Ordinary person.
Extraordinary life
Irish engineer, science communicator and explorer - on a mission to see Earth from space and help people understand why that matters for all of us.
EXPLORER · SCIENCE COMMUNICATOR · WRITER
THE STORYI grew up in a small town in Ireland, the kind of place where space felt like someone else's story.
I became an engineer, then a science communicator, then somehow ended up training for Mars missions, reporting from Antarctica and watching rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center.
None of it was the plan.
All of it was curiosity.
My work is built around one question I can't let go of: how can exploration help us take better care of Earth and each other?
That question takes me to extraordinary places — and sends me back to tell the story.
I'm still trying to get to space.
Watch
BACKGROUND
Fellow and Chartered Member of Engineers Ireland
for Women in STEM and Public Engagement work
Ireland's only ESA Champion for public engagement
Global Faculty, International Space University
An Irishwoman's Space Odyssey, Mercier Press
Irish Times · BBC · RTÉ · Sky News · BBC Sky at Night
“My mission is to help people see Earth — and themselves — differently.
Getting to space is one way to do that.”
Niamh Shaw
As featured on
GET IN TOUCH
Ready to see the world a little differently?
Whether it's a keynote, a media slot or a community project — if you want your audience, readers or community to look at the planet with new eyes, let's talk.
Based in Ireland. Available internationally.
There's more than one way I can help…
MORE WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER
Corporate Workshops
Space & Science Public Events
Town Scientist
Social Enterprise
Frequently asked
Questions from bookers and editors
What topics does Niamh speak on?
Space exploration, climate action, curiosity and innovation, women in STEM, leadership, and the human stories behind science. She tailors every talk to the audience — from corporate boardrooms to science festivals.
Is she available for TV, radio and broadcast interviews?
Yes — both in studio and live from location. Niamh has reported for BBC, Sky News and RTÉ from Kennedy Space Center, Baikonur Cosmodrome and ESA facilities. She is experienced in live broadcast, breaking science news and long-form features.
Does she write for publications?
Yes. She writes for The Irish Times, BBC Sky at Night Magazine, Sky and Telescope and others. Available for features, opinion pieces, regular columns and digital content on science and space.
What makes her different from other science communicators?
Niamh sits at the intersection of engineering, journalism, performance and exploration. She reports from where the science actually happens — and she makes it feel human. Her background as an engineer means she understands the science deeply; her background in storytelling means audiences actually connect with it.
What is Town Scientist?
Town Scientist is Niamh's community science project — embedding trusted science advisors in everyday communities, focused on parents, families and adults outside traditional STEM audiences. The long-term vision is a Town Scientist in every town.
Is she available for international events?
Yes. Based in Ireland, Niamh speaks and reports internationally. She has worked across Europe, the US and beyond — and is comfortable with both in-person and remote/hybrid formats.
How do I enquire about booking?
Use the contact page to get in touch directly. Niamh works with event organisers, media producers, corporate clients and festival programmers — and responds to all serious enquiries personally.
Get in touch
Whether it's a keynote, a media slot or a community project — let's talk.
Based in Ireland. Available internationally.