About
Dr Kira Hughes is an award-winning Science Communicator passionate about making science fun & accessible and helping other researchers learn how to effectively communicate to diverse audiences. She has brought her scientific expertise to media platforms like the Today Show, 7News, ABC Radio, SBS News, Herald Sun, The Conversation, Guardian Australia, and more!
From comedy shows to TEDx talks, Kira has done it all! She has run workshops & coaching sessions for researchers on effective science communication. She's taken part in several outreach ventures that encourage students, especially young girls, to study and pursue careers in STEM. Additionally, Kira has written content for publishers, ranging from book reviews to news columns, and contributed to science-focused content for social media & mainstream media campaigns reaching over 33 million people!
Over the years, Kira has applied her science communication skillset to a multitude of projects, including:
-
Research Consultant and Media Spokesperson for Zyrtec Australia "Hayfever in children" Campaign
-
Produced short-form content for Deakin University Postgraduate Research Social Media Campaign
-
Contributed to Deakin University "See the Wonderful Possible" Campaign
Due to her outstanding work in science communication, she was named as one of the 60 Superstars of STEM for 2025-2026 by Science & Technology Australia.
Deakin Research, 2024
Early Life
Kira's journey into science began at a young age. From cosmology to biology, she spent her childhood reading every encyclopedia imaginable and watching documentaries. A vivid memory of Kira's is learning about a show called "The Big Bang Theory" and was disappointed when she found out it wasn't actually about space!
In High School, Kira continued pursuing science in parallel to a new interest: writing! While she did not realise it at the time, these topics complimented one another immensely. She used this skillset to win notable awards during this years including State Finalist in the Melbourne Writers Festival Competition, State Finalist for the Australian Brain Bee Challenge, and even People's Choice at her local Science Fair for her first science writing piece.
Kira's passion for science communication truly emerged during her undergraduate studies at Deakin University when she became a Peer Mentor. By utilising her communication skills to explain complex scientific topics, she helped students improve their understanding of difficult content (and even improve their grades!). Her achievements in this role earned her the Students Helping Students Award for Emerging Mentor & Deakin Hallmark for Communication Excellence in Biomedical Science and ultimately propelled her toward a career in Science Communication.
STEM Sisters, 2024
Career
As both a hay fever sufferer and a scientist, Kira dedicated her early resesearch career to tackling the issue of thunderstorm asthma. While completing her PhD at Deakin University within the NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), her research focused on understanding the environmental triggers of asthma, identifying the impact of climate change on hay fever & asthma, and developing better ways to monitor pollen. Most notably, Kira worked on an innovative sensor that could detect pollen in less than one hour! She hopes her research will help uncover how thunderstorm asthma events unfold and improve early warning systems to save lives.
Kira also worked for 5 years as a Research Scientist & Site Manager for Deakin AIRwatch, a research facility based out of Deakin University. She and her team provided data to the Bureau of Meteorology and Victorian Department of Health for pollen forecasting services and ongoing thunderstorm asthma research. In addition, she has previously worked in teaching, student outreach, academic support, and peer mentoring.
Currently, Kira works as a Research Grants Officer for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, where she helps scientists effectively communicate their work to secure funding for important cancer research.
Foundation of WA Museum, 2024
Education
2021-2025
2020-2021
Doctor of Philosophy, Biology & Chemistry
Deakin University
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Deakin University
2017-2019
Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Molecular Life Sciences
Deakin University
Awards
2025-2026
2024
Superstar of STEM
Science & Technology Australia
VIC Runner-Up and National Finalist
FameLab Australia
2024
Coltman Prize
Deakin University
2024
Visualise Your Thesis People's Choice
Deakin University
2023
Three Minute Thesis Runner-Up and People's Choice
Deakin University