Kirsten Banks

Kirsten Alexandra Banks is an Aboriginal Australian astrophysicist and science communicator of the Wiradjuri people, known for her work in promoting mainstream and Aboriginal astronomy. She earned a Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of New South Wales in 2018, and a Ph.D in June 2024, and worked at the Sydney Observatory.

Career Banks is a Wiradjuri woman who grew up in Sydney's Northern Beaches and graduated from Davidson High School in 2014. During primary school, Banks was interested in meteorology but always had a fascination with the stars and planets. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2018 and started working as an astronomy guide at the Sydney Observatory.

While training at Sydney Observatory, Banks started to hear about Kamilaroi and Boorong astronomy, prompting her to learn more about her Indigenous Australian heritage. Through this she discovered her ancestry, the Wiradjuri people. Banks then began researching more about Indigenous astronomy, learning about "celestial emus that indicate when emu eggs are available". Learning about the Emu in the Sky constellation inspired Banks to share Aboriginal astronomy with others.

Banks was shortlisted for the Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science at the 2026 Eureka Prizes.

Science communication Banks has worked as a science communicator and is also astronomer in residence on 2SER's weekend breakfast shows and Triple M's Night Shift.

Banks has promoted astrophysics and Indigenous science in the media. In 2019 she appeared on The Drum, in an episode which discussed Indigenous history. She also discussed astronomy and the role of planetary movement on ABC News, in July 2019. In Student Edge she described how her Aboriginal identity (as well as Leonardo DiCaprio) has influenced her passion for astronomy. Banks is also passionate about increasing the representation and prominence of women and girls in science.