Beyond AI hype: understanding what changes when AI changes work
AI is changing how organisations operate, how professional expertise is valued and how people understand their future contribution.
Anna Aston speaks about the human and organisational implications of this transition. Her presentations move beyond technical jargon and exaggerated predictions to examine what AI means for workflows, professional roles, institutional capability and human judgement.
Drawing on more than a decade of experience across research funding, higher education and research operations, Anna combines practical insight with a wider perspective on how work could be redesigned for an AI-enabled future.
Signature speaking topics
Beyond Efficiency: Redesigning Work for the AI Era
The real opportunity of AI is not simply to make existing work faster. This presentation explores what becomes possible when organisations redesign workflows, responsibilities and professional roles around new forms of human–AI collaboration.
When Machines Do the Thinking, What Is Left for Us?
As AI performs more analytical and cognitive work, what becomes more valuable about human expertise? This talk examines judgement, accountability, agency and meaningful contribution in AI-enabled organisations.
From Experimentation to Purposeful AI Adoption
Many organisations have access to AI tools but lack a shared understanding of what should happen next. This presentation explores institutional readiness, leadership, capability, governance and the practical decisions required to move beyond fragmented experimentation.
AI Agents and the Transformation of Professional Workflows
AI agents could change how complex professional services are organised and delivered. This session explores where agents may create genuine value, which responsibilities must remain human and how organisations can begin redesigning workflows responsibly.
Topics can be adapted to the needs, context and level of knowledge of each audience.
Formats
Anna is available for:
- Conference presentations and keynotes
- Executive and leadership briefings
- Professional-development programmes
- Panel discussions and moderated conversations
- Webinars and online events
- Interviews and podcasts
- Bespoke organisational sessions
Her work is particularly relevant to universities, funders, professional associations, public-sector organisations, research organisations and other knowledge-intensive environments.
Selected engagements
Anna has spoken at major sector events, including:
- The ARMA Annual Conference
- The INORMS Congress in Madrid
- The Universities UK Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Research and Innovation Seminar
Her insights have also appeared in Research Professional News, ARMA Insights, scientifyRESEARCH and the LSE Impact Blog.
Anna is Chair of the ARMA Artificial Intelligence Working Group and founder of AIRON—the AI in Research Operations Network, a global community connecting more than 1,200 professionals across the research ecosystem.
Invite Anna to speak
If you are planning a conference, leadership programme, professional event or strategic conversation about AI and the future of work, please get in touch with details of your audience, proposed format and timing.