Shape Our Future: An interview with Dr. Cathy Foley

International Women’s Day Special with Dr Cathy Foley

In our first-ever episode of Shape Our Future, a special audio-only edition of Shape Your Future where high school students interview Australia's top scientists, Year 11 students Crystal and Lexy Shears interview Australia’s former Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

From growing up in Sydney to leading science at the CSIRO and serving as Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist (2021–2024), Dr Foley shares how curiosity, resilience and the right mentors shaped her career in physics.

She explains her groundbreaking work in superconductors and quantum magnetic sensors - technology that has helped discover billions of dollars’ worth of mineral deposits - and reflects on leading science through COVID-19, the future of STEM careers, and why perseverance matters more than brilliance.

Now President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Dr Foley outlines her vision for Australia’s scientific future: evidence-based policy, stronger STEM pathways, and turning world-class research into national prosperity.

Key Themes

• Women in STEM
• Superconductors & quantum sensing
• Science leadership during COVID
• Resilience in research
• The future of Australian innovation

“I would love to say I’m a mega brain. I’m not. I’m just regular - but I love science” - Dr Cathy Foley

🎧 Tune in to hear how science truly helps shape our future.

Useful Links

• Cathy Foley: President, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering - https://atse.org.au/about-us/governance/council/president/
• STELR (Science and Technology Education Leveraging Relevance) - https://stelr.org.au
• Nobel Prize in Physics 2014 - Blue LEDs & Nitride Semiconductors - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2014/summary/
• Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 – Quantum tunnelling, featuring Cathy’s friends John Clarke and John Martinis - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/2025/summary/
• Quantum Technologies & Sensing (CSIRO overview) - https://www.csiro.au/en/research/technology-space/quantum-technology