Athene Donald is a distinguished physicist specializing in soft matter and biological physics. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, followed by four years of postdoctoral research at Cornell University in the United States. Returning to Cambridge, she has held a professorship since 1998.
Donald’s research is inherently interdisciplinary, fostering strong connections with other scientific fields. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society, serving on its Council and previously chairing its Education Committee. She has also contributed to the work of the UK’s Research Councils as well as sitting on the Scientific Council of the European Research Council, and has been a Trustee of the Science Museum in London.
Recognized for her achievements, Donald was elected to Academia Europaea in 2009 and has received numerous awards, including the L’Oreal/UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate for Europe in 2009. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2010.
