State and Territory recipients also announced today
UNDER EMBARGO Until 12am Tuesday February 25:Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) today announces Dr. Cathy Foley AO PSM, Australia’s Former Chief Scientist, as the 2025 National Award recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership. This prestigious award honours exceptional Australian women and gender-diverse people who encourage change and contribute to advancing equity across all facets of our society.
The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership were created by Women & Leadership Australia in 2014 to honour women leaders nominated by the public for their outstanding contribution and lasting impact across business, government, and community in delivering positive outcomes for women, girls or other groups facing disadvantage.
Dr. Cathy Foley became Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist in January 2021 after an extensive career at Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, including as the agency’s Chief Scientist. She concluded her term at the end of 2024. Dr. Foley has since been appointed to the CSIRO Board and Trustee of the Australian Museum.
Her scientific excellence and influential leadership have been recognised with numerous awards and fellowships, including election to the Australian Academy of Science in 2020, and an Order of Australia for service to research science and to the advancement of women in physics.
Dr. Cathy Foley said: “We are still gendered in most careers even for STEM. While we have lots of girls and women doing the life sciences, they have insecure work and don’t get promoted. In the physical sciences we have a pipe-line issue where girls don’t choose high level maths and physical sciences and so there are few women. Even after decades of effort and initiatives, we are not there yet. There is still work to do.”
General Manager of Women & Leadership Australia, Karen Surmon said: “As Dr. Foley concludes her remarkable tenure as Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist—and only the second woman to hold this prestigious role—we are proud to honour her extraordinary contributions as a trailblazer for women in STEM.
Dr. Foley’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to driving positive change have advanced critical technologies and climate solutions while inspiring countless women to pursue careers in science.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that the scientific profession thrives on and benefits from the diverse contributions of women and people from all backgrounds. Through her dedication to promoting equality and diversity in this traditionally male-dominated field, she has left an enduring impact on the global STEM community. Dr. Foley’s achievements make her a truly deserving recipient of the National Award.”
Along with Dr. Foley as the National Award winner, Women & Leadership Australia has also today announced the state and territory award recipients including:
Heidi Yates (ACT)Change Leader, Strategist, Human Rights Lawyer
The Hon Linda Burney MP (NSW), Member for Barton
Karan Hayward GAICD (NT), CEO of Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Corporation
Anja Christoffersen (QLD), Disability Advocate and Social Entrepreneur; CEO of the Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network (WDEN)
Dr.Manasi Murthy Mittinty (SA), Senior Lecturer; Speaker & Author; Founder CHERISH
Associate Professor Justine Shaw (TAS), Founder of Homeward Bound; Conservation Scientist & Advocate for equity in STEM
Suzie Betts (VIC) Founder of Boob Armour
Janine Dureau (WA), CEO of The Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council
“To drive meaningful change toward equity and inclusion in our society, we need to listen to, learn from, and celebrate those leading the way. The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership highlights the exceptional work of women and gender-diverse leaders who are achieving positive change across our community. By shining a spotlight on their accomplishments, we inspire others and accelerate progress towards equity for all.” Karen Surmon concludes.
Previous recipients of the National Award include Sam Mostyn AO, Karen Mundine, Christine Holgate, Natasha Stott Despoja AO, Nova Peris OAM OLY, Tracey Spicer AM, The Hon. Julia Gillard, The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, Elizabeth Broderick AO, Ann Sherry AO, and Gail Kelly.
Dr. Foley will accept her award at the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium in Adelaide on May 16, 2025 and the state 2025 Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership recipients will be presented at various women's leadership events throughout the year.
-ENDS-
Images available HERE
About Dr. Cathy Foley AO PSM (FTSE FAA FAIP FInstP)
Dr. Cathy Foley AO PSM became Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist in January 2021 after an extensive career at Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, including as the agency’s Chief Scientist. She concluded her term at the end of 2024. Dr. Foley has since been appointed to the CSIRO Board and Trustee of the Australian Museum.
Dr. Foley is an internationally recognised physicist with major research achievements in superconductors and sensors which lead to the development of the LANDTEM sensor system to locate valuable deposits of minerals deep underground.
Dr. Foley’s scientific excellence and influential leadership have been recognised with numerous awards and fellowships, including an Order of Australia for service to research science and to the advancement of women in physics and election to the Australian Academy of Science in 2020. She received the Australian Institute of Physics Medal for Outstanding Service to Physics in 2016. She is a Fellow of Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering (2008) and an honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics (2019).
She was elected the Vice President of Scouts Australia from January 2025 having been a Joey Scout leader for over 20 years. Dr Foley is an inspiration to women in STEM across the globe and focused strongly on equality and diversity in the science sector.
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About Women & Leadership Australia
Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) has been empowering women leaders and championing equity for over 20 years. Operating nationwide, WLA delivers executive leadership, corporate training and development programs, industry scholarships, and a range of events that support current and aspiring women leaders, and champion leadership diversity within organisations. WLA believes that advancing gender equity, especially in leadership, is essential to create a more fair and inclusive society, and more productive, innovative and successful organisations. As part of this mission, the annual Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership celebrate inspirational women leaders from across Australia, in a diverse range of roles and industries, to shine a spotlight on their achievements. For more information visit www.wla.edu.au
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