Flinders appoints Prof. Kylie Walker AM as Professorial Fellow 

An award-winning science communicator and newly awarded Member of the Order of Australia is joining the Flinders community. 

Flinders University has appointed Professor Kylie Walker AM, an award-winning science communicator and CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), to the role of Professorial Fellow within the College of Science and Engineering. 

Professor Walker, who was recently made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to scientific communication and advocacy, brings significant experience in research and development ecosystems, and STEM advocacy to the University.

Professor Walker is a tireless advocate for structural change to support increased participation in STEM, particularly by diverse and under-represented cohorts. Alongside her new role at Flinders, she is also Chair of Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA), a not-for-profit research centre based at Flinders with a mission to support evidence-informed improved quality aged care. 

Flinders’ Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Professor Raymond Chan, says Professor Walker’s appointment brings to the role an accomplished track record of leadership and advocacy in science and industry engagement that supports the University’s research mission to impact lives for the better.

“Kylie Walker has long been a strong advocate and partner of Flinders University,” Professor Chan says. 

“Alongside Flinders, she is dedicated to finding solutions to complex challenges that can benefit the community and positively impact people's lives, and we’re delighted to have her share her knowledge and expertise with our community.” 

Professor Walker said it was an honour to be appointed a Professorial Fellow.

“To solve the complex problems of the future, we need a culture of innovation, bold thinking, and strong research collaboration,” she says.

“I’m invigorated by Flinders’ future-focused ambition and look forward to working with the university to bring together innovators, students, teachers, researchers, industrial leaders and the community to work through new approaches to building a resilient and thriving future.”