Lucy Berthoud

Lucy Berthoud is Professor of Space Systems Engineering in the Aerospace Engineering department at the University of Bristol's Faculty of Engineering, with 25 years of experience spanning spacecraft research and industry roles at ESA, NASA Johnson Space Centre, and BAe Space Systems (now Airbus Defence and Space).

Her academic foundation includes:

• Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (with Distinction) from the University of Bristol
• PhD in Space Physics at Sup’Aero/ONERA (French National Research Organisation)

Her research spans microsatellites, interplanetary spacecraft design, Mars sample return missions, planetary protection, active debris removal, and Model-Based Systems Engineering. She pioneered the UK-wide 'Space Universities Network' to advance space engineering pedagogy and delivered high-impact public lectures including a TEDx Bristol talk and 'Is there Life on Mars?'.

Her distinguished honors include:

• National Teaching Fellowship (2019)
• UoB Faculty of Engineering Teaching Award (2014)
• Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy
• Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society

She bridges academic rigor with industry relevance through curriculum development in Space Systems and Advanced Space Systems courses, while driving sustainable innovation through cross-disciplinary projects examining Martian dust removal systems and Earth-Mars design synergies.