KYLIE AHERN
TRAILBLAZING FOUNDER, SCIENCE PUBLISHER AND STEM ENGAGEMENT EXPERT
Kylie Ahern is a highly accomplished CEO, entrepreneur, co-founder, publisher, and science journalist, recognised for her powerful advocacy for science in Australia.
She has significantly impacted the STEM field through her work in science communications, publishing, and business practices.
Kylie co-founded COSMOS, Australia’s top-selling magazine, and G Magazine, a sustainability-focused publication. Her leadership at COSMOS achieved groundbreaking STEM education initiatives, reaching over 70% of Australian high schools.
After selling COSMOS, she launched the Nature Publishing Group into Australia and New Zealand, and later established STEM Matters, a global strategy and engagement agency. Kylie is also a dedicated mentor, particularly for women in science, and actively supports individuals across the science and business sectors.
You can find more information on her experience here: Kylie Ahern Experience
“I want to create a world where the true value of research, in all its diverse, complex and often unexpected forms is recognised, celebrated and nurtured.”
Keynote & Talks
Kylie is an experienced speaker who is adept at engaging both technical and non-technical audiences.
She is an early pioneer and developer of research impact as a critically important strategic framework for science-heavy organisations, channeling her passion for strategic research engagement into practical, useful talks that draw on decades of experience in the STEM sector.
With an accessible, engaging and entertaining approach, her insights have helped 100+ clients accelerate their funding, profile, rankings and influence—and get the recognition they deserve.
Panellist
Kylie is a strong addition to any panel, bringing a quick wit and a pragmatic, real-world oriented approach to any discussion. She has particular strength at bridging the gap between technical and ‘layperson’ audiences, translating between the two to create mutual understanding.
She brings a unique combination of storytelling experience, technical knowledge and business chops that is sure to add value to any conversation.
Keynote & Talk Topics
1
RESEARCH IMPACT: A TRANSFORMATIVE TOOLKIT AT YOUR FINGERPRINTS
Publicly-funded research has changed the world for the better—but the majority of people don’t know that.
Amidst the ongoing funding crisis, it’s more important than ever that research-heavy organisations connect with their key audiences to demonstrate their unique and frankly incredible value. If they don’t know your impact, why would they support, fund or partner with you?
This Research Impact talk will share insights drawn from decades of experience to help science and innovation organisations engage key audiences with their research impact.
It provides practical guidance on how to build a research impact and engagement strategy that will transform funding, profile, rankings and influence—and make impactful and effective research engagement easy.
2
RESEARCH IMPACT FOR ASIA: A TRANSFORMATIVE TOOLKIT AT YOUR FINGERPRINTS
Asia is reshaping the global research landscape, from establishing world-class research hubs, to its universities’ swift climb of international rankings.
Yet despite incredible growth and progress, challenges remain. Asian universities and research organisations often experience difficulty attracting and retaining high-calibre talent from abroad; in establishing and growing international collaborations; and in developing distinct identity and brand on the world stage. Many struggle to communicate their research impact, or tell compelling success stories.
This is where a strong research impact strategy can help. In this tailored talk, we explain how a transformative research engagement strategy can help the Asian research sector build international profile; increase and stabilise rankings; and become top destinations for star talent and thriving centres for the future of research.
3
BEYOND METRICS: WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT
In the world of research, metrics are king. But step outside, and the most commonly-used metrics, like h-indexes and impact factor, become meaningless.
Metrics can’t tell a rich, engaging story about your work and how it’s changed the world. They can’t show government how you’ve helped solve their problems, demonstrate your value to industry partners, or inspire the general public. They can’t explain the importance of fundamental research and knowledge. Only storytelling and narrative can do that. Yet these strategic skills are enormously neglected.
This research impact communication talk provides practical guidance on how to transform your approach to communicating impact. It provides both strategic insight and practical advice for researchers and executives alike to build personal, institutional and sectoral narrative.
4
HOW TO WIN PRIZES AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE
Science and research-heavy organisations are full of talented, driven people—whether early- or mid-career researchers and educators just beginning to blaze their trail, or later-career leaders who’ve already made a difference in the world. But too often, they are unsung heroes, whose contributions to the world go unnoticed. This loss of profile has an enormous cost: lost promotions, prizes and opportunities.
Despite the importance of building profile, researchers and leaders are often left to figure it out by themselves. This is a significant burden—even seasoned communicators struggle to describe their work, their vision and impact.
Whether it be prizes for individuals or a strategy to build and stabilise rankings, this talk provides clear and practical guidance on how to build your profile and to create a strategic roadmap that will help you achieve your objectives.
5
RETHINKING THE VALUE AND MEASUREMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Is your organisation underestimating the true potential of communication? Many still view it as simply public relations or a way to get press mentions. But that's like seeing only the tip of an iceberg!
It's time to reset your thinking and recognise communication for what it truly is: a powerful strategic lever designed to drive your business positioning and achieve your revenue goals.
Forget the old notions. While media appearances can be valuable, they're just one tactic. Strategic communication goes far beyond, acting as a measurable, indispensable tool that shapes perceptions, influences decisions, and directly impacts your bottom line.
Ready to unlock its full potential?
6
GALVANISING YOUR ALLIES
Is your organisation's profound impact going unnoticed? Are groundbreaking discoveries leading to declining trust and missed opportunities?
This essential talk will transform how you engage, revealing why traditional methods fall short.
You'll gain actionable insights on:
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Making the invisible visible: Understand why your vital contributions remain unseen.
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The advocacy advantage: Shift from mere communication to strategic action for tangible outcomes.
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Activating your network: Galvanise allies—from alumni to policymakers.
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Crafting compelling stories: Show the public your impact, building crucial trust and support.
Don't let your impact be a secret. Redefine your outreach and ensure your research gets the recognition it deserves.
7
CHANGING HOW THE WORLD ENGAGES WITH SCIENCE – LESSONS FROM A SCIENCE PUBLISHER.
Join us for a captivating talk as our founder and CEO, Kylie Ahern, shares her remarkable personal journey as a science communication entrepreneur. From co-founding the award-winning COSMOS Magazine to launching STEM Matters, Kylie has dedicated her career to transforming how society perceives science and technology.
She'll reveal the pivotal moments and challenges faced in building successful ventures that bridge the gap between complex research and everyday understanding. Hear how her strategic vision not only trained a new generation of science journalists but also directly contributed to over $100 million in additional research funding for vital scientific endeavors.
This is more than a career retrospective; it’s an inspiring account of resilience, innovation, and a passionate commitment to accelerating scientific progress through powerful engagement.
Discover the insights that drive a leader making science matter.
TOPIC?
Talk to us and choose your own adventure