Space Psychologist, Former Deputy & Director of the Centre for Space Medicine, BBC Science Expert Presenter for the BBC series ‘Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?’ & Developed Boeing 777 Computer-Based Training for Emirates Airline
Iya Whiteley‘s Biography:
Iya Whiteley is a leading space psychologist, human factors specialist and expert in astronaut performance whose career has been dedicated to understanding how people adapt, perform and thrive in some of the world’s most demanding environments. Best known for her work supporting astronaut training programmes and advising major international space organisations, Iya has built a reputation as one of the foremost authorities on human behaviour in extreme settings. Her unique combination of expertise across aviation, defence, medicine and space exploration enables her to translate complex scientific concepts into practical lessons on resilience, teamwork, leadership and human performance, making her a highly sought after keynote speaker for organisations around the world.
Iya’s career began in aviation psychology, joining Emirates Airline in 1998 before developing computer-based training programmes for both Emirates Airline’s Boeing 777 fleet and the Royal Australian Air Force’s C130J-30 Hercules aircraft. She later became Human Factors Engineering Lead at Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge and subsequently worked as a Human Factors Consultant for SEA Group, supporting programmes for the Ministry of Defence, the European Space Agency and multinational organisations. In 2009, she became a Human Behaviour Performance Specialist, designing astronaut training programmes for the European Astronaut Centre. Her leadership continued as Director of IACE Ltd, where she advised NATO and the Ministry of Defence on human-robot interaction. In 2011, she was appointed Deputy Director of the Centre for Space Medicine, developing collaborations with NASA, ESA, the Institute of Biomedical Problems and the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City. Alongside her scientific career, she has practised South Korean Medicine since 1997, specialising in SuJok Acupuncture and Acupressure, Twist Therapy and Sam Won Dong gymnastics.
Iya’s profile has been enhanced through significant public engagement and media work. She advised on and helped launch the UK element of ESA and the UK Space Agency’s global ‘Mission X: Train Like an Astronaut’ schools programme, inspiring future generations to engage with science and space exploration. Her expertise reached a national audience when she served as the BBC’s Science Expert Presenter and Space Psychologist on the acclaimed series ‘Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?’, where she provided insight into the psychological and behavioural demands of spaceflight.
Why Hire Iya Whiteley?
Her influence extends to strategic leadership within the UK space sector. She chaired the Space Environment Working Group, advising the UK Space Agency, and represented the group on the UK Space Exploration Advisory Committee. These positions placed her at the centre of discussions shaping the future of British space exploration. Drawing upon decades of experience working with astronauts, military personnel, scientists and international agencies, Iya delivers keynote presentations that combine scientific rigour with compelling real-world stories. Her ability to connect human performance, innovation, wellbeing and leadership makes her an exceptional keynote speaker for conferences, corporate audiences and organisations seeking inspiration from the frontiers of human achievement.
Iya Whiteley’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Iya Whiteley’s remarkable career:
- 2017 – BBC Science Expert Presenter (Space Psychologist) for the BBC series ‘Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?’
- 2011 – Deputy Director, Centre for Space Medicine; developed collaborations with NASA, ESA, the Institute of Biomedical Problems, and the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Star City
- 2016 – Chair, Space Environment Working Group (SEWG), advising the UK Space Agency
- 2016 – SEWG Representative, UK Space Exploration Advisory Committee
- 2012 – Advised on and launched the UK element of ESA/UK Space Agency’s global Mission ‘X: Train Like an Astronaut schools programme with Venture Thinking’
- 2010 – Director, IACE Ltd
- 2010 – Consultant to NATO and the MoD on human-robot interaction
- 2009 – Human Behaviour Performance Specialist; designed astronaut training programmes for the European Astronaut Centre
- 2006 – Human Factors Consultant, SEA Group, supporting MoD, ESA and multinational programmes
- 2005 – Human Factors Engineering Lead, Marshall Aerospace, Cambridge
- 2000 – Developed C130J-30 Hercules Computer-Based Training for the Royal Australian Air Force, Richmond Base
- 2000 – Developed Boeing 777 Computer-Based Training for Emirates Airline
Videos
Iya Whiteley’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Iya Whiteley brings a fascinating perspective on leadership, resilience and human performance, drawing on her experience training astronauts and advising organisations including NASA, ESA, NATO and the UK Space Agency. Combining scientific expertise with engaging storytelling, she delivers thought provoking keynote presentations that inspire audiences to think differently about teamwork, adaptability and achieving success in high pressure environments.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Iya Whiteley‘s Official Keynote Topics:
- Space Psychology for Everyday Life
- Expanding Inner Space to Explore Outer Space
- How to Deal with Uncertainty and Unexpected Risks
- What are the Human Factors Lessons from the Space Domain?
- What Experts Don’t Know About Their Expertise
- How to Become a Space Psychologist
- Questions a Space Psychologist Should Never Ask
How Much Does Iya Whiteley Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Iya Whiteley?
Iya Whiteley’s speaking fees typically reflect her exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.