Dr Kristin Alford (Stewart, 1989)
One of Australia’s leading futurists
Dr Kristin Alford (Stewart, 1989) is one of Australia’s leading futurists- focused on what our possible and probable futures may hold, in the hope that we may be able to influence this for our future generations.
Kristin is consumed with what could be. Passionate about driving sustainable change in the future and inspiring the next generation of young adults, Kristin focuses on the intersection between technology and society, including clean technologies and sustainable energy; advanced manufacturing; and nanotechnologies. Kristin is also an active supporter of the arts, culture, creativity and health-related industries.
Kristin is the Co-Executive Director of The Ubuntu Lab and Adjunct Industry Professor at the University of South Australia. At The Ubuntu Lab she is developing in-person and online experiences that help people understand people. She was the Founding Director of MOD., a future-focused museum for young adults (aged 15 to 25) offering immersive experiences showing how research shapes our understanding of the world around us. Their exhibitions infuse research, science and the arts together to create an innovative space for young people to explore, be inspired and be capable of navigating their future.
Kristin is widely recognised for her contribution as a futurist, research and creative arts advocate, most recently authoring and editing the book Cultivating Futures Thinking in Museums. She has been recognised as one of Forbes 50 Leading Female Futurists (2020) and has held Board and Advisory roles in futures, arts and culture, science and education, most recently serving on the Accreditation, Recognition and Certificate Committee for the South Australian Certificate of Education.
Uncovering patterns and helping others analyse their observations brings great fulfilment for Kristin.
‘I get great satisfaction from seeing patterns emerge and helping people sort and analyse their observations and assumptions. I find joy in the ‘a ha’ moments when something preposterous or hidden suddenly makes sense. Thinking through time can be quite freeing.’
Despite all her success, Kristin is firmly committed to creating a future world that is filled with kindness, equity and opportunity are valued, and ecological boundaries are met via improved mechanisms of working and living.
Her true impact to our collective futures is not yet known, however what is certain is her dedication to a key Girls Grammar ethos – that we must be the change we want to see in the world, no matter how long or ambiguous the path may be.