Space scientist elected as President-Elect of the Royal Astronomical Society
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), a prestigious organisation that encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics, and related branches of science, has recently undergone a change in leadership. At its Annual General Meeting on Friday 9 May 2025, Professor Jim Wild, a space physicist from Lancaster University, was elected as President-Elect of the RAS.
Professor Wild's term as RAS President will start from the current date and last for 12 months. He will succeed current President Mike Lockwood in May 2026. Known for his commitment to the communication of space and planetary research, Professor Wild is a popular speaker for public audiences.
In addition to the election of the new President-Elect, Professor Steve Miller of University College London and Professor Paul Crowther of the University of Sheffield were elected as vice presidents, each serving a term of two years. Four new councillors were also elected: Karen Anne Devoil, Dr Cyrielle Opitom, Dr Mike Peel, and Professor Andrew Curtis, all serving for a term of three years.
Professor Wild's research focuses on the physics of the natural space environment, the Northern Lights, the impact of space weather on human technology, and the interaction between planetary magnetospheres and the interplanetary environment. Prior to his election, he chaired the Science and Technology Facilities Council's Astronomy Grants Panel from 2017 to 2019.
The RAS, founded in 1820, is active in organising scientific meetings, publishing international research and review journals, maintaining an extensive library, supporting education, and representing UK astronomy nationally and internationally. The society can be kept up with on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
As the newly elected President-Elect, Professor Wild expressed his excitement about being appointed and highlighted the RAS's role in communicating the importance of astronomy and geophysics to the UK's scientific and cultural landscape. The RAS accepts papers for its journals based on the principle of peer review, and it issues press releases based on a similar principle, but the organisations and scientists concerned have overall responsibility for their content.
For those interested in learning more about space and its mysteries, the RAS Supermassive podcast can be downloaded. The RAS continues to be at the forefront of astronomical research and education, and with Professor Wild at the helm, it is poised to make significant strides in the coming years.
Professor Wild, during his term as RAS President, will leverage technology to communicate the mysteries of space and astronomy, as he is known for his commitment to the public communication of space and planetary research. The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), under Professor Wild's leadership, will continue to be at the forefront of astronomical research and education, making significant strides in the fields of science, space-and-astronomy, and technology.
