Role

Helen Sharman is the Group Leader for Surface and Nanoanalysis. The Group works on a variety of research projects as part of the European Metrology Research Programme and the EU's Framework 7 Programme, as well as with the Technology Strategy Board and the National Measurement Office. Helen is a board member of the Nanotechnology Industries Association, a member of the UK Government's Nanotechnology Strategy Forum and she represents NPL at European Nanosafety Cluster meetings.

Biography

Helen gained a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Sheffield. Following research and development work in the electronics and confectionery industries, Helen became the first British astronaut when she flew to the Mir space station in 1991 as an astronaut-researcher, performing experiments across the scientific disciplines. Helen worked as a consultant for human space flight and became a public advocate for science and technology and the associated benefits to society, before joining NPL in 2010. Helen was awarded an OBE for services to space, she is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Geographical Society, the Royal Aeronautical Society and the British Interplanetary Society and she is a member of the Society for Chemistry and Industry.

Contact details

Email: helen.sharman@npl.co.uk
Tel: 020 8943 6287