Australia’s outgoing Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley

Australia’s outgoing Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley wants to see Australia grow into an innovation powerhouse, turning science into the industries and jobs of the future. 🌟

As a regular and respected witness at Senate Estimates hearings over her four-year term, I’ve learnt a lot from Dr. Foley.

This pic was taken at her last Estimates appearance with us, where she outlined the immense opportunities ahead, observing:

– Over many decades, Australia missed chances to manufacture technologies invented right here

– Australian photovoltaic technology, as a case in point, is now used in 97% of PVs manufactured overseas

– To avoid losing industry like this again, we need end-to-end investment to build ecosystems in which ideas can grow into local jobs

– Our investment in quantum is one such ‘amazing opportunity’, with ecosystem development now coming to fruition. ‘I’ve never seen that before, and it’s pretty exciting’, she told us.

With investments like our 23B Future Made in Australia, 15B National Reconstruction Fund, and the announcement of a landmark review of our R&D system this week, the Albanese Government backs science and industry.

And there’s more to do.

At her National Press Club address last week, Dr. Foley issued a challenge to build a national innovation culture, grounded in ambition and the patience to let ideas and industries mature.

Dr. Foley stands as a giant in the project of building a clever and optimistic country on a strong foundation of scientific endeavour.

Thank you Cathy for your outstanding contribution as our nation’s preeminent scientist.

You can read Dr. Foley’s Press Club address here: https://lnkd.in/gTf_HcqK