Helen Sharman has forged a distinguished career as a chemist and astronaut, famed when she became the first British person to visit space back in 1991. Since then, she has committed her career to sharing the inspirational story of how she triumphed over 13000 other applicants to complete her 8-day mission orbiting Earth. Today, alongside keynote speaking engagements, Helen is the President of the Institute of Science & Technology, committed to both educating and motivating the next generation of scientists, technologists and astronauts.
Following education of a BSc in Chemistry at the University of Sheffield and a PhD from Birbeck, University of London, Helen’s illustrious career began as a Research & Development Technologist for GEC and a Chemist for Mars. Having long held a passion for STEM, Helen’s journey to space began following responding to a radio advert regarding applications for the first British space explorer. In 1989, Helen was selected live on ITV to journey to space, and on the 18th of May 1991, Helen was launched into space on the Soyuz TM-12 mission. In addition to becoming the first British astronaut in space, Helen also broke glass ceilings by becoming the first Western European woman in space and the first woman to visit the Mir Space Station.
Upon arriving back on Earth, Helen made it her mission to share the joys of science with the public. She has since worked as the Group Leader of the Surface & Nanoanalysis Group of the National Psychical Laboratory and as the Operations Manager for the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London. Widely renowned for her pioneering mission, Helen’s achievements have been further recognised with an Honorary Fellowship from the British Science Association, appointment of CMG for Services to Science & Technology Outreach, the President’s Medal from SCI, a Star on the Sheffield Walk of Fame, appointment of the Order of the Friendships of Peoples and the Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals of the Royal Aero Club. With such a distinguished career to her name, Helen has also claimed 11 Honorary Doctors, from establishments such as Kingston University, Brunel University London and York St John University.
Having released her autobiography, Seize the Moment, and a children’s book, The Space Place, Helen has also shared her story as a successful author. Having also been appointed an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Sheffield Hallam University, Helen’s influence in the realms of science and technology extend to a variety of organisations. Now also a UK Outreach Ambassador for Imperial College London and a Royal Osteoporosis Society Ambassador, Helen is dedicated to sharing the wonderful possibilities and untapped potential of space and science for future generations. If you are interested in hiring a speaker who can share their motivational story of living and working in space, don’t hesitate to hire Helen Sharman today!
Most recently, Helen Sharman was inducted into the Best International Women's Day Speakers to Hire, acknowledging her ground-breaking achievements as a female astronaut.
Books
Seize The Moment
Reviews
Helen Sharman received a 4 star rating across 16 events in 2023
Agent Recommendation
"I have had the pleasure of working with Helen Sharman on countless keynote speaking engagements, and she is an expert in captivating audiences worldwide with her trailblazing space journey as the first British astronaut. Drawing from rigorous astronaut training and leadership roles, her keynote speeches offer unique insights on teamwork, motivation and resilience, truly embodying an 'out-of-this-world' experience for any event."
Helen Sharman's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Training & Preparation
- Launch
- The Effects of Microgravity
- Living & Working in Space
- Teamwork
- Adjusting to Life Back on Earth
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
“An absolutely brilliant speaker, who engaged the whole Tees Valley and so many young people. Superb!” - Mark Tilling, Headteacher, High Tunstall College of Science
“The feedback from our event has been overwhelming. You proved a huge hit and very inspiring. We were so thrilled that you were able to join us and even more delighted by your words of wisdom, all delivered in a beautifully self-deprecating way and with a great sense of humour.” - Leading investment bank, London
“Helen’s presentation was fascinating and very absorbing. Her personal manner and ease belied her powerful message.” - West Sussex FWI
“Helen was approachable, inspiring, engaging and entertaining – excellent! We would highly recommend her.” - Ms Bee Hughes, Headmistress, The Maynard School , Exeter
“I was lucky enough to hear Helen speak at the recent UK Space Conference in Liverpool. She was a superb presenter – lively, engaging, humorous, honest and insightful – and gave the audience an inside perspective on her selection and mission to the Mir space station.” - Richard Hollingham, Science and Space Journalist
Feedback from Virtual Events:
“We were delighted with our first virtual event, with Helen Sharman, which covered the challenges of working as a team in extreme conditions and in isolation. The results were excellent and much appreciated by the wider group. Helen handled the brief superbly, and she was calm and patient as we worked through the technical details before the event.” - Nick, Chief Financial Officer, Clinigen Group
"It was AWESOME, it went super smoothly and Helen was a peach. Her story is amazing! And the guys at AWS and CC really tied in what they were saying with her." - Jenny, Gilroy
"Please could you pass on massive thanks to Helen on behalf of all of us at Computacenter and AWS. We all found her story inspirational and were really honoured to have her be part of our event. The content tied in beautifully to our own theme and Helen had clearly spent a lot of time and effort in preparing her presentation as her delivery was immaculate" – Justin, Computercentre
"That was superb!"
"A true highlight."
"Amazing inspiration."
"Thanks for sharing in such a natural way Helen. Amazing experience. Inspiration from the very beginning to the end!"
- 2023 - Recognised as one of the Best International Women's Day Speakers to Hire
- 2018 - Named a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for Services to Science & Technology Outreach
- 2018 - Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences from York St John University
- 2017 - Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Kingston University, the University of Hull & the University of Sheffield
- 2015 - Awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the British Science Association
- 2015 - Appointed as the Operations Manager for the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London
- 2011 - Awarded the Medal for Merit in Space Exploration
- 2011 - Group Leader of the Surface & Nanoanalysis Group of the National Physical Laboratory
- 2010 - Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Brunel University London
- 1999 - Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Exeter
- 1998 - Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Staffordshire University
- 1997 - Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Southampton Solent University
- 1996 - Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Technology from the University of Plymouth
- 1995 - Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Kent
- 1993 - Appointed as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry
- 1992 - Appointed OBE
- 1992 - Recipient of the President's Medal from SCI
- 1991 - Became the first British Astronaut
- 1991 - Named an Honorary Fellow of Sheffield Hallam University
- 1991 - Awarded the Order of the Friendships of Peoples
- 1990 - Recipient of the Bronze, Silver & Gold Medals of the Royal Aero Club
- President of the Institute of Science and Technology
- Has a star on the Sheffield Walk of Fame
- The British School in Assen is named after her
How to hire Helen Sharman
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Helen Sharman for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
