Helen Sharman CMG OBE

The first British astronaut

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Helen Sharman CMG OBE's Biography

Pioneer, role model, science communicator and world-class inspirational speaker, Helen became the first British Astronaut in May 1991, aged 27, when she spent 8 days orbiting the Earth. A superb speaker, Helen enthuses her audience about Space, STEM and the wonders of science. She takes them on her journey, as she describes aspects of the meticulous training, preparation, launch and landing, how weightlessness feels, her science experiments, the team spirit and readjusting to life back on Earth. Invited to speak worldwide at corporate, public, government, academic and school events, her presentation can include a wide variety of topics including: Living in Space, astronaut training, teamwork, leadership, communication, collaboration and motivation (Note to Event Planners: not all these topics can fit into just one speech, in detail.) Her presentation may include slides, some of which she took herself during her training and spaceflight. Helen says “We should push forward, not only our individual boundaries, but also the boundaries of what humans believe is possible. People are the biggest limitations in our own lives. There's a huge amount we can do and we should make the best use of our lives for the benefit of the world.” Helen didn’t think she stood the smallest chance of being selected when she applied, after hearing an advert on the car radio on her way home from work. Over 13,000 people also applied for this one-off opportunity. But Helen was exactly the type of person the selectors were looking for - calm, practical, friendly, professional, a team player. Two people were chosen for the rigorous training but only one – Helen – went into Space. Before starting her training, Helen underwent the rigorous selection process with psychological and medical assessments, technical and practical skills. This was followed by 18 months of intensive spaceflight training, which started with learning Russian, preparing for “feeling weightless” and g-forces, learning how to cope inside a cramped space capsule, how to deal with a landing in the sea and training for all possible scenarios (positive and negative) which might happen when in orbit, travelling at 17,500 miles an hour. Helen carried out spacecraft operations during the launch. On board the Space Station, her tasks included medical, agricultural and chemical experiments, materials testing, Earth observation work and operating an amateur radio link with British school students. Media interviews were a frequent occurrence. Coping with risk was a daily activity. Teamwork was a vital element for success. Helen has not returned to space. But, like every other astronaut, she would love to go to space again, to experience the feeling of weightlessness, the camaraderie …. and the amazing and beautiful views of Earth and the stars. After her successful spaceflight, Helen chose to become a science communicator and speaker. She has won numerous prizes for radio and TV programmes and for her inspirational talks on teamwork, STEM, science communication and motivation. She often meets teachers who were inspired to study science after hearing her speak: her speech changed their lives, and now they pass on their passion and expertise to new generations of young scientists and engineers. Helen was awarded the OBE in 1993. In the New Year Honours List 2018, she was further awarded a rare honour, being made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to Science and Technology Educational Outreach. She received the CMG from Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle in 2018. In October 2020, Helen celebrated Space Week at the National Space Centre, Leicester, with HRH The Countess of Wessex. In his Foreword to Helen’s book Seize the Moment, Arthur C Clarke wrote: “Her account of the hours before the launch and the actual sensations during ascent into orbit is so gripping that any reader will feel a vicarious involvement. This is exactly what it must be like.” On 15 December 2015, Britain’s second astronaut Major Tim Peake began his mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Helen joined Professor Brian Cox and Dara Ó’Briain on BBC TV’s Stargazing Live to follow the live docking of Tim’s rocket with the ISS. She was invited back on 18 June 2016 for Tim’s safe return to Earth. In 2019, Helen was the UK’s go-to person for TV, radio, and media comment on the first Lunar Landings (Neil Armstrong & Buzz Aldrin: Apollo 11: 20 July 1969). When SpaceX launched in May 2020, Helen was invited by broadcasters for worldwide TV and radio interviews, to share her own insights and experience. Helen Sharman received her BSc in Chemistry at Sheffield University. She worked in Research & Development for GEC before moving to Mars Confectionery as a Research Technologist working on chocolate and ice cream. Later, Helen managed a research group at the National Physical Laboratory in London. She now works part-time as the UK Outreach Ambassador for Imperial College London. Helen spoke at a special event for children at the Royal Institution. Co-presented by TV’s Dallas Campbell, To Infinity and Beyond: the story of the spacesuit included part of Helen’s own spacesuit, loaned by the National Space Centre. She headlined at the sell-out 2019 Christmas Science “Shambles” event at the Apollo, London, appearing onstage with Tim Peake, Chris Hadfield, Robin Ince and Professor Brian Cox and in “Shambles” events since then. Helen recorded the Audi Guide for the acclaimed Cosmonauts exhibition at the Science Museum, London. In support of British Science Week 2023, Helen wrote "I love how science explains the world around us. It helps us to improve life by allowing doctors to treat patients better, by enabling us to use phones and all the connectivity of the internet, by providing solutions to climate change and so much more. In space, science enabled me to have oxygen to breathe and a spacecraft that was made of materials to cope with high temperatures on the sunny side and low temperatures on the shady side. What I think is most interesting about science, though, is that there is always more to discover. Science makes life interesting!" Helen hosts the Zero Pressure podcast, a relaxed conversation with people on the cutting edge, looking at how science and technology can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. On 01 January 2024, Audible released their brand-new podcast “Discover your Inner Astronaut” co-hosted by Helen Sharman and the American astronaut Nicole Stott.

