Suzie Imber Keynote Speaker

Dr. Suzie Imber is renowned for her prowess as a planetary scientist and has earned wide acclaim as the victor of the BBC 2 series, “Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?”. Under the watchful eye of NASA astronaut Chris Hadfield, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and adaptability, undertaking challenges such as operating under 5g in a centrifuge and executing emergency protocols at NASA’s undersea training facility, Aquarius. Her victory has garnered her Chris Hadfield’s endorsement for the European Space Agency astronaut training program, positioning her as a compelling and influential voice on space exploration and planetary science.

Currently, Dr. Imber occupies a significant role as an Associate Professor of Planetary Science at the University of Leicester. She plays a pivotal part in the European Space Agency’s BepiColombo mission to Mercury, where her research group has contributed essential instrumentation. Suzie’s primary research delves into space weather, examining the profound impacts of solar emissions on the solar system, especially Earth and Mercury. This work holds significant implications, especially in our satellite-dependent age and as we explore opportunities for colonization on the Moon and Mars.

Her adventurous spirit matches her academic prowess. A former England U21 lacrosse player, elite rower, and an accomplished high-altitude mountaineer, Dr. Imber combined her passion for exploration and her technical acumen to develop a code identifying previously unknown mountains in South America. These discoveries have propelled her on annual expeditions to these uncharted territories, leading to first ascents and even the discovery of Incan ruins.

Author of numerous publications, Dr. Imber’s work has significantly advanced our understanding of planetary environments, linking space research to innovations that bolster climate resilience on Earth. Her involvement with various space agencies, including the UK Space Agency, NASA, Qinetiq, and Virgin Galactic, showcases her influence in the field.

Suzie’s academic journey began with a first-class honors degree in physics from Imperial College London, followed by an enriching internship at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Driven by her passion, she pursued a PhD focusing on magnetopause reconnection. Suzie’s distinguished contributions to STEM earned her the prestigious Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award and Lecture in 2021.

As a dynamic speaker, she has illuminated audiences globally, from the Royal Albert Hall to conferences in Hong Kong. Dr. Imber speaks with fervor about space, the future of science and research, and the tangible connections between space innovations and sustainable living on Earth. She is a beacon of inspiration, driving others towards the relentless pursuit of their goals, and remains an invaluable asset to both the scientific and public communities.