About Anna

Anna Aston is a speaker, writer, and founder working at the intersection of AI, research operations, and the future of professional work.

With more than a decade of experience across higher education, research funding, and research operations, Anna brings a practical and human-centred perspective to the way AI is beginning to change professional roles, institutional systems, and everyday work. Her focus is on helping people and organisations understand what is changing, what matters, and how to respond responsibly without losing the value of human judgement and expertise.

Anna is an ARMA-certified Research Manager and Chair of the ARMA Artificial Intelligence Working Group. The group explores emerging opportunities, challenges, and practical questions around AI adoption in research management and administration.

Her experience spans a wide range of research operations areas, including research funding, governance, HR, finance, and research management. This gives her a grounded understanding of the systems and pressures behind research, and of the professionals who make research possible.

As a speaker and writer, Anna has contributed to major sector events including the ARMA Annual Conference and the INORMS Congress. She regularly takes part in panels, discussions, and publications on AI adoption, future skills, responsible innovation, and the changing nature of knowledge-intensive work.

Anna is also the Founder and Chair of AIRON — the AI in Research Operations Network. AIRON is a global community and AI capability-building network for research-supporting professionals and research-supporting organisations.

Anna’s insights have been featured in Research Professional News, ARMA Insights, and the LSE Impact Blog. Through her speaking, writing, and future-focused conversations, she helps people move beyond AI hype and think more clearly about what AI means for expertise, judgement, institutions, and the future of professional work.

For speaking opportunities, interviews, panels, writing, or future-focused conversations, please get in touch through the contact form.