Former chief scientist Cathy Foley has been appointed the next president of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), replacing outgoing president Katherine Woodthorpe.
Dr Foley, a renowned physicist and science leader, will take up the role at the non-profit organisation representing more than 900 of the country’s engineers, technologists and applied scientists for a three-year term in January 2026.
It is Dr Foley’s third board appointment since wrapping up her four-year tenure as chief scientist in December 2024, having also been named on the CSIRO and Australia’s Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub (ARM Hub) boards in recent months.
As the ninth chief scientist, Dr Foley was responsible for providing independent advice to the government on science, technology and innovation, including through the National Science and Technology Council.
Her crowning achievements included developing a National Quantum Strategy, refreshing the National Science and Research priorities and spearheading a proposal to make research papers open access to all Australians.
Dr Foley also comes to the new role with 17 years experience as an ATSE Fellow, and sat on the board before she was appointed chief scientist in 2020. She is also a former president of Science and Technology Australia.
“As Australia’s immediate former chief scientist, I saw firsthand how evidence-based advice helped policymakers to make meaningful change,” Dr Foley said in a statement on Monday.
“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.”
“I look forward to working with ATSE’s Fellows, Board and team to work across government, industry and the research sector to help build the prosperous, sustainable Australia we all envision…”
Dr Woodthorpe, who was elected to role in October 2022 for a three-year term, said ATSE and its Board were thrilled that Dr Foley had been elected as president, following an extensive nomination and election process.
“Dr Foley will be a tremendous president and will help guide ATSE on the next stage of our journey – as we continue to advise the nation on leveraging innovation to advance Australia’s prosperity,” Dr Woodthorpe said.
“She is also a tireless advocate for equality and diversity in the STEM sector. She will be an excellent asset to ATSE and this has been resoundingly endorsed by our Fellows who have elected her.”
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