Celebrating the National winner of the 2025 Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership
Building on her recent recognition as the 2025 National Winner of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership, Dr. Cathy Foley’s legacy as Australia’s Chief Scientist stands as a testament to her extraordinary contributions. As a trailblazing woman in STEM, she not only advanced critical technologies and climate solutions through her visionary leadership but also ignited a passion for science in countless women. Her unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and equality within the field underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in scientific advancement, leaving a profound and enduring impact on the global STEM community.
We recently had the privilege of finding out more about her journey, aspirations, and advice for future leaders, gaining invaluable insights into her profound and enduring impact on the global STEM community.
From Sydney to the World Stage
Born and raised in Sydney, Cathy Foley’s upbringing, as she describes, was “strong catholic,” with a love for learning instilled by her university-educated parents. “I loved to play with my siblings,” she recalls, though she faced challenges with dyslexia. Despite this, her aptitude for science and mathematics flourished, laying the groundwork for her remarkable career.
Beyond the Lab: A Life of Service and Passion
Cathy’s life extends far beyond scientific pursuits. A dedicated Joey Scout leader for over 20 years, she was recently appointed Vice President of Scouts Australia, highlighting her commitment to community. Family is equally central, with a large blended family and growing number of grandchildren. Adding to her diverse portfolio, she also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Superconductor Science and Technology and spends a lot of weekends editing.
A New Chapter: Looking Ahead
With her tenure as Chief Scientist concluded, Cathy is embarking on a new phase. Cathy remains involved in crucial projects, including the Expert Panel on Methane Measurement and a Member of the Champions of Change STEM and Health Group. She’s also embracing new roles, including the CSIRO Board and Trustee of the Australian Museum. Cathy will continue to champion the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, aiming to “champion the quantum opportunity for Australia,” and hopes to advance her open access research model. Mentoring her former research team and supporting women in STEM and D&I remain priorities. “I also am keen to support women in STEM and D&I in general,” she emphasises. Whilst also finally making time to finish her book.
A Vision for the Future of STEM
Reflecting on her award, Cathy acknowledges the persistent gender disparities in STEM. “We are still gendered in most careers even for STEM,” she states. “Even after decades of effort and initiatives, we are not there yet. There is still work to do.” She outlines her hopes for the next Chief Scientist, emphasising the importance of managing misinformation, supporting a successful energy transition, providing evidence-based advice for a sustainable economy, improving research evaluation metrics, securing STEM jobs, being the go-to resource for government STEM information, achieving positive outcomes for the science sector review, implementing open access, and overseeing national research priorities.
A Legacy of Impact and Advocacy
Cathy considers her most significant accomplishment to be “the work to create a quantum industry in Australia leading to the investment of billions of dollars.” She also hopes her open access research model will be implemented. “We need more women in STEM so we can embrace the full human potential to solve the greatest challenges,” Cathy Foley passionately asserts. She believes this not only broadens the talent pool but also leads to tangible improvements. As she explains, “the evidence is that having women involved at the highest levels leads to better outcome and impact. Better culture happens when you have a good gender mix.”
Navigating Leadership and Mentorship
Cathy reflects that her time as Chief Scientist was largely free of gender-related obstacles. “Being a women leader has not really been an issue for me now that I am in a senior role. When in the Chief Scientist role, I felt respect from all the whole time” she states. While acknowledging she did face some past challenges, including “some sexual harassment and bouts of bullying,” she developed effective coping strategies.
“I have developed effective strategies to deal with it. I like to share theses with other women to support them. These strategies held me in good stead in my career.” she explains.
This experience underscores her belief in the importance of mentorship. “Sharing experiences and having someone to talk to about a specific situation who is not involved makes a big difference,” she emphasises, crediting her sisters and other mentors like Megan Clark (Former Director of the CSIRO), Margaret Sheil (Vice-Chancellor and President QUT), and Larry Marshal (Former Executive CSIRO & Business Leader).
“Over the years, I have mentored many different people, both males and females. I love to be able to support people to be their best. It is wonderful to see women I have mentored be promoted and excel. I also like to sponsor people and put them forward for roles as well.”
Words of Wisdom
Her number one piece of advice? “Play the long game and keep your eye on the big picture.”
Cathy’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. She embodies the qualities of an exceptional leader, and we are incredibly proud to recognise her as the National winner of the 2025 Australian Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.
Cathy will share her reflections on leadership when she accepts the National Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership at the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium- Adelaide on May 16. Find out more and get your tickets at www.wla.edu.au/adelaide
