Who Is Jocelyn Bell Burnell? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jocelyn Bell Burnell was born on July 15, 1943, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. As of 2025, she is 81 years old. Renowned for her groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics, she is best known for her role in the discovery of pulsars, which significantly shaped our understanding of the universe. Bell Burnell's academic journey has made her a prominent figure in physics and a role model for aspiring scientists worldwide.
| Occupation | Astrophysicist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | |
| Country |
Popularity
Jocelyn Bell Burnell's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Jocelyn's height and weight are not publically documented, it is noted that she carries herself with grace and intelligence, attributes that have made her a respected figure in academia. Information regarding body measurements is often kept private as many individuals like Jocelyn focus more on mental accomplishments than physical attributes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jocelyn Bell Burnell's personal life remains largely private. However, it is known that she was previously married to neurologist and psychologist Martin Burnell. The couple later divorced, and as of 2025, Jocelyn is not publicly known to be in a relationship. She focuses on her career and mentoring young scientists rather than seeking the limelight in her personal life.
Allison and G. Philip Bell. Their country home was called "Solitude" and she grew up there with her younger brother and two younger sisters. Her father was an architect who helped design the Armagh Planetarium, and during her visits there, the staff encouraged her to pursue a career in astronomy. She also enjoyed her father's books on astronomy.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jocelyn Bell Burnell's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure reflects her distinguished career in science, along with various speaking engagements and her involvement in educational initiatives. While her salary specifics are not disclosed, Bell Burnell's role as a respected physicist and educator places her among the higher echelons of academic earners.
Career, Business and Investments
Jocelyn Bell Burnell's career is marked by her significant contributions to astrophysics. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, she made her groundbreaking discovery of pulsars in 1967, which earned her widespread acclaim. Throughout her career, she has held prestigious positions, including her role as president of the Royal Astronomical Society and Professor of Physics at several universities. Additionally, she has invested her time in various educational initiatives aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
She worked at the University of Southampton between 1968 and 1973, University College London from 1974 to 82 and the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh (1982–91). From 1973 to 1987 she was a tutor, consultant, examiner, and lecturer for the Open University.
In 1986, she became the project manager for the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, a position she held until 1991. She was Professor of Physics at the Open University from 1991 to 2001.
She was also a visiting professor at Princeton University in the United States and Dean of Science at the University of Bath (2001–04), and President of the Royal Astronomical Society between 2002 and 2004.
Social Network
Jocelyn Bell Burnell has an active presence in the academic community and engages with the public through social media and professional networks. While she may not be heavily present on platforms like Instagram or Twitter, she often shares insights and contributions through scientific forums, collaborations, and conferences. Her professional profile continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and researchers.
In 2021, Bell Burnell became the second female recipient (after Dorothy Hodgkin in 1976) of the Copley Medal. In 2025, Bell Burnell's image was included on an An Post stamp celebrating women in STEM.
Education
Jocelyn Bell Burnell's educational journey began at the University of Glasgow, where she earned her bachelor's degree in physics. She then proceeded to the University of Cambridge, where she completed her Ph.D. under the supervision of Antony Hewish, the man who led the research group that ultimately received a Nobel Prize for the work Jocelyn substantially contributed to. Bell Burnell’s educational path is a testament to her commitment to academic excellence and her passion for science.
Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell ( Bell; born 15 July 1943) is a Northern Irish physicist who, as a doctoral student, discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967. This discovery later earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974, but she was not among the awardees.
