Anna Aston is a thought leader on the AI-powered future of research and knowledge work. With more than a decade of experience across higher education, research funding, and research operations, she explores how AI can strengthen the systems, skills, and communities that underpin global research and professional practice.

She is an ARMA-certified Research Manager and currently serves as Chair of the newly established ARMA Artificial Intelligence Working Group. In this role, Anna is helping to shape the sector’s understanding of how AI can responsibly enhance research management and administration. The Working Group explores emerging opportunities, identifies key challenges, and develops recommendations to guide ARMA’s future activity in this rapidly evolving area.

Anna has worked across the full spectrum of research operations — including HR, finance, research funding, governance, and research management — and her work centres on responsible, human-centred AI adoption, ensuring that emerging technologies enhance rather than replace the people and processes that support research.

An international speaker and writer, Anna has presented at major sector events including the ARMA Annual Conference and the INORMS Congress, and regularly contributes to panels and moderated discussions on AI adoption in research operations. Her work offers clear, accessible perspectives on future skills, responsible AI, and the changing nature of knowledge-intensive roles.

She is the Founder of AIRON — the AI in Research Operations Network, a global community of more than 500 professionals across 120 institutions in 22 countries. AIRON brings research and knowledge-work practitioners together to share insight, test ideas, and build confidence with AI through peer learning and community-led collaboration. Her work across AIRON and the wider sector reflects a strong commitment to building research ecosystems grounded in shared knowledge, collective leadership, and human-first innovation.

Anna’s insights have been featured in Research Professional News, ARMA Insights, and the LSE Impact Blog. Through her speaking, writing, and the Future of Work Studio, she leads conversations on the skills, mindsets, and practices shaping the AI-enabled future of research and professional work.

For speaking opportunities, interviews, collaborations, or media inquiries, please contact Anna here.