Dr Kirsten Banks is a Wiradjuri woman, astrophysicist, and renowned science communicator who has spent the last decade making the cosmos exciting, accessible, and fun for everyone. Through digital and traditional media, she breaks down complex concepts and highlights the wonder of the universe, one story at a time.
She is a lecturer within the School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies at Swinburne University of Technology and a science communicator for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav). Her work focuses on engaging diverse audiences with the excitement of astrophysics and gravitational wave research, using innovative approaches such as social media, public lectures, and multimedia storytelling.
She completed a PhD in astrophysics at UNSW in 2024. Her academic journey has fostered a passion for uncovering the stories hidden in starlight and sharing them with others.
As a young woman in STEM, she offers a fresh and dynamic voice, bringing complex scientific ideas to life through engaging storytelling. Her passion for sharing knowledge has
built a thriving community of over 500,000 followers across social media, where she blends expertise, humour, and boundless enthusiasm to spark curiosity in audiences of all ages.
Kirsten's career spans multiple formats, including viral videos, keynote speeches, television appearances, and live events, where she's mastered the art of breaking down mind-bending astrophysics into compelling, easy-to-understand narratives.
She's captivated audiences at major conferences like SXSW Sydney, led national science initiatives, and collaborated with leading institutions to promote STEM education.