August 19, 2025
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has just announced that its next president will be Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM DistFRSN FAA FTSE, Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2021–2024.
Dr Foley, a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, and a distinguished physicist and science leader, will take up her three-year term in the role of ATSE President commencing in January 2026. This will be her third board appointment since leaving the role of Chief Scientist, the other two being at CSIRO and Australia’s Advanced Robotics and Manufacturing Hub.
In commenting on her new appointment, Dr Foley said she was honoured to be appointed as ATSE’s next President, noting that as ‘Australia’s immediate former Chief Scientist, I saw firsthand how evidence-based advice helped policymakers to make meaningful change. This reinforced my belief that ATSE — and its exceptional Fellowship — is uniquely positioned to help bridge the gap between research and practice, and to help Australians understand and use technology to solve complex problems.’
Dr Foley began her career at the CSIRO, where she spent over 30 years, ultimately serving as the agency’s Chief Scientist. Her research led to the development of the LANDTEM sensor system, which has helped locate billions of dollars in mineral deposits worldwide.
During her tenure as Australia’s Chief Scientist, she guided the nation’s science response to the COVID-19 pandemic, led the refresh of the National Science and Research Priorities, and spearheaded the development of Australia’s first National Quantum Strategy. She was a vocal advocate for open access to research and for increasing diversity in STEM, particularly for women and young Australians.
Dr Foley has been a strong supporter of the Society over many years, notably through a number of presentations that include Ideas@theHouse in June 2023 on the ‘Importance of scientific ideas and discovery to Australia’s future‘ and most recently in June 2025 when she spoke at our lunchtime Provocations and Inspirations series on ‘The Productivity Challenge: the role of innovations and R&D in Australian business‘. Recordings of each of these talks are available on our YouTube channel at the preceding links.
The Society extends its warmest congratulations to Dr Foley on her appointment to this new role and looks forward to strong and enduring connections with her in the coming years.
