November 9, 2020
The Group of Eight (Go8) – Australia’s leading research-intensive universities with seven of its members ranked in the world’s top 100 universities – congratulates CSIRO’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley on her appointment as Australia’s Chief Scientist, and also congratulates the Morrison Government in making such a pertinent appointment for the times in which we find ourselves as a nation.
“The Go8 knows our new Chief Scientist well, and she has our utmost respect,” says Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. “We are delighted by her appointment and look forward to continuing with her the same warm and outcomes-focussed relationship the Go8 universities, and myself as Go8 Chief Executive, have had with incumbent Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel. CSIRO will be sad to lose her.
“Her research in the field of solid-state physics and its applications, combining quantum physics, material science and research translation is perfect for Australia as we head into being a more sovereign nation,” said Ms Thomson. “Her capacity to collaborate, understand the value of working in teams, and of research without borders, plus her years of very obvious determination to secure impact from the above-global-standard research she, CSIRO and the Go8 have done, and are committed to, is exemplary.”
Ms Thomson said the appointment augured well for the future of science in Australia, and especially its value to the community which both Dr Finkel and his successor Dr Foley have long championed.