Internationally recognised physicist Dr Cathy Foley completed her term as Australia’s Chief Scientist at the end of 2024. Prior to this, Foley had an extensive career at Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, including as the agency’s Chief Scientist. Her 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. An inspiration to women in STEM across the globe, Foley is focused strongly on equality and diversity in the science sector.