CITATION
Chancellor,
Dr Catherine Foley AO PSM is a highly regarded leader of the Australian scientific community and an internationally recognised physicist, renowned for her pioneering research into semiconductors, superconductors and sensors.
Dr Foley graduated from Macquarie University with a Diploma of Education and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in 1980 – and she subsequently completed a Doctor of Philosophy at Macquarie University in 1985.
Her PhD examined the potential of indium nitride as a material of the future, and her scientific discoveries in this area ultimately led to nitrides being used in the global development of light emitting diodes – better known as LEDs.
In 1985, Dr Foley joined the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (or the CSIRO) as a national research fellow. There, she made further discoveries that contributed to global understanding of nitride semiconductors and superconducting electronics. Her scientific research during this period was translated into a number of innovations, including the development of the LANDTEM sensor system, which is used to locate valuable mineral deposits deep underground. After more than 30 years of research excellence and scientific leadership in various roles, she was appointed as CSIRO’s Chief Scientist in 2018. Additionally, Dr Foley was the Chair of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at UQ from 2018–2020.
Then, in 2021, the Federal Government appointed Dr Foley as Australia’s 9th Chief Scientist. In this important role, she led the development of Australia’s first National Quantum Strategy and strengthened the role of the National Science and Technology Council, which advises the Prime Minister and the government on a range of scientific matters. Upon the conclusion of her term as Australia’s Chief Scientist last year, Dr Foley was appointed to the Board of the CSIRO.
Dr Foley is also a passionate advocate for young women in STEM. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2020 “for distinguished service to research science, to the advancement of women in physics, and to professional scientific organisations”.
Chancellor, I present to you Dr Cathy Foley, Officer of the Order of Australia, Public Service Medal, Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Science with first class honours, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science honoris causa of Macquarie University, Doctor of Laws honoris causa of Monash University, Distinguished Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics and Fellow of the Institute of Physics, for the award of Doctor of Science honoris causa, bestowed by the Senate of The University of Queensland.
