Australia’s former chief scientist, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, has been awarded the 2025 national Australian Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.

Handed down by Women and Leadership Australia, the award recognises Foley’s inspirational contributions to science and advocacy 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,” said Karen Surmon, general manager of Women and Leadership Australia.

Dr Foley held the position of chief scientist of Australia from January 2021 until December last year, during which time she was a tireless advocate for women in STEM.

Her long list of accomplishments in the role include increasing awareness of Australia’s quantum technology potential, founding the Government Scientists Group (GSG), leading discussions for the new National Science and Research Priorities, and increasing recognition of First Nations knowledge systems.

Dr Foley is also a world-renowned physicist known for her research into superconductors and sensors, enabling the development of the LANDTEM sensor system, which can locate underground mineral deposits.

“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,” said Surmon.

“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.”

Since stepping down as chief scientist, Dr Foley has been appointed to the Board of the CSIRO and has been named a Trustee of the Australian Museum.

Awards recognise women and gender-diverse people leading the way

Women and Leadership Australia created the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership in 2014 to honour exceptional women and gender-diverse people who make outstanding contributions to equity across business, government, and the wider community.

Past national recipients include former prime minister Julia Gillard, former governor-general Dame Quentin Bryce, and Nova Peris, the first Indigenous Australian to win Olympic gold.

Along with the national award, Women and Leadership announced eight state and territory recipients.

Among them was Associate Professor Justine Shaw from Tasmania.

Shaw is a leader in Antarctic and conservation science, the co-founder of Women in Polar Science and the founder of Homeward Bound, a program designed to elevate the impact of women leaders with STEM backgrounds.

Justine Shaw. Photo: Supplied

More to do to achieve gender parity

Dr Foley said there is still much more to be done to advance women in the sector, noting many STEM careers are still highly gendered.

“While we have lots of girls and women doing the life sciences, they have insecure work and don’t get promoted,” she explained.

“In the physical sciences, we have a pipeline issue where girls don’t choose high-level maths and physical sciences, and so there are few women.”

In 2024, women accounted for just 37 per cent of STEM university enrolments in Australia and held just 15 per cent of all jobs in the sector.

While the numbers are slightly better in tech specifically, men still hold more than half of all roles and more than 70 per cent of top-earning positions.

“Even after decades of effort and initiatives, we are not there yet,” added Dr Foley.

“There is still work to do.”