Daphne Jackson graduated in physics from Imperial College in 1958. She moved to Battersea College of Technology (now the University of Surrey) where she researched theoretical nuclear physics and was awarded a PhD in 1962. She was the first woman to be appointed Professor of Physics in the UK (1971) at the University of Surrey where she later became Dean of the Faculty of Science. A distinguished physicist in nuclear, medical and radiation physics, she served bodies such as the Institute of Physics, the Women’s Engineering Society, the University Grants Committee, the Board of the Meteorological Office and regional and district health authorities. As a lifelong campaigner she encouraged women into engineering and science. In 1985, Professor Jackson devised a Fellowships scheme for returners and launched a pilot project to help individuals get back into their chosen careers after they had taken a break to care for their family.