ANFF congratulates Dr Cathy Foley on her appointment as Chief Scientist of Australia – she is a fantastic person, scientist, and supporter of the national research community.

Dr Foley’s research is in the field of solid-state physics and its applications, combining quantum physics, material science and research translation. Her remarkable career achievements have allowed Dr Foley to advance all areas of STEM nationally and internationally. Dr Foley’s appointment as Chief Scientist follows her¬†election as a Fellow of the Academy earlier this year, for her outstanding contributions to science.

Dr Foley served as Chief of the Collaboration Committee for ANFF’s Victorian Node for many years, during which ANFF VIC experienced many successes and ANFF learned first hand about Cathy’s talents in leadership and her drive for reducing barriers to research.

Professor Chris Fell, Chairman of the Australian National Fabrication Facility said:

‚ÄúDr Cathy Foley is an ideal choice as Australia’s next Chief Scientist. Her extensive experience in fostering the development of new technologies places her in an ideal position to ensure Australia benefits from the R&D activities of its scientists and engineers and develops new industries to cushion the economic crunch of COVID 19.

‚ÄúAs Chair of ANFF’s Victorian Coordination Committee and a long-term supporter of ANFF, she highly successfully brought together six Victorian universities and CSIRO’s Manufacturing Flagship to do outstanding research in the micro/nano domain. ANFF wishes her well in her new role. We look forward to an exciting period for Australia’s science and engineering under her leadership.‚Äù

Professor Nico Voelcker, ANFF VIC Director, said:

“Having been lucky enough to see Cathy’s work ethic and drive to support science first hand, I can see that she will make a fantastic Chief Scientist that will champion the Australian research. I share my deepest congratulations to Cathy on this thoroughly deserved appointment.”

Dr Ian Griffiths, ANFF CEO, said:

“I have worked with Cathy through the ANFF Vic Collaboration Committee, of which she Chaired, I had the opportunity to see her scientific leadership shine. It is those same skills that she will now direct to her new role as Chief Scientist. I am delighted for Cathy personally and for the Nation, as we move into a new era where her talents for clear direction and action around our scientific agenda has never been needed more.”

Read the original announcement here.