The Hazels - UK Space Skills Awards

In Partnership with The Hazels

Nominate a mentor who inspires, nurtures, guides, and empowers others in the UK space industry.

This award celebrates people who create lasting impact through their knowledge, experience, and example.

Nominations closed on Friday 1 May 2026 at 23:59 (UK time). Shortlisting is underway, and the public vote opens next week.

What Makes a Great Mentor

Great mentors help others become capable of finding their own answers and realizing their ambitions.

We are looking for people who:

  • Share knowledge and experience without imposing their own path
  • Give constructive and respectful feedback, including difficult truths when needed
  • Encourage confidence and independence, not dependency
  • Model integrity, curiosity, and professionalism
  • Invest time consistently and show genuine care for mentee development
  • Inspire critical thinking and reflection
  • Create safe and supportive spaces for growth and well-being

Award Timeline

How the Process Works

Closed 1 May 2026

Nominations

Nominations are now closed. Thank you to everyone who put forward a mentor.

A couple of days after nominations close

Shortlisting

Orbiteer and The Hazels review nominations and agree who is shortlisted.

10 May to 1 June 2026

Public Voting

The public votes for shortlisted mentors.

24 June 2026

Ceremony

The winner is announced at the official award ceremony.

Nominations are closed

Thank you to everyone who nominated a mentor for Space Mentor of the Year. We have received the nominations and are moving into the next phase.

The public vote opens next week. You can read how voting works on the vote page below.

Public vote information →

FAQ

Anyone who has directly seen the nominee's mentoring impact in the UK space ecosystem.
Yes, if each nomination is submitted separately with complete details.
No. This award is for mentors nominated by others.
Your nomination enters the review stage. Mentors are shortlisted during the shortlisting phase.
Public voting runs from 10 May to 1 June 2026.
The winner is announced on 24 June 2026.

Public Vote

Nominations have closed. The public vote opens next week, then runs through 1 June 2026. Cast your vote for the Space Mentor of the Year once the shortlist is published.

Go to Vote →

Space Mentor of the Year

Nominations are closed. The public vote opens next week.

Public vote →