SPEAKING VIDEOS
PHOTOS
PODCASTS
HONORS and AWARDS
BOOKS

Helen Sharman | GAIA at Liverpool Cathedral

Who was the first Briton in space?

In conversation with Helen Sharman | The Royal Society

Who was the first Briton in space?

360° VR Space Safari with Helen Sharman

UK in Space: Helen Sharman and Tim Peake Interview Each Other

Helen Sharman: What's the best thing about being an astronaut?

Oxford Royale Great Debate 2023 ◦ Featuring Helen Sharman

Podcast

Journey to Sustainable Skies

Listen

Helen Sharman was awarded the OBE for her pioneering work in 1993. In the New Year Honours List 2018, Helen was further awarded a rare honour, made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to Science and Technology Educational Outreach.

She is a Chartered Chemist and Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (CChem, (Hon) FRSC)

Honorary Member for the Society of Chemical Industry (MSCI)

Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAes)

Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS)

Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society

Fellow of the Institute of Science and Technology (FIScT)

She has received Honorary Degrees and awards from numerous Universities including Hull and Sheffield.

In April 2021, Helen accepted the invitation from The Royal Osteoporosis Society to become an Ambassador for that charity, with her interest in bone health in adults of all ages. Much of the research into bone health is being carried out through experiments in Space.

Helen is President of the IST (Institute of Science and Technology), making a significant contribution to the technical community. She is an active member of the Association of Space Explorers (members must complete a full orbit of the Earth to qualify for membership!).

The space-suit worn by Helen is on display at the Science Museum in London. Her flight suit, worn in space, is on display with some of her other space-flown artefacts in the National Space Centre in Leicester. For her accomplishments in Project Juno, Helen received a star on the Sheffield Walk of Fame. Helen is an inspiring and engaging role model for young people. Many schools named Houses, Science Centres and Laboratories after Helen, including in London, Kent, Rugby, Leeds, Hartlepool and in Europe.

SEIZE THE MOMENT

THE SPACE PLACE

Helen Sharman CMG OBE Speaker Solutions

Keynote Speaker

SPEAKER TOPICS

STEM Speakers

Space Speakers

Leadership Speakers

Future of Humanity Speakers

Workplace Culture Speakers

Helen Sharman CMG OBE Keynote Topics

Living In Space

In this keynote, our speaker Helen Sharman takes audiences on an extraordinary journey into life aboard a space station. She shares vivid details of training, launch, weightlessness, and daily routines in orbit, providing rare insights into the realities of human spaceflight.

Through her stories of science experiments, risk management, and awe-inspiring views of Earth, Helen inspires audiences to push boundaries and embrace new possibilities.

Teamwork And Leadership

In this talk, Helen Sharman reflects on the teamwork and leadership required to succeed in one of the most demanding environments imaginable: space. She explains how trust, collaboration, and adaptability are essential for mission success.

Our speaker translates lessons from her astronaut experience into practical takeaways for leaders and teams, equipping them to thrive under pressure and achieve shared goals.

Communication And Collaboration

In this session, Helen Sharman highlights how clear communication and seamless collaboration were vital during her space mission. She shows how these skills transcend spaceflight and apply directly to business, education, and daily life.

With engaging stories, our speaker provides strategies to strengthen collaboration across diverse teams, fostering unity and performance.

Training; Motivation

In this keynote, Helen Sharman shares her inspiring journey from hearing a radio advert to becoming the UK’s first astronaut. She reveals the rigorous training process and the motivation that carried her through challenges.

Our speaker demonstrates how resilience, focus, and belief in one’s potential can turn extraordinary dreams into reality, motivating audiences to pursue their own ambitions.

STEM: Inspiring The Next Generation

In this talk, Helen Sharman emphasises the importance of inspiring young people to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She explains how space exploration fuels curiosity and innovation for future generations.

Our speaker shows how education and storytelling can spark lifelong passions. Audiences leave encouraged to support and empower the next wave of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Helen Sharman CMG OBE's Biography

Pioneer, role model, science communicator and world-class inspirational speaker, Helen became the first British Astronaut in May 1991, aged 27, when she spent 8 days orbiting the Earth.

A superb speaker, Helen enthuses her audience about Space, STEM and the wonders of science. She takes them on her journey, as she describes aspects of the meticulous training, preparation, launch and landing, how weightlessness feels, her science experiments, the team spirit and readjusting to life back on Earth.

Invited to speak worldwide at corporate, public, government, academic and school events, her presentation can include a wide variety of topics including: Living in Space, astronaut training, teamwork, leadership, communication, collaboration and motivation (Note to Event Planners: not all these topics can fit into just one speech, in detail.)

Her presentation may include slides, some of which she took herself during her training and spaceflight.

Helen says “We should push forward, not only our individual boundaries, but also the boundaries of what humans believe is possible. People are the biggest limitations in our own lives. There's a huge amount we can do and we should make the best use of our lives for the benefit of the world.”

Helen didn’t think she stood the smallest chance of being selected when she applied, after hearing an advert on the car radio on her way home from work. Over 13,000 people also applied for this one-off opportunity. But Helen was exactly the type of person the selectors were looking for - calm, practical, friendly, professional, a team player.

Two people were chosen for the rigorous training but only one – Helen – went into Space.

Before starting her training, Helen underwent the rigorous selection process with psychological and medical assessments, technical and practical skills. This was followed by 18 months of intensive spaceflight training, which started with learning Russian, preparing for “feeling weightless” and g-forces, learning how to cope inside a cramped space capsule, how to deal with a landing in the sea and training for all possible scenarios (positive and negative) which might happen when in orbit, travelling at 17,500 miles an hour.

Helen carried out spacecraft operations during the launch. On board the Space Station, her tasks included medical, agricultural and chemical experiments, materials testing, Earth observation work and operating an amateur radio link with British school students. Media interviews were a frequent occurrence.

Coping with risk was a daily activity. Teamwork was a vital element for success.

Helen has not returned to space. But, like every other astronaut, she would love to go to space again, to experience the feeling of weightlessness, the camaraderie …. and the amazing and beautiful views of Earth and the stars.

After her successful spaceflight, Helen chose to become a science communicator and speaker. She has won numerous prizes for radio and TV programmes and for her inspirational talks on teamwork, STEM, science communication and motivation.

She often meets teachers who were inspired to study science after hearing her speak: her speech changed their lives, and now they pass on their passion and expertise to new generations of young scientists and engineers.

Helen was awarded the OBE in 1993. In the New Year Honours List 2018, she was further awarded a rare honour, being made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to Science and Technology Educational Outreach. She received the CMG from Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle in 2018. In October 2020, Helen celebrated Space Week at the National Space Centre, Leicester, with HRH The Countess of Wessex.

In his Foreword to Helen’s book Seize the Moment, Arthur C Clarke wrote: “Her account of the hours before the launch and the actual sensations during ascent into orbit is so gripping that any reader will feel a vicarious involvement. This is exactly what it must be like.”

On 15 December 2015, Britain’s second astronaut Major Tim Peake began his mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Helen joined Professor Brian Cox and Dara Ó’Briain on BBC TV’s Stargazing Live to follow the live docking of Tim’s rocket with the ISS. She was invited back on 18 June 2016 for Tim’s safe return to Earth.

In 2019, Helen was the UK’s go-to person for TV, radio, and media comment on the first Lunar Landings (Neil Armstrong & Buzz Aldrin: Apollo 11: 20 July 1969). When SpaceX launched in May 2020, Helen was invited by broadcasters for worldwide TV and radio interviews, to share her own insights and experience.

Helen Sharman received her BSc in Chemistry at Sheffield University. She worked in Research & Development for GEC before moving to Mars Confectionery as a Research Technologist working on chocolate and ice cream.

Later, Helen managed a research group at the National Physical Laboratory in London.

She now works part-time as the UK Outreach Ambassador for Imperial College London.

Helen spoke at a special event for children at the Royal Institution. Co-presented by TV’s Dallas Campbell, To Infinity and Beyond: the story of the spacesuit included part of Helen’s own spacesuit, loaned by the National Space Centre. She headlined at the sell-out 2019 Christmas Science “Shambles” event at the Apollo, London, appearing onstage with Tim Peake, Chris Hadfield, Robin Ince and Professor Brian Cox and in “Shambles” events since then.

Helen recorded the Audi Guide for the acclaimed Cosmonauts exhibition at the Science Museum, London.

In support of British Science Week 2023, Helen wrote "I love how science explains the world around us. It helps us to improve life by allowing doctors to treat patients better, by enabling us to use phones and all the connectivity of the internet, by providing solutions to climate change and so much more. In space, science enabled me to have oxygen to breathe and a spacecraft that was made of materials to cope with high temperatures on the sunny side and low temperatures on the shady side. What I think is most interesting about science, though, is that there is always more to discover. Science makes life interesting!"

Helen hosts the Zero Pressure podcast, a relaxed conversation with people on the cutting edge, looking at how science and technology can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow.

On 01 January 2024, Audible released their brand-new podcast “Discover your Inner Astronaut” co-hosted by Helen Sharman and the American astronaut Nicole Stott.

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Helen Sharman CMG OBE testimonials

Dallas Campbell

TV science presenter, broadcaster, writer

I adore sharing the stage with Helen Sharman. Every time is as fun and fascinating as the first. From school halls to The Albert Hall, her energy and passion fill the room. Not only does she have a thrilling story to tell, she tells it brilliantly. Astronaut, scientist and master storyteller. She is a rare talent indeed!

Trent Burton

Co-Director of The Cosmic Shambles Network & Trunkman Productions

Helen has spoken at a wide range of our events over the years. From festival fields, to huge theatres and global livestreamed events during the pandemic, each and every time she takes the stage (or screen) you can feel a rumble through the audience as they come to terms with the fact they are now in the presence of a true icon of space, scientific and human endeavour. That she so effortlessly engages with a brilliant, warm, engaging and impassioned talk or conversation is quite the party trick

Professor Paul Monks

Chief Scientific Adviser & Director General, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Thank you for giving such a fascinating insight into your experience as the first British Astronaut and so much more, including the importance of space in tackling climate change, and the provision of education on STEM topics. We appreciate you taking the time to join us in celebrating Science and Engineering Week. The session was the perfect way to ignite an interest in space and science communication

Euroclear FundsCo

2024, London

Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, brought a straight-from-the-heart and out-of-this-world keynote message of hope: we can all contribute to make this world a better place, provided that we put communication, transparency and trust as the key foundations of any project we undertake

Managing Director

Experian Conference

Captivating and inspirational, you delivered everything we asked for. A brilliant example of how a professional speaker tells their story and shares her amazing experiences

Iqra Academy

UK 2024

What a fantastic event! Helen was absolutely incredible! She is such a wonderful inspiration and we have some children who are really eager to go into space now! Thank you so much to Helen and to Diana. We are so pleased to have met Helen

Producer

podcaster series “Discover Your Inner Astronaut” released by Audible 01 Jan 2024

Helen - your podcasts are really fabulous, a terrific listen and incredible takeaways. You and Nicole (Stott) gel amazingly together. Really well done!

Unity

3D Software

Fabulous feedback from our audience! Helen Sharman had some people in tears with her very special message, tailored for us. Incredible day.

VP Marketing

First Line Software

Our company had a wonderful opportunity to listen and engage with Helen Sharman regarding her experience in space travel. It is a rare opportunity and privilege for people to listen to and ask questions about someone's first-hand experience on what it is like to train, and then travel to the space station. The knowledge and enthusiasm Helen shared with us was impressive and inspiring. We can't wait for the next opportunity to work with her again!

Matthew Minter

Business Development & Artistic Manager, Wells Cathedral

We were thrilled to host Helen Sharman as our keynote speaker during the Festival of the Moon at Wells Cathedral. Helen shared her knowledge and passion with an audience that were engaged and captivated by her throughout the evening. Very much looking forward to continuing our relationship into 2022

Euroclear FundsCo 2024

London

“Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, brought a straight-from-the-heart and out-of-this-world keynote message of hope: we can all contribute to make this world a better place, provided that we put communication, transparency and trust as the key foundations of any project we undertake”.

Managing Director

Experian Conference

“Captivating and inspirational, you delivered everything we asked for. A brilliant example of how a professional speaker tells their story and shares her amazing experiences”.

Iqra Academy

Bradford, UK 2024.

“What a fantastic event! Helen was absolutely incredible! She is such a wonderful inspiration and we have some children who are really eager to go into space now! Thank you so much to Helen and to Diana. We are so pleased to have met Helen”

Unity

3D Software

“Fabulous feedback from our audience! Helen Sharman had some people in tears with her very special message, tailored for us. Incredible day.”

VP Marketing

First Line Software

“Our company had a wonderful opportunity to listen and engage with Helen Sharman regarding her experience in space travel. It is a rare opportunity and privilege for people to listen to and ask questions about someone's first-hand experience on what it is like to train, and then travel to the space station. The knowledge and enthusiasm Helen shared with us was impressive and inspiring. We can't wait for the next opportunity to work with her again!”

Peter Dayson,

Director, Synergy Street Productions for Lincoln Cathedral

“Helen is the most extraordinary person and a fabulous speaker. Feedback has been tremendous. Everyone is thrilled that she came to speak at Lincoln Cathedral. The speech, and the Q&A session, were superb.”

Celonis

“Helen Sharman gave an amazing, virtual keynote speech. Our audience was very impressed about what Helen told us, what she showed us and also taught us by listening to her experience. Please send her our special thanks for being our guest speaker. We wish her all the best and it was a pleasure to have her with us!”

Technation

London

“Helen gave an absolutely excellent and truly inspiring talk with so many take-aways and parallels for our audience. The feedback has been excellent already.”

Computacenter and AWS

“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. Helen had clearly spent a lot of time and effort in preparing her presentation as her delivery was immaculate.”

Leading Canadian financial institution

“We loved Helen’s inspiring speech and there was an overflow of grateful comments. It was exactly what we had hoped for and thank you for making this virtual event special.”

BNP Paribas

London

“Amazing presentation from Helen Sharman. Totally on-point. Hit all the right notes. Superb. Recommend her without hesitation.”

CEO

QV Education

“Friday was fantastic! We are so grateful that you gave such a wonderful talk to inspire the students. It was everything we had hoped for – and more. Your patience in meeting so many children was greatly appreciated. You will be a very hard act to follow!”

Bayer plc

“Thank you for your excellent presentation at our Conference. Without doubt, you are the best guest speaker we have ever had: professional, interesting, amusing and sincere. All our delegates agree that your work reflects the aims and ideals of us all. Most of all, your sheer dedication and enjoyment of life itself is an inspiration.”

Norwich Science Festival

“Helen Sharman was SO well received by the capacity audience. The applause for her was prolonged and the feedback overwhelmingly positive. Support from DBA Speakers was superb, with creative thinking and new ideas””

NHS Confederation

“Helen’s presentations were incredibly well received by all delegates. Feedback has been excellent. She was charming, engaging and informative – an excellent recommendation from Diana Boulter at DBA Speakers.”

Leading investment bank

London

“The feedback from our event has been overwhelming. You proved a huge hit and very inspiring. We were so thrilled that you could join us and even more delighted by your words of wisdom, delivered in a beautifully self-deprecating way and with a great sense of humour.”

Royal Aeronautical

Society President’s Conference

“Thank you very much for speaking at the Human Spaceflight Panel for the Royal Aeronautical Society President’s conference this year. The panel discussion was excellent and the feedback outstanding. Your contributions were very much appreciated by the other speakers and attendees. Thank you for the valuable discussion points in both supporting and leading the discussion and for all your contributions on both days of the Conference: it was a great success and would not have been the same without you”.

Marketing Director

Quality Awards Scotland

“I am writing to thank you for your excellent contribution at the presentation of our Awards. Feedback shows that the audience was fascinated by your talk. Personally, I am delighted, as it vindicates my choice of guest speaker. The enclosed press cutting from The Scotsman confirms that view.”

Moat Housing Group

“This short note is to express our thanks for the superb presentation you gave at our Conference. We have received many unsolicited positive comments on the day generally, but particularly your part in it. We subsequently held a team event where staff worked in areas they do not normally encounter. The response from everyone was overwhelming: we are sure this was a result of the momentum and motivation they drew from your presentation. The effect has been so stimulating for our staff that we are considering how we can use your motivational approach. Thank you again.”

Biwater Limited

“The feedback from our annual Management Conference is unanimous: your presentation was the best we have heard, since we began ten years ago. Thank you for achieving our objective of starting the day on a “high note”.”