A recently launched Ulster Bank note that features the work of Lurgan-born astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell-Burnell has been shortlisted for the International Banknote of the Year award.

Run by the International Bank Note Society, the award seeks to recognise an exceptional note issued each year.

Shortlisted notes are assessed on the basis of artistic merit, design, use of colour, contrast, balance, and security features of each nomination. 

Ulster Bank’s polymer £50 note, which came into circulation last summer, features Dame Jocelyn’s iconic 1967 discovery of pulsars - spherical, compact objects that are about the size of a large city but contain more mass than the sun.

Dame Jocelyn, who was born in Lurgan, is considered one of the world’s foremost astrophysicists. Her discovery was recognised with the Nobel prize for physics in 1974.

In Association with

The design of the £50 note heavily features women working in NI’s burgeoning life sciences industry. It also portrays ‘Millies’ working at the loom, as a homage to NI’s linen industry.

There are also nods to NI’s ship building and aviation sectors, the creative industries, and NI’s place as a centre of excellence in cyber security.

On the other side of the note, there are a range of flora and fauna found in NI, including a pine martin, a cryptic wood butterfly, and gorse.

Ulster Bank’s Sandra Wright commented: “This note has a particular focus on NI women and women’s role in life and industry. We are really honoured that it is shortlisted for the award.”

Terry Robb, head of personal banking, said: “Bank notes continue to be an important part of the way that many people interact with us.”

Photo: Nobel prize winner Jocelyn Bell-Burnell