Sabrina Cohen-Hatton Keynote Speaker

Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton is an esteemed fire officer, neuroscientist, and author who transformed personal adversity into a distinguished career in public service.

Leaving home at 15 and experiencing homelessness, she joined the fire service at 18, becoming one of the UK’s most senior female firefighters. Her operational leadership includes directing responses to major incidents such as the London Bridge and Finsbury Park terror attacks, as well as the aftermath of Grenfell.

Balancing frontline duties with academic pursuits, Sabrina earned a First-Class Honours degree in Psychology, a Master’s in International Fire Service Development, and a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience. As an Honorary Research Fellow and Professor at Cardiff University, her pioneering research on risk-critical decision-making has influenced national policy and garnered international recognition. Her work emphasizes how the brain processes information under pressure, leading to improved safety protocols within emergency services.

Sabrina’s literary contributions further extend her impact. Her first book, The Heat of the Moment, offers an unfiltered look into the realities of firefighting and decision-making under duress. Her second book, The Gender Bias, examines systemic barriers hindering women’s progress and provides actionable strategies to overcome them. Both works reflect her dedication to fostering resilience, inclusivity, and informed leadership.

An advocate for social mobility, Sabrina advises on initiatives to end homelessness and serves as an ambassador for The Big Issue and Street Vet. Her accolades include being named among The Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers, featuring in Cosmopolitan’s Millennial Power List, and receiving the King’s Fire Service Medal in the 2024 Birthday Honours.