SPEAKERS

Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM became Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist in January 2021 following an extensive career at Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, where she also served as the agency’s Chief Scientist.

Dr Foley is an internationally recognised physicist with major research achievements in superconductors and sensors, which led to the development of the LANDTEM sensor system to locate valuable deposits of minerals deep underground.

Her scientific excellence and influential leadership have been recognised with numerous awards and fellowships, including election to the Australian Academy of Science in 2020, and an Order of Australia for service to research science and advancement of women in physics. She received the Australian Institute of Physics Medal for Outstanding Service to Physics in 2016. Dr Foley is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering (2008) and an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics (2019).

Dr Foley is an inspiration to women in STEM across the globe and is strongly focused on equality and diversity in the science sector.

Dr Simon Poole AO

Internationally recognised engineer, scientist, and entrepreneur.

Dr Simon Poole is an internationally recognised engineer, scientist, and entrepreneur.

Simon has an outstanding track record as a research leader and entrepreneur. The first two companies he has founded (Indx, Engana) have both had extremely successful trade-sale exits, and have generated over $2bn in revenues to date. His success as an entrepreneur has led to a number of awards including the prestigious Clunies Ross award from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences in 2013. He was made an Officer in the Order of Australia for his contribution to Photonics in Australia in 2018 and, along with colleagues from Finisar Australia, he was awarded the Prime Minister's Prize for Innovation in 2018.

He was a Co-Founder and Director of Cylite Pty Ltd and is currently a Director of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, ANFF,

He is passionate about entrepreneurship and has lectured on this around the world, including North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. He is an advisor to multiple start-ups, primarily in the field of Photonics in Australia and overseas.

DR NADIA COURT

Director, Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B)

Dr Nadia Court is the inaugural Director of the Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B). She was the Technical Director of the Research and Prototype Foundry, the University of Sydney’s micro- and nano-fabrication facility and the Sydney Hub of the NSW Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF). Nadia has worked in various roles with ANFF since 2012, both at UNSW and the University of Sydney. Prior to this Nadia spent several years working in the UK on printed electronics and optical communication technologies for the defence industry.

PETRA ANDReN

CEO, Quantum Australia

Petra Andrén is a recognised innovation leader and venture builder, currently serving as CEO of Quantum Australia. With more than 25 years of global experience across advanced technology sectors and markets, she is now spearheading the development of a nationally coordinated quantum ecosystem—positioning Australia at the forefront of global quantum innovation and economic impact promoting quantum tech as a productivity multiplier.

Her work is focused on ecosystem building, supporting the translation of quantum research into real-world applications—connecting academia, startups, investors, industry, and government to unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing, sensing, communications, and cybersecurity.