With a PhD in science and two degrees in engineering, Niamh has built a career spanning journalism, extreme-environment exploration, analogue astronaut missions and global keynote speaking.
She has trained in Mars simulation missions, reported from major space centres, and works closely with international space agencies, astronauts and engineers. Through this unique lens, she translates the mindset of space exploration into actionable insight for leaders, innovators and organisations navigating uncertainty.
Her keynote talks explore:
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The Overview Effect and perspective-driven leadership
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Thriving in extreme environments
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Long-term strategy in a short-term world
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Resilience under pressure
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Curiosity as a competitive advantage
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The future of human spaceflight and planetary responsibility
She is also the founder of Town Scientist, a growing initiative bringing future-focused science literacy into communities– demonstrating her belief that exploration belongs to everyone.
Why Book Niamh
Audiences leave Niamh’s talks with:
• A renewed sense of possibility
• Practical insight on long-term thinking
• A reframed understanding of risk and resilience
• A deeper connection between innovation and responsibility
• The courage to think beyond their current orbit
Dreaming Big: Dr. Niamh Shaw is on a personal mission to reach space, driven by a desire to challenge her own limits and share Earth’s profound beauty from above. As a first-generation college graduate from small-town Ireland, her journey reflects the power of breaking through self-imposed barriers. Growing up in a home that encouraged STEM, she often wrestled with unconscious biases about what she could achieve as a woman in science. In her keynote, Dr. Shaw reveals how shifting from a “finite” to “infinite” mindset transformed her ambitions and can inspire audiences to do the same.
This empowering talk is ideal for Women in STEM events and audiences seeking motivation to rewrite personal narratives. Key takeaways include embracing new stories, understanding the power of mentors, and realising that “seeing is believing.” Her message resonates across generations, sparking courage and a renewed sense of possibility.
Women in STEM Events: Dr. Niamh Shaw, a respected science communicator, returned from an unforgettable 2023 Antarctic voyage with 99 Women in STEM leaders, each dedicated to addressing climate change. Immersed in the vast Southern oceans, she encountered penguins, whales, and towering icebergs, witnessing firsthand nature’s stark climate story. This powerful experience left her deeply committed to sharing insights on global climate change and the urgent lessons learned from Antarctica.
Through engaging storytelling, Dr. Shaw recounts her Antarctic journey, explores what followed, and dives into the Homeward Bound initiative—a global expedition program for Women in STEM leaders. Her talks provide a rare blend of adventure and science, making climate change personal, tangible, and impactful. Dr. Shaw’s presentation offers audiences an inspiring, story-driven experience, perfect for organizations seeking to raise climate awareness and connect communities to meaningful action.
Living in Space – Discover Sustainable Living Through the Eyes of a Mars Explorer: Dr. Niamh Shaw offers a fresh, eye-opening perspective on Earth from her experience on a simulated Mars mission in Utah’s desert. Spending 15 days with limited resources changed her approach to everyday life and deepened her commitment to climate action. In her talk, she reveals how space exploration teaches us sustainable living practices that can be applied to our lives, workplaces, and communities.
Her engaging workshops and presentations on Space for Sustainability and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are designed to inspire audiences to reimagine how we care for our planet. By highlighting resourcefulness in extreme environments, she shows how sustainable solutions in space can transform how we live on Earth. Dr. Shaw’s events are perfect for those looking to explore exciting, science-based insights with real-world applications, bringing a sense of urgency and hope to sustainability efforts.
Please note this form is intended for Corporate Speaking and Commercial enquiries only. Due to the volume of emails we receive on a daily basis, we regret that we are unable to respond to specific requests from charities, schools, clubs or individuals.
