Australia’s leading tech and engineering academy is delighted to announce Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FTSE FAA, former Chief Scientist, has been elected as its next President.

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) is a non-profit organisation of the nation’s leading applied scientists, technologists and engineers. It provides top-level independent expert advice to guide decision-makers, and delivers education and skills programs to build Australia’s future workforce.

Dr Foley — one of Australia’s most trusted science and innovation leaders — will step into the role of President on 1 January 2026.

Dr Foley said she was honoured to be elected as ATSE’s next President.

“As Australia’s immediate former Chief Scientist, I saw firsthand how evidence-based advice helped policymakers to make meaningful change,” said Dr Foley.

“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 — an Australia where our ability to apply the science helps us solve our most pressing challenges, like achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions.”

As Australia’s immediate former Chief Scientist, I saw firsthand how evidence-based advice helped policymakers to make meaningful change.

Current President Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE FAICD said that ATSE and its Board were thrilled to see Dr Foley elected as President, following an extensive nomination and robust 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,” said Dr Woodthorpe.

“Dr Foley has been a Fellow of ATSE for 17 years, and over that time she has contributed to our organisation in many ways, including as a former board member and regular speaker at many of our events.

“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.”

Dr Foley was Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist from 2021 until 2024. Prior to this, she had a long career at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, including as the agency’s Chief Scientist.

Dr Foley is an internationally recognised physicist with major research achievements in superconductors and sensors, which led to the development of the LANDTEM sensor system used to locate valuable deposits of minerals deep underground.

Her work has been recognised with numerous awards and fellowships, and an Order of Australia for service to research science and to the advancement of women in physics.

ATSE Presidents are elected for three-year terms. Dr Foley will take her position on 1 January 2026, following the conclusion of Dr Woodthorpe’s three-year term.