'Dyslexia is my superpower': Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock is the guest editor of BBC Radio Surrey and Sussex on Friday.

The space scientist and broadcaster is speaking to Sarah Gorrell about her career, becoming a Barbie doll and overcoming dyslexia.

The Guildford resident is speaking to a series of guests about the importance of diversity in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

Ahead of the show, Dame Aderin-Pocock said: "I was brought up in an era where girls didn't 'do' science... but science should be available to everyone who's interested."

The broadcaster hosted The Sky at Night and appeared on BBC Four's Stargazing Live and Doctor Who Confidential.

Dame Aderin-Pocock worked on the world's most powerful telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and runs a company to introduce children to science.

She will tell the show about her experiences with a learning difficulty and as an ambassador for charity Made By Dyslexia.

She said: "I was diagnosed with dyslexia in my 40s. I used to say I suffer from dyslexia. But now I see dyslexia as my superpower.

"Dyslexia gives me all sorts of skills I would not otherwise have."

The scientist was turned into a Barbie by Mattel in 2023 to mark International Women's Day.

She joked: "It looks like me – but on a really good day!"

She has chosen her own interviewees including Dr John Mason from South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre in Chichester and Khusbu Patel from the International Rescue Committee.

Upcoming guest editors on BBC Surrey and Sussex include writer Dorothy Koomson, retired athlete Sally Gunnell and children's author Jacqueline Wilson.

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