Kim Ellis Hayes

Kim Ellis Hayes is an Australian scientist, international lawyer, and STEM leader whose career encompasses mining research, space exploration, aerospace law, and education. An award-winning scientist and Supreme Court-admitted lawyer, Ellis Hayes specializes in global public policy strategy management for satellites and space activities. Following a professional setback during the Global Financial Crisis, Ellis Hayes transitioned her career to focus on research onboard suborbital spacecraft in the United States and the development of strategic space industry workforce training and education. With more than 25 years of experience in STEM and space, Ellis Hayes is recognized for her expertise at the intersection of science, law, and space policy.

Ellis Hayes serves as the Space Technology Discipline and Aerospace Legal Lead for Swinburne University of Technology Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing and as an adjunct faculty member of International Space University, where she leads curriculum development for undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional-level education related to space operations. Her work includes contributions to Suborbital Crew Space Transportation Services for NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. As CEO of Hayes Group LLC, Ellis Hayes leads a multidisciplinary firm specializing in aerospace, legal, scientific research, and business, focusing on applying space-level strategy to terrestrial challenges.

Her academic research in space governance, law, and space applications led to her selection by World Economic Forum, European Space Agency, and MIT to help create the model for a Space Sustainability Rating system aimed at encouraging sustainable behavior in space and reducing orbital debris. As an official observer to the United Nations Hague Space Resource Governance Working Group, Ellis Hayes contributed to the development of the Building Blocks for an International Framework on Space Resource Activities. She serves on advisory boards, review panels, and executive committees related to aerospace and technology in Australia, Europe, and the United States, including the American Bar Association Forum of Air and Space Law Committee, International Bar Association, International Defense & Aerospace Industries group (as co-chair), USRA NASA Postdoctoral Program, and Monash University Aerospace Industry Advisory Group.

Ellis Hayes was selected as a PoSSUM Scientist-Astronaut candidate and global ambassador for the Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere program, a nonprofit U.S. astronautics research and education initiative that utilizes next-generation suborbital spacecraft to study the upper atmosphere and its role in global climate change. Accredited as an international lawyer, Ellis Hayes is also a TEDx speaker and has delivered thousands of lectures, presentations, and keynotes worldwide.

As a speaker focused on science, technology, innovation, and STEM topics, Ellis Hayes promotes diversity in STEM, innovative approaches to building the future space workforce, and women's leadership in the field. Committed to STEM education and outreach for children and teenagers, she volunteers with the CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools program and leads workshops constructing Mars ATVs and Lunar Landers for YMCA summer camps. Whether addressing policymakers, students, or industry leaders, Ellis Hayes offers a combination of scientific rigor and legal expertise, contributing to the global space community.