Esteemed physicist Dr Cathy Foley has been appointed to the board of Australia’s national science agency – the CSIRO.
Internationally recognised, Foley served as Australia’s chief scientist for two terms – from 2021 until December last year.
During that time, Foley “made vital contributions during challenges like the pandemic and sought the country to think ahead about frontier technologies and our role in developing them”, said Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic at the time of her departure.
As chief scientist, Foley also helped steer the National Science and Technology Council, which advises parliament on matters of science. “Ministers across the divide have benefited and appreciated Dr Foley’s advice and work,” said Husic.
Foley is no stranger to the CSRIO, prior to her time as chief scientist she held an extensive research and management career at the agency where she made significant contributions to the understanding of nitride semiconductors and superconducting electronics.
Foley has been recognised with many awards and fellowships during her lengthy career including election to the Australian Academy of Science in 2020, and an Order of Australia for service to research science and to the advancement of women in physics.
She is Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering and an honourary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics.
Foley has been a strong advocate for women in STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – across the globe, and a passionate promoter of equality and diversity in the science sector.
Foley commenced her three-year term on the CSIRO board on 3 January.
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