The countdown is on for the BCGA Conference on 14th May, and we are looking forward to hearing from our keynote speaker, Helen Sharman.
Helen 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 an 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 Physical 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.
To book your place, please visit: https://bcga.co.uk/book-conference-2026/
Picture and words courtesy of Champions the Speakers Agency.
