The Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has named Katherine Woodthorpe AO as its new President.

Born in Malaysia, Woodthorpe graduated from the University of Manchester with an Honours degree in Chemistry, followed by a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Leicester. An Honorary Doctorate of UTS, the industry leader’s first job was in a laboratory in Kalgoorlie, WA.

Her experiences as a woman in the field shaped her journey, gaining employment as an international Sales Executive through to leading a number of Australian organisations spanning healthcare, renewable energy, climate change, finance and research.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be elected President by over 900 of Australia’s brightest minds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Woodthorpe says.

“At a time when more ambitious climate action is crucial and building a skilled workforce fit for an uncertain future is urgent, ATSE and its Fellows are in prime position to foster evidence-based action between government, industry and academia.

Woodthorpe is additionally a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has been a Fellow of ATSE since 2015. In 2017, she received an Order of Australia for her ongoing service to research and technology innovation in Australia.

Woodthorpe’s administrative experiences over the last two decades has seen her Chair of Natural Hazards Research Australia, Antarctic Science Foundation and HEARing Cooperative Research Centre. She has been a Director of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Bioplatforms Australia (NCRIS), the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Vast Solar, as well as Sirtex and Anteotech.

Woodthorpe currently chairs the Government’s “Vision 2040” committee, reviewing the strategy for investment in medical research for the next two decades.

“Australia is awakening to the critical role of science and technology in shaping a better world. During the pandemic - the public demanded science-based decision-making to protect lives and livelihoods,” she says.

“There is a resurgence in realising the value that science and evidence have in informing better decisions and outcomes. This extends from public health through to digital security, addressing climate change and preserving our unique biodiversity which is threatened by intensifying fires and floods.

“The Academy plays a critical role providing independent and authoritative advice to support government and industry decision-making. We have a golden opportunity to bring these diverse perspectives to political leaders and CEOs and create better results for Australia’s sustainability and prosperity.

“Put simply - we need more applied scientists, engineers and technologists at both the political and industry decision-making tables.”

Woodthorpe will become the 10th President of the Academy and the first woman to lead it in its 47-year history. She succeeds Hugh Bradlow, who oversaw growth of the Academy’s capacity to provide evidence-based advice.

“I am incredibly proud to lead an Academy that is pro-actively shaping Australia’s technology-led transition to net zero emissions; supporting our research workforce and industry to translate and commercialise their innovations into economic benefits; and preparing our children for whatever the future brings by exciting them in STEM and supporting their career journeys.”

Katherine Woodthorpe assumes her role as President on January 1 2023.

Jarrod Reedie

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