Dr Alice Bunn OBE
Biography
Alice is a globally recognised leader in science and engineering, with a 25-year career spanning strategic leadership, international diplomacy and public engagement.
Her previous roles include UKSpace president, host of The Kármán Line podcast, CEO of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, International Director at the UK Space Agency, and member of the World Economic Forum Future Council on Space Technology. She was appointed as Joint Director for UKSA in September 2026, job sharing the role with Rebecca Evernden.
A chartered engineer, Alice is a Fellow of both IMechE and the Royal Aeronautical Society. In June 2022, she was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the UK space sector and to charity.
She is a prominent advocate for science communication, regularly contributing as a media expert and speaking at international forums including Davos, UN Summits and TEDx.
Alice holds a PhD in Metallurgy from the University of Cambridge and chairs the board of SwimTayka, a charity that teaches children in developing countries to swim.
Director, UK Space Agency
The Director leads the UK Space Agency, which sets the national direction on space.
The UK Space Agency coheres policy, strategy and delivery across the whole of government, driving innovation and delivering world-class space science programmes in partnership with the UK space sector and international partners.
The UK Space Agency is part of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Previous roles in government
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Director, International, UK Space Agency