Dr Iya Whiteley is a distinguished Space and Aviation Psychologist, renowned for her groundbreaking work in human performance and well-being in extreme environments. With a rich background in Clinical Psychology and Cognitive Engineering, she designs innovative training programmes for professionals such as astronauts, cosmonauts, and military pilots. As Director of the Centre for Space Medicine at UCL's Mullard Space Science Laboratory, Dr Whiteley has become an expert in understanding how people interact with technology and environments in space, particularly on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. Her contributions to space psychology have been pivotal, including the development of ESA's Human Performance Behaviour training programme, which prepared astronauts like Tim Peake for their space missions.
Dr Whiteley has worked alongside leading space agencies such as NASA, ESA, and ROSCOSMOS, designing human factors solutions for high-stakes environments. Her experience extends to psychological support for experts working in extreme environments, from astronauts on the International Space Station to pilots in demanding military conditions. She is also a frequent collaborator with NASA and the Institute of Biomedical Problems in Moscow. Her academic influence is profound, with her work leading to the creation of psychological tools and techniques aimed at improving the quality of life and performance for space crews.
Her expertise has also bridged into public speaking, where Dr Whiteley has captivated audiences with her unique perspective on human performance in space. She appeared as an expert on the BBC’s "Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?" alongside astronaut Chris Hadfield, bringing a wealth of knowledge on space psychology to a global audience. Her ability to simplify complex subjects and engage diverse groups makes her a standout speaker. She connects the dots between space exploration, human potential, and the practical tools people can use to enhance their own lives.
Hire Dr Iya Whiteley today to bring an unparalleled level of insight and inspiration to your event. Whether you're looking to inspire high-performing teams, explore human potential, or offer audiences an inside look at the psychology behind space exploration, Dr Whiteley’s expertise will elevate your event to new heights. She has the rare ability to connect academic insights with real-world application, ensuring that your audience leaves with valuable, actionable takeaways.
