First British Astronaut, President of the Institute of Science & Technology, UK Outreach Ambassador at Imperial College London & Ambassador for the Royal Osteoporosis Society

Dr Helen Sharman CMG OBE became the first British astronaut in 1991, an achievement that continues to inspire generations. Since then, she has built an influential career advancing science, technology, and public engagement. Helen is President of the Institute of Science & Technology, UK Outreach Ambassador at Imperial College London, and an Ambassador for the Royal Osteoporosis Society. She also serves on the Science Museum Advisory Board and is active in the Association of Space Explorers. Through keynote speaking, media appearances, and her acclaimed podcasts, Helen shares powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and the limitless potential of science.

Credentials and Impact

Helen’s life changed in 1989 when she answered a radio advert seeking the UK’s first astronaut. From almost 13,000 applicants, she was selected to train at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, Russia, where she undertook 18 months of rigorous preparation in spacecraft systems, survival techniques, and the Russian language. On 18 May 1991, she became the first British astronaut, the first Western European woman in space, and the first woman to visit Mir. She launched aboard Soyuz TM-12, spending eight days on the Mir space station. During the mission, she carried out medical and agricultural experiments, photographed Earth, and spoke with schoolchildren via amateur radio.

Following her return, Helen applied her expertise in leadership and science as Group Leader of the Surface & Nanoanalysis Group at the National Physical Laboratory, and later as Operations Manager in the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London. Today, she serves as President of the Institute of Science & Technology, is UK Outreach Ambassador at Imperial College London, and contributes to public health as an Ambassador for the Royal Osteoporosis Society. Her achievements have been recognised globally with the OBE (1992), CMG (2018), multiple international awards, and over a dozen honorary doctorates.

Publications and Media

Helen has shared her journey through books, articles, and broadcasting. She authored ‘Seize the Moment’ and the children’s book ‘The Space Place’, and has written for both scientific and public audiences. A regular voice in the media, Helen has appeared on the BBC, Sky HISTORY, and international documentaries, offering insight into science and space exploration. She also hosts the Zero Pressure podcast and co-hosts Audible’s Discover Your Inner Astronaut with Nicole Stott.

Why Hire Helen Sharman?

Helen Sharman offers audiences a truly extraordinary perspective, drawing on her experience as Britain’s first astronaut and her distinguished career in science and leadership. Her story resonates with organisations seeking to inspire ambition, adaptability, and resilience. Selected from thousands with no prior flight experience, Helen shows how determination and teamwork can achieve the seemingly impossible. As a speaker, Helen blends powerful storytelling with scientific insight, making complex ideas accessible while motivating audiences to embrace bold thinking.

She has addressed global conferences, corporate events, and educational forums, tailoring her message to diverse audiences. Her talks explore leadership under pressure, the importance of collaboration, and how to seize opportunities when they arise. Frequently invited to share her expertise on stage and in the media, Helen leaves audiences energised and inspired. Booking Helen Sharman means securing a speaker who combines credibility, warmth, and a once-in-a-lifetime story.

To book Helen to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.