Available to book
Maggie Aderin
Adversity
Neurodiversity
Diversity and Inclusion
Dame Dr Maggie Aderin, physicist and space scientist, helps audiences explore astronomy and champions STEM education. Co-host of BBC's The Sky at Night since 2014, she won the Royal Society Young People's Book Prize.
Inspirational Female
Meteorologist
Black History Month
International Women's Day
Women's History Month
Educator
STEM
Academic
NASA
Event Hosts
Broadcaster
Women in Tech
Scientist
Author
Inspirational
Dyslexia Awareness
Dame Dr Maggie Aderin (formerly Aderin-Pocock), speaker, physicist, space scientist, and broadcaster, is one of Britain's most beloved science educators.
Born in London, Dame Maggie attended 13 schools by age 18 and overcame challenges with undiagnosed dyslexia. Despite being advised to choose a more practical career by her teachers, she stayed focused on her dream of space exploration. She went on to earn a Physics degree and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London.
Today, Dame Maggie is best known for teaching and sharing insights on physics, co-hosting the BBC astronomy show The Sky at Night since 2014 with Professor Chris Lintott. The program explores space science and the wonders of the universe.
Dame Maggie's career includes significant contributions to the UK Ministry of Defence, where she helped develop aircraft missile warning systems and hand-held devices for detecting landmines. From 1999 to 2005, she worked at University College London, where she developed a high-resolution spectrograph for the Gemini Observatory in Chile.
Her work on the Aeolus satellite, which measures wind speeds in the Earth's atmosphere, has advanced our understanding of climate change. Additionally, she contributed to the design of the James Webb Space Telescope, further ensuring her place in space science history.
Dame Maggie's published works include Dr Maggie's Grand Tour of the Solar System, Am I Made of Stardust? and The Sky at Night: The Art of Stargazing. In 2023, Mattel honoured her with a Barbie doll to celebrate International Women's Day, highlighting her influence in promoting STEM education. She actively speaks at educational institutions, aiming to inspire young people to develop a passion for science.
Even today, Dame Maggie says that because she is dyslexic, she finds it difficult to accept herself as a serious author despite having just won the Royal Society Young People's Book Prize for her most recent work. One in ten people in the UK suffers from dyslexia, a learning disability.
Dame Maggie was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2009, recognising her contributions to science and education, and was later appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2024, for services to science education and diversity. In 2018, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Leicester. She later became the University of Leicester's chancellor in March 2023. Committed to inspiring future generations, she has made it her mission to encourage young scientists and educators.
While not an astronaut, no better person can take you to space! Contact PepTalk to check Dame Maggie's availability for your event or to book another of our specialist speakers in science communication.
Topics, sessions and talks
Dame Maggie Aderin shares her journey to becoming a scientist, challenges in science careers, and inspiring the next generation, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to explore STEM fields. Talks are personalised for your audience and event, enriched by her experiences in space science.
Dame Maggie brings a wealth of experience from her illustrious career in space science and education, inspiring innovation and passion for STEM. Her engaging storytelling and achievements, including her recognition with a Barbie doll for her contributions, will motivate your team to reach for the stars. Booking Dame Maggie as a speaker will not only enlighten but also empower children and adults alike with the drive to explore new frontiers in technology and science.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email maggie.aderin@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Dame Maggie's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Maggie Aderin personalises talks for specific audiences and events, drawing on her own career trajectory — from overcoming dyslexia and attending 13 schools to contributing to the James Webb Space Telescope — to contextualise STEM pathways for diverse groups.
Dame Maggie Aderin's sessions cover her personal journey into science, challenges and careers in STEM, and inspiring diverse and younger audiences to engage with space science. She co-hosts the BBC's long-running astronomy programme The Sky at Night and holds a Physics degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, was appointed DBE in 2024 for services to science education and diversity, and won the Royal Society Young People's Book Prize.
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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
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You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
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Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.
Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.
A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.
When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.
Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.
Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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