent and of investment in their initial education.”
Personal Reflections
At a recent conference, her niece, Susan Balgani, shared warm reflections on Daphne as a person. She described a determined, single-minded woman who valued both vocation and family, and who believed passionately that no one should be denied the opportunity to follow their calling.
Daphne was motivated by equality of opportunity, frustrated that so many capable peers had been forced out of science, and driven to change the system. A people person as much as a physicist, she combined wisdom with determination to open doors for others.
A Lasting Legacy
The Daphne Jackson Trust, founded in her memory, carries this forward. What began as a bold idea to tackle wasted potential has grown into a programme that has transformed the careers of hundreds of researchers. Fellows today continue to benefit from the flexibility, mentoring, and support that Daphne championed, returning to their careers with renewed confidence and making vital contributions to research, teaching, and innovation.
Daphne Jackson’s pioneering spirit lives on in every fellow whose career has been reignited thanks to her vision. Today, we celebrate not only her remarkable achievements in physics but also her enduring impact in building a more equal and inclusive research community.
