Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a British space scientist best known for presenting BBC One’s The Sky At Night and CBeebies’ Stargazing, has been made into a “Barbie Role Model” in recognition of her making space and science accessible to girls.
Created by toy firm Mattel, the ‘Her’ doll pays tribute to Dr. Aderin-Pocock’s work with the James Webb Space Telescope by appearing in a starry dress along with a miniature telescope accessory.
Created in honour of both International Women’s Day and British Science Week, the custom character joins six other women who are trailblazers in their field, including YouTube boss Anne Wojcicki and professor of Paediatrics and Epidemiology at the University of California, Prof. Dr Antje Boetiusi.
On receiving the honour of the doll, the 54-year-old scientist said: “I hope my doll will remind girls that when you reach for the stars, anything is possible.”
Kelly Philp, Marketing director, Mattel UK, commented: “We know that, globally, STEM is a field widely recognised as underrepresenting women so, as a brand, Barbie is committed to showing girls more STEM careers. In the UK, research tells us women make up only 26% of the STEM workforce so showcasing an exciting career in space science like Dr Maggie’s is just one way we are inspiring girls to think differently about their career opportunities.”
The global toy company has also partnered with Brit-based charity Inspiring Girls to donate Dr. Aderin-Pocock’s book, Am I Made Of Stardust?, across schools in the UK.
This Spring, Mattel plans to introduce a marine biologist Barbie doll to its Barbie Career collection, which already includes STEM-inspired figures such as a doctor, a veterinarian, a scientist, and an astronaut. The characters will not be available for purchase by the general public and will only be distributed as unique items by the brand.
