Helen Sharman

Helen Patricia Sharman, is a British chemist who became the first British astronaut and the first woman to visit the Mir space station in May 1991.

Originally graduating from the Department of Chemistry in 1984, Helen Sharman returned to the University of Sheffield in 2017 to be awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

Responding to a radio advert in 1989 for the upcoming Anglo-Soviet Project Juno, Helen was selected from 13000 applicants to blast off to the Mir space station.

Helen travelled three million miles in space with Soviet cosmonauts, carrying out various medical and agricultural experiments involving seed growth and protein crystal formation. The mission itself lasted only for eight days, but Helen returned to Britain as a national heroine.

‘Seize the Moment’ is Helen Sharman’s autobiography, telling the story of her fascinating journey from University of Sheffield graduate to one of only two Britons ever to have travelled to space.

Tell us your story

The collection currently consists of over 500 books.

Have you been inspired by a publication by a member of University staff?

Throughout the last year we have been canvassing staff, students and alumni to garner nominations for books by our Sheffield Academics that have inspired, motivated or informed.

Tell us your story and help shape our showcase by making a book nomination.