The endowed gift from Professor Graziella Branduardi-Raymont provides for graduate students of space science and engineering who find themselves in financial need.
Professor Branduardi-Raymont was a highly regarded Professor in Space Astronomy, who first came to UCL as a PhD student at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) in 1974, and subsequently spent the majority of her career here. She taught on undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervised dozens of doctoral students and was the world’s foremost expert on X-ray emissions from Jupiter, especially its aurora.
UCL MSSL is a world leader in space research and is the UK’s largest university-based space research group. It was founded in 1966 and from its Surrey Hills location engineers, scientists and research students are building and testing instruments for space, including many that are helping to explore planets, comets and the wider solar system.
Today, UCL MSSL is pleased that Professor Branduardi-Raymont’s legacy of supporting space science students will continue, thanks to a generous endowed donation which she left to UCL in her will.
Students on the MSc Space Science and Engineering who find themselves in financial need will be supported through grants funded by the legacy gift. Because the gift will form part of UCL’s endowment, it will be used to support students over many years to come.
Professor Sarah Matthews, Director of Education and Student Experience at UCL MSSL, said:
“Professor Branduardi-Raymont was a world-leading researcher, a dedicated teacher, and a valued friend and colleague. We are incredibly humbled that she left us this generous gift and are honoured to be able to continue her legacy – by building up the next generation of space scientists at UCL and ensuring that financial circumstances are never a barrier to success.”
Angharad Milenkovic, UCL Vice-President (Advancement), said:
“Gifts in wills are often one of the most meaningful choices that people make in their lifetime. For Professor Branduardi-Raymont this gift was her way of making an impact that will last well into the future. For generations of students who will benefit, this endowed gift will make a tremendous difference in their academic journeys. Its impact cannot be overstated.”
Professor Branduardi-Raymont’s family shared:
“John and Graziella’s passion, dedication and enthusiasm never waivered. As a family they would share details of trips, missions and projects with us. We didn’t always have an understanding but we always understood their work was their world and this shines through today in the legacy they both left behind. Graziella’s students will also carry this legacy forward, which will help UCL/MSSL continue to grow. A very proud family indeed.”
About Professor Branduardi-Raymont
Professor Graziella Branduardi-Raymont first came to the MSSL as a PhD student in 1974, from her hometown of Milan, with a degree in physics from the University of Milan.
After obtaining her PhD in X-ray astronomy in 1977, Graziella moved to the Harvard Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics in the US, Graziella returned to the MSSL as a Research Assistant in 1979, and remained here for the rest of her career. She was appointed as a Professor in Space Astronomy in 2009.
Graziella supervised dozens of PhD students during her time at the MSSL and was held in extremely high regard as a supervisor. She also carried the organisational responsibility for the MSSL’s Space Science and Engineering Master’s degree from 2009 to 2016.
She was the world’s foremost expert on the X-ray emission from Jupiter, especially its aurora – making her one of the few scientists worldwide who excel in both astrophysics and solar system science.
Graziella was passionate about involving women in science, and was a role model for many. She was an administrator of the Physics and Astronomy Department’s Elizabeth Spreadbury Fund for many decades, most recently serving as the chair.
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Credit: UCL Digital Media.
Further links
Find out about leaving a gift to UCL in your will
UCL Giving - Student Support Fund
UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory
UCL Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences