Dr Jane Hurley
Head of Researchers

Dr Jane Hurley became Head of Researchers in 2024 and leads the team of world-renowned researchers at the UK’s national space laboratory.

Prior to this role, Jane was Head of the Earth Observation and Atmospheric Science Division, managing around 85 staff across five groups covering technology development, facilities provision, scientific research and data analysis. She completed a DPhil in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics at the University of Oxford in 2008 before moving into planetary science, contributing to instrument design and development, mission operations and scientific analysis on high-profile missions including ESA’s Cassini, Rosetta and NASA’s InSight Mars lander.

Jane joined RAL Space in 2013 as a remote sensing scientist, diversifying into project management from 2014. She became Project Management Group Leader in the Space Engineering and Technology (SET) Division in 2017 and served as Interim SET Division Head between 2021 and 2022, overseeing around 75 technicians, engineers and project managers.

As Head of Researchers, Jane is responsible for developing and delivering RAL Space’s research strategy, championing the research profession within STFC, and chairing the RAL Space Strategy Board.