Kylie Ahern

Kylie Ahern is a trailblazer in the field of science publishing and communication. She has devoted over 25 years to creating publications and engagement strategies that have built the profile and funding of scientists, researchers, and STEM organizations globally. In 2004, she co-founded Cosmos Media, where she served as CEO for ten years, launching Australia's top-selling science publication, COSMOS, and The Green Lifestyle Magazine. Her publications, science outreach programs, and journalism won 54 awards, including the coveted Australian Magazine of the Year award twice for COSMOS. After selling Cosmos Media, Kylie's attention turned from science publishing to science communication. She developed Scientific American's global science education strategy and helped establish Nature Publishing Group's Australian office. In 2015, she founded STEM Matters, a strategic content and communications agency that works with STEM organizations globally to help them engage with the public, industry, government, and philanthropists. Her work has directly brought in over $50 million of increased funding for research and catalysed significant career growth for Australian scientists domestically and internationally. In 2020, Kylie launched The Brilliant, a global science communication publication that profiles innovators in the field. The mission is to revolutionize how the STEM sector engages people with complex topics, galvanizing action on pressing issues such as climate change, equitable access to health, and greater diversity of people working in STEM. Kylie has also served on advisory boards, including CSIRO's Data 61, Science and Technology Australia, and the Australian Centre for Robotic Vision. She is also a judge at Falling Walls